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Position: Director of OperationsDepartment: BRIDGES EngineReports to: Director of BRIDGESLocation: Huntsville, AlabamaEmployment Type: Full-time | Exempt  Director of Operations, BRIDGES NSF EngineHelp Lead the Southeast's Biobased Revolution The OpportunityImagine a future where sustainable plant-based materials power the construction, automotive, and packaging industries through innovations that create thriving rural economies across the Southeast. You can help make this happen.As Director of Operations for the BRIDGES NSF Engine (http://www.bridgesengine.org/), you'll lead the execution of a transformative regional initiative that connects growers, researchers, industry partners, and communities to accelerate the development and commercialization of plant-based technologies. This is more than program management, it's about building an entirely new innovation ecosystem that drives economic opportunity, creates jobs, and shapes the future of sustainable biomanufacturing. What You'll DoStrategic Implementation: Translate ambitious strategic goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes that drive real-world impactFoster a collaborative, mission-driven culture where operational excellence and innovation thrive and high performing teams deliver resultsConvene stakeholders through events, workshops, and convenings that spark collaboration and accelerate commercializationImplement continuous improvement practices and data-informed strategies to enhance program performance and impactSolve multifaceted challenges in a dynamic, fast-paced innovation environment where your problem-solving ability mattersStrategic Planning & Funding Leadership: Lead development of long-term strategic planning and funding strategies to support BRIDGES and large-scale research and development initiativesIdentify and pursue federal, state, and complementary funding opportunities aligned with Engine prioritiesManage grants, contracts, and funding sources to ensure on-budget delivery, compliance with billing and invoicing, reporting, and evaluation activitiesEnsure compliance with NSF, OMB, and all grant-specific requirements, navigating complex regulatory environments with easeLead with Vision & Credibility: Represent BRIDGES Engine and HudsonAlpha at regional and national forums, building visibility and institutional credibilityProvide leadership on strategy, partnership performance, and communications issuesCultivate a collaborative culture that unites scientific, administrative, and community-facing teamsTrack outcomes and performance indicators to drive improvement and demonstrate transformative impact About YouExperience & Education:Bachelor's degree required; MBA, MS, or advanced degree preferred5–7 years managing operations, programs, funding administration, grants management, and/or complex multi-stakeholder initiativesDemonstrated success in biotechnology, life sciences, or innovation ecosystems Track record of transforming strategy into execution across diverse organizational environmentsSignificant experience with federal grant programs and multi-institutional awardsEssential Skills:Strategic thinker with exceptional execution abilityProven leadership in building and managing high-performing teamsSkilled at navigating regulated, cross-sector environments with confidence and complianceOutstanding communication and relationship-building capabilitiesStrong project management and organizational expertiseContinuous improvement mindset with a proactive, solution-focused approachAbility to thrive in cutting-edge, fast-paced environments Why BRIDGES Engine? Why HudsonAlpha?HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology is a leading nonprofit research institute leveraging genomics to improve human health, strengthen global food systems, and drive sustainable economic growth. Our 150-acre Huntsville campus, located in one of the world's premier science and technology communities, unites world-class scientists, educators, and 45+ innovative life science companies in a collaborative ecosystem where discovery becomes impact.With U.S. National Science Foundation Engine funding, BRIDGES represents the next frontier: a bold initiative to build a sustainable biobased economy that transforms rural communities and opens entirely new markets and industries.This isn't incremental change, it's ecosystem-building at scale. You'll work alongside visionary leaders, innovative companies, and passionate researchers united by a common mission: to prove that biotechnology can drive prosperity, sustainability, and opportunity for entire regions. Physical & Work EnvironmentDynamic office setting with occasional outdoor engagementTravel for conferences, convenings, and stakeholder meetingsFlexible hours accommodating early mornings, evenings, and events as neededProlonged and irregular working hours reflecting the demands of a startup-phase initiative Join UsHelp lead transformative work at the intersection of research, innovation, and economic growth. Shape the future of biotechnology and sustainable materials, from discovery to marketplace impact.Apply now and become part of the BRIDGES Engine story.
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