Chief Executive Officer NEO-SMART

Strong Internal Identified

A strong internal candidate has been identified.

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $157,603 and $212,764, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) NSF Engine will lead and manage a pioneering regional innovation hub dedicated to driving economic growth, advancing critical technologies, and addressing societal challenges with a specific focus on advanced materials and manufacturing. The person most likely to succeed in this role has a natural curiosity for technology and new ideas, a passion for translating research and ideas into economic growth, a demonstrated commitment to advancing economic outcomes, and a drive to create an innovation epicenter for advanced materials and manufacturing in Northeast Ohio.

The successful leader will be equally credible with leaders of prestigious academic institutions, corporations, community-based organizations, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), and will inspire entrepreneurs, researchers, community leaders, political officials, and major donors. They will lead a direct team with positional authority, and also lead a broader team drawn from supporting organizations across the Engine without positional authority. They will embody the urgent optimism required to act decisively while thoughtfully planning for the long-term success of the Engine in the region.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals for NEO-SMART with a focus on regional economic growth and advanced materials and manufacturing. Lead the Executive Leadership Team and serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of the NEO-SMART, representing it to funders, government, media, and the broader public. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity within the organization and among partners, modeling the values that underpin NEO-SMART¿s mission. Set annual operating priorities and organizational objectives, translating long-range strategy into actionable plans with clear accountability. (40%)
• Recruit, cultivate, and onboard members of NEO-SMARTs Governing Board and advisory bodies, ensuring a composition that reflects the full breadth of NEO-SMARTs stakeholder ecosystem. Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Governing Board; prepare and present timely, accurate, and strategically framed materials for board meetings, including financial reports, programmatic updates, milestone dashboards, and strategic recommendations that enable the board to fulfill its fiduciary and oversight responsibilities effectively. Partner with board leadership to develop and execute an annual board engagement calendar, including regular meetings, committee work, and retreats; manage all logistics, agenda development, minutes, and follow-up to ensure the board operates with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Cultivate individual board members as active champions and connectors for NEO-SMART, engaging them in fundraising, partnership development, policy advocacy, and community outreach in ways that are aligned with their networks, expertise, and interests. Lead the ongoing assessment and development of board governance practices, including board self-evaluation, member onboarding and orientation, committee structure, bylaws review, and succession planning to ensure the board evolves in strength and effectiveness as NEO-SMART matures. (15%)
• Oversee all operational aspects of NEO-SMART, ensuring full alignment with NSF grant requirements, deliverables, and reporting timelines. Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve program objectives, maintaining rigorous project management discipline across a complex, multi-institutional initiative. In partner with the Leadership Team, manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively to meet project goals, with an emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices and responsible stewardship of public and private funds. Ensure NEO-SMART¿s programs and opportunities are accessible¿both programmatically and geographically¿to all communities in Northeast Ohio. (10%)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners including academic institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, community organizations, and the public. Facilitate development of strategic partnerships and collaborative projects that enhance the Engine¿s impact and ensure broad-based stakeholder engagement across the region. Serve on committees and working groups to represent NEO-SMART¿s interests, particularly in advanced materials and manufacturing policy and practice. Represent NEO-SMART at conferences, public events, and regional convenings as a thought leader in advanced materials and manufacturing. Engage regularly with community leaders and organizations to understand local economic and social disparities, integrating community voice into program design. (20%)
• Grow the success of the institute in fundraising, including the attraction of research awards (grants and contracts) as well as philanthropic support, and relationship building, including those with industry, other universities, and national organizations. Build positive working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funding agencies, government leaders and relevant organizations to help achieve the development goals of NEO-SMART. Keep stakeholders informed and engaged in the NEO-SMART¿s work. Monitor changes in the needs of the community and initiate responses where necessary. Support fundraising through donor cultivation, grant writing, and participation in pitch events as needed. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with the Executive Vice Present for Research and Economic Development and the Associate Vice President for Research Strategic Partnerships to guide and direct strategic plans and operations. Regular contact with faculty, particularly those leading the program initiatives and working groups. Daily contact with Internal Engine leadership team and staff (daily coordination, strategy, performance management).

University: Contact with all departments and university faculty participating in research and education. Regular contact with the Office of Research and Technology Management and the VP of Development to discuss strategic directions and report on progress in implementing strategic plans. Regular contact with Corporate Relations and Government and Foundation Relations. Contact directors of relevant centers and departments across the campus.

External: Frequent contact with local government and economic development leaders (e.g., City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Akron Chamber, Team NEO, JumpStart). Regular contact with State of Ohio agencies and leadership and Ohio congressional representatives and staff. Regular contact with federal government representatives such as DOE, DOD, NASA and NSF program directors, center directors, and administrators. Regular contact with all 70+ NEO-SMART partners which include industry, government, philanthropic, non-profit, and academic partners. Contact will regularly be at CEO/ED level for those partners. At least bi-annual contact with NEO-SMART¿s advisory board to discuss strategic and technical directions and report on progress in implementing NEO-SMART¿s strategic plans. Annual contact with donors linked to effort in coordination with Development staff. Contact representatives of local, national, and international companies as well as representatives of private investments (e.g., investors, venture capital, angel investors, etc.).

Students: Occasional contact with students (through workforce and innovation pipeline programming, speaking engagements, and mentorship).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

The CEO holds direct supervisory authority including hiring, performance management, and termination decisions. Direct reports will include Chief Operations Officer, Chief Technology & Research Officer, Engagement Director, and Communications & Marketing Officer. The CEO also exercises indirect leadership over staff and embedded personnel from partner organizations who are funding by and contribute to NEO-SMART programs without formal reporting relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, including demonstrated success managing large-scale, multi-organizational, or multi-stakeholder initiatives. Experience in economic development, innovation ecosystems, technology commercialization, or advanced manufacturing strongly preferred. Proven track record in fundraising and financial management, including experience securing and managing federal grants, private investment, and philanthropic support. Experience working with or within NSF-funded programs, or familiarity with NSF grant administration and compliance requirements, is preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and build effective coalitions without direct positional authority.

Education: Advanced degree (Masters or Doctoral level) in business, engineering, science, public policy, or a related field required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Exceptional strategic planning, organizational leadership, and decision-making skills, with the ability to set vision and drive execution while concurrently managing multiple diverse projects.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including clear oral and written style, public speaking, and media engagement, with the ability to inspire and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting on complex multi-source funding portfolios.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory, political, and institutional environments.
• Comfort operating in a high-ambiguity, entrepreneurial environment with the discipline to build organizational infrastructure while executing on near-term goals.
• Willingness to learn and work with AI tools and technologies as they relate to innovation program management and operations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, planning, and negotiating skills; ability to successfully "meet and match wits" with senior people in business and academia.
• High integrity and proven ability to interact professionally with faculty, staff, and representatives from industry, government, and the community, including strong conflict-resolution skills.
• An understanding of advanced technology R&D directions, technology markets, and the potential for economic impact of technology in North America and globally, paired with a personal dedication to the "endless frontier" of evolving science and technology.
• Creativity and problem-solving capabilities, with the perseverance, energy, and stamina to deliver work to high standards and remain effective under stress on long-running projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS

General work environment that includes normal office activities, with regular travel across the region to partner institutions, community organizations, and program sites. Periodic travel outside the region is required for national conferences, NSF meetings, and fundraising activities. The role involves occasional evening and weekend commitments for events, board functions, and stakeholder engagements.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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