Director of Commercialization & Corporate Partnerships

New Energy Nexus•Berkeley, CA

7d•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 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. The Director of Commercialization & Corporate Partnerships will lead the development of a new program offering within the California portfolio, focused on connecting startups with major customers that will accelerate their path to commercialization. This role will lead the strategic mapping of clean energy sectors, and build high-value relationships and secure tangible engagement with “next-level partners” – including utilities, corporate off-takers, manufacturers, developers, and procurement agencies. They will oversee the design and execution of curated commercialization tracks that will include corporate clinics, reverse pitches, curated matchmaking, and demo days designed to drive pilots, joint development agreements, and commercial transactions. This is a pivotal point in the evolution of NEX CA programs as regulatory, market, and funding landscapes shift rapidly in the clean energy space. This role will help prepare clean energy entrepreneurs for the path ahead by connecting them with the customers and partners that will allow them to commercialize at scale. This is a limited-term position through June 2028, with an opportunity for extension pending funding availability and programmatic need. The Director will report to the Head of Programs and may oversee at least one direct report.

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 below. However, 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 “next-level partners” – including utilities, corporate off-takers, manufacturers, developers, and procurement agencies.
Oversee the design and execution of curated commercialization tracks that will include corporate clinics, reverse pitches, curated matchmaking, and demo days designed to drive pilots, joint development agreements, and commercial transactions.
Market mapping and partner outreach: Build and secure high-value relationships with “next-level partners,” including utilities, corporate off-takers, manufacturers, developers, and procurement agencies. Conduct structured outreach and interviews with “next-level partners” to assess need and interest in working with portfolio startups. Translate outreach insights into structured program tracks for startups and next-level partners.
Curated partner and portfolio engagement: Oversee curation and content for program events, including corporate adoption clinics, industry roundtables, reverse pitches, and demo days. Match portfolio companies with corporate leads based on readiness levels and enterprise needs. Facilitate buyer roundtables and corporate clinics to prepare startups for commercial deal structures.
Commercial pipeline and ecosystem facilitation: Track and measure commercial outcomes (pilots, commercial contracts, follow-on revenue) stemming from partner interactions. Serve as the primary thought partner for NEX CA programming that accelerates portfolio company commercialization.
Program Management: Oversee program execution, ensuring that deliverables owned by this role are met according to schedule and within budget. Oversee the development of tools, resources and network access that will increase impact for program beneficiaries. 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 established metrics, analyze data, and implement corrective actions as needed. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, funding requirements, and organizational policies. Ensure quality of program reporting and completion in a timely manner to internal and external stakeholders. Prepare and submit timely, accurate, and high-quality program reports to internal and external stakeholders.
Team Leadership and Management: Set up and manage teams for new and developing programs, ensuring they are adequately resourced to successfully deliver program outcomes while fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment. Recruit, hire, train, and supervise program staff who report to this position. Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development to program staff, including 1:1, goal setting, and performance evaluations, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Promote staff development and professional growth opportunities. Address employee relations issues in accordance with HR policies and procedures.