Director of Commercialization & Corporate Partnerships

New Energy Nexus•Berkeley, CA

18h•$165,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

New Energy Nexus (NEX) is a not-for-profit organization that supports clean energy entrepreneurs with funds, services, and networks. The New Energy Nexus California Chapter (NEX CA) is accelerating California’s clean energy transition by championing entrepreneurs, commercializing technologies, and co-designing strategies that scale innovation, build trust, and grow industries. NEX CA focuses on the full lifecycle of entrepreneur support and technology commercialization. This role will lead the development of a new program offering focused on connecting startups with major customers to accelerate their path to commercialization. The Director will lead the strategic mapping of clean energy sectors and build high-value relationships with utilities, corporate off-takers, manufacturers, developers, and procurement agencies. They will oversee the design and execution of curated commercialization tracks including corporate clinics, reverse pitches, curated matchmaking, and demo days. This role is crucial for preparing clean energy entrepreneurs for the future by connecting them with customers and partners for commercialization at scale.

Requirements

8+ years of experience in climate tech commercialization, corporate open innovation, venture development, or enterprise sales in energy/industrial sectors.
Experience structuring pilots, JDAs, procurement deals, or similar commercial engagements between startups and enterprise buyers.
Established relationships or demonstrated ability to build networks with innovation leaders across clean energy corporates, electric utilities, OEMs, procurement agencies, or comparable organizations.
Strong understanding of technology adoption, market readiness, and the commercialization hurdles facing hardware solutions.
Experience working within or alongside accelerator/incubator ecosystems, venture capital platforms, or comparable innovation environments.
Strong dedication to New Energy Nexus's mission, with a demonstrated understanding of and alignment with organizational goals.
Experience in climate, clean energy, entrepreneurship, emerging technology scale-up.
Demonstrated experience in process mapping, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and streamlining workflows at an organizational level.
Proven track record of successfully managed programs from inception to completion and renewal.
Experience with budget management and development.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to proactively anticipate needs.
Team player with respect for others and ability to work independently.
Enthusiasm for and the ability to easily adapt to change.
Strong interpersonal skills, tolerance, flexibility and collaboration skills.
Ability to adapt in a fast-paced work environment, prioritize, multitask, and meet competing deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Candidates are not expected to meet every qualification, but successful candidates should bring a strong combination of relevant experience across several of these areas, demonstrating comparable depth and breadth in climate tech commercialization, corporate innovation, and/or market development.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of a new program offering focused on connecting startups with major customers.
Lead the strategic mapping of clean energy sectors.
Build high-value relationships and secure tangible engagement with utilities, corporate off-takers, manufacturers, developers, and procurement agencies.
Oversee the design and execution of curated commercialization tracks including corporate clinics, reverse pitches, curated matchmaking, and demo days.
Conduct market mapping and partner outreach, including landscape analysis and structured outreach to assess need and interest.
Translate outreach insights into structured program tracks for startups and partners.
Oversee curation and content for program events like corporate adoption clinics, industry roundtables, reverse pitches, and demo days.
Match portfolio companies with corporate leads based on readiness and needs.
Facilitate buyer roundtables and corporate clinics to prepare startups for commercial deal structures.
Track and measure commercial outcomes such as pilots, commercial contracts, and follow-on revenue.
Serve as a primary thought partner for NEX CA programming that accelerates portfolio company commercialization.
Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and other events.
Oversee program execution, ensuring deliverables are met on schedule and within budget.
Oversee the development of tools, resources, and network access to increase program impact.
Manage relationships with deliverables-related contractors and vendors.
Establish and maintain policies, procedures, and standards for programs within the role’s scope.
Monitor program performance against metrics, analyze data, and implement corrective actions.
Ensure compliance with regulations, funding requirements, and organizational policies.
Ensure quality of program reporting and timely completion for stakeholders.
Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and high-quality program reports.
Set up and manage teams for new and developing programs, ensuring adequate resources.
Recruit, hire, train, and supervise program staff.
Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development to program staff.
Promote staff development and professional growth opportunities.
Address employee relations issues in accordance with HR policies and procedures.