HudsonAlpha - Director of Operations, Regional Research and Development Initiative

Position: Director of Operations

Department: BRIDGES Engine

Reports to: Director of BRIDGES

Location: Huntsville, Alabama

Employment Type: Full-time | Exempt

Director of Operations, BRIDGES NSF Engine

Help Lead the Southeast's Biobased Revolution

The Opportunity

Imagine 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 Do

• Strategic Implementation: Translate ambitious strategic goals into actionable plans and measurable outcomes that drive real-world impact
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture where operational excellence and innovation thrive and high performing teams deliver results
• Convene stakeholders through events, workshops, and convenings that spark collaboration and accelerate commercialization
• Implement continuous improvement practices and data-informed strategies to enhance program performance and impact
• Solve multifaceted challenges in a dynamic, fast-paced innovation environment where your problem-solving ability matters
• Strategic Planning & Funding Leadership: Lead development of long-term strategic planning and funding strategies to support BRIDGES and large-scale research and development initiatives
• Identify and pursue federal, state, and complementary funding opportunities aligned with Engine priorities
• Manage grants, contracts, and funding sources to ensure on-budget delivery, compliance with billing and invoicing, reporting, and evaluation activities
• Ensure compliance with NSF, OMB, and all grant-specific requirements, navigating complex regulatory environments with ease
• Lead with Vision & Credibility: Represent BRIDGES Engine and HudsonAlpha at regional and national forums, building visibility and institutional credibility
• Provide leadership on strategy, partnership performance, and communications issues
• Cultivate a collaborative culture that unites scientific, administrative, and community-facing teams
• Track outcomes and performance indicators to drive improvement and demonstrate transformative impact

About You

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; MBA, MS, or advanced degree preferred
• 5-7 years managing operations, programs, funding administration, grants management, and/or complex multi-stakeholder initiatives
• Demonstrated success in biotechnology, life sciences, or innovation ecosystems
• Track record of transforming strategy into execution across diverse organizational environments
• Significant experience with federal grant programs and multi-institutional awards

Essential Skills:

• Strategic thinker with exceptional execution ability
• Proven leadership in building and managing high-performing teams
• Skilled at navigating regulated, cross-sector environments with confidence and compliance
• Outstanding communication and relationship-building capabilities
• Strong project management and organizational expertise
• Continuous improvement mindset with a proactive, solution-focused approach
• Ability 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 Environment

• Dynamic office setting with occasional outdoor engagement
• Travel for conferences, convenings, and stakeholder meetings
• Flexible hours accommodating early mornings, evenings, and events as needed
• Prolonged and irregular working hours reflecting the demands of a startup-phase initiative

Join Us

Help 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.