Director, Emerging Technology and Innovation Programs

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee Internet2’s NET+ portfolio focused on emerging technologies and establish its strategic direction.

• Handle daily operations related to artificial intelligence, advanced wireless, and quantum-enabled services.

• Provide recommendations on NET+ investment strategies based on thorough market assessments.

• Manage two to four active NET+ service offerings.

• Oversee vendor relationships, business models, pricing, contract negotiations and renewals, service health, and sustainability efforts.

• Establish strategic alliances with industry leaders and onboard new providers.

• Convert emerging technology capabilities into funded initiatives for higher education and research sectors.

• Support practice communities such as Advanced Wireless and AI.

• Create reference architectures, best practice guides, and implementation playbooks.

• Represent NET+ at multi-institutional working groups, industry forums, and higher education discussions.

• Lead, mentor, and assess the program development team, including recruitment and professional growth.

• Be an active member of the Vice President’s management team.

• Ensure alignment of emerging technology initiatives with Internet2’s priorities.

• Collaborate with marketing and communications, community programs, and various business units.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Over 10 years of progressively responsible experience in enterprise technology platforms, cloud strategies, or emerging technology programs.

• Proven experience in evaluating emerging technologies, assessing market potential, and crafting strategic recommendations.

• In-depth knowledge of enterprise platforms, cloud technologies, or emerging tech.

• Experience in negotiating, co-developing, or managing industry partnerships and multi-institutional technology programs, including commercial terms, business models, and contracts.

• Ability to juggle multiple commitments, set priorities, resolve issues, and achieve results with little guidance.

• Capability to lead by influence and build consensus in matrixed, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Proficient in Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Slack, and creating executive analyses and presentations.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to simplify complex technical concepts into clear resources.

• Experience in hiring, supervising, coaching, and evaluating professional staff, or comparable experience in leading professional teams.

• Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time.

• Preferred: familiarity with agentic AI, AI security, foundation models, private 5G, AI-RAN, Open RAN, neutral host, LEO satellite connectivity, quantum computing services, or secure research enablement.

• Preferred: basic understanding of quantum networking, post-quantum cryptography, and eduroam/OpenRoaming integration.

• Preferred: knowledge of higher education technology procurement requirements, including accessibility, data protection, and HECVAT.

• Preferred: experience in higher education or research IT leadership roles.

• Preferred: familiarity with NET+, InCommon, community-governed service programs, shared evaluations, and cooperative purchasing models.

• Preferred: experience in developing reference architectures, evaluation frameworks, implementation playbooks, or practitioner-focused guidance.

• Preferred: experience in generating and closing industry-funded revenue through sponsorships, co-investments, or revenue-sharing agreements.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Disability insurance

• Health spending account program

• Sick time

• Vacation time

• Tax deferred retirement plan