Executive Director, STELLAR Program

University of Rochester•Rochester, NY

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. The Executive Director is the chief executive officer of STELLAR, an NSF Engines program advancing a regional innovation ecosystem across the 11-county Rochester Finger Lakes region. The mission of STELLAR is to create and grow an ecosystem in the Rochester, NY region that advances the science, technology, and engineering of lasers to provide US-based sources of next-generation lasers for scientific, industrial, manufacturing, energy, biomedical, and national security applications. Reporting to the Vice President for Research, initially, and ultimately a Board of Directors, once in place, the Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s strategic direction,, performance, operations, financial stewardship, and external representation. The Executive Director serves as the primary institutional and sponsor-facing leader for the NSF STELLAR award, ensuring alignment with NSF priorities, compliance with award terms and conditions, and achievement of defined programmatic outcomes and impacts. The Executive Director provides visionary leadership for the region’s innovation ecosystem, shaping and advancing strategies for technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, and broadening participation in laser manufacturing and advanced laser applications. The role requires building and sustaining productive, high-level partnerships with industry, academic, government, and economic development organizations in the region to translate research into societal and economic. The Executive Director is responsible for defining and achieving STELLAR’s financial, operational, and performance objectives. This includes stewardship of NSF and complementary funding, ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability, and continuous improvement, as well as coordinating with partners to deliver measurable regional, workforce, and economic outcomes consistent with NSF Engines and NYSTAR expectations, and such other objectives as may be defined.

Requirements

Advanced technical degree in optics or related science/engineering fields
10 years of managerial responsibility (preferably in an entrepreneurial setting) or equivalent combination of education and experience
Demonstrated ability to establish business, university, non-profit, and community partnerships required.
Record of successful engagement with businesses and an understanding of their needs required.
Experience with R&D and workforce development coordination required
Experience in working within the regulatory framework of State and Federal funding required
Experience in technology commercialization and/or working with or consulting with a technology company required
Economic development or business incubator experience including the recruitment and coordination of mentors and consultants required
Experience working with nonprofit and/or government funding agencies and sources required

Nice To Haves

Experience with a start-up company preferred
Experience raising venture financing or working with the venture capital community preferred

Responsibilities

Executive Leadership, Strategy & Organizational Management: Provide executive leadership and overall direction for STELLAR, with authority and responsibility for the entire initiative, ensuring alignment with NSF priorities, award terms and conditions, and the University’s research, innovation, and economic development goals . Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of STELLAR’s long-term strategic plan and annual operating plan, advancing NSF’s goals related to research, translational impact, workforce development, and broadening participation;; clearly communicate the vision, strategy, and performance expectations to senior University leadership, board members, staff, and external partners. Direct and oversee STELLAR’s organizational structure, staffing, and operations, including recruitment and supervision of senior personnel responsible for finance, program management, communications, and partnerships. Ensure STELLAR meets or exceeds all programmatic, financial, and performance objectives, including compliance with NSF award requirements, reporting obligations, and University policies. Identify, launch, and advance new initiatives and strategic partnerships to address emerging regional, institutional, and NSF priorities in innovation, workforce development, and technology transfer.
Stakeholder, Board, and Partner Engagement: Serve as the principal institutional representative and liaison for STELLAR, maintaining high-level relationships with University leadership, faculty, regional stakeholders, economic development organizations, industry partners, and government agencies. Provide executive-level coordination and open communication among major internal and external stakeholders. Inform, advise, and engage the Board of Directors; support governance functions, strategic decision-making, and performance oversight. Build and sustain collaborative, mission-driven partnerships that produce measurable economic, research, and workforce development outcomes. Lead engagement with entrepreneurs, faculty innovators, and startups to advance STELLAR’s technology commercialization and innovation pipeline.
Financial Sustainability and Resource Development: Exercise fiduciary responsibility for STELLAR’s financial health through financial oversight and long-term sustainability planning. Maintain and strengthen relationships with the various funding agencies and partners, including NSF, while identifying and securing new sources of support. Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, sponsor, and University financial, contractual, and reporting requirements. Partner with University research administration, finance, and legal offices to ensure effective stewardship of sponsored funds and institutional resources.
Marketing, Communications and External Relations: Provide executive oversight of STELLAR’s marketing and communications strategy to strengthen visibility, credibility, and impact at the regional and national levels. Champion STELLAR’s brand and value proposition with senior leaders, funding agencies, policymakers, and other external stakeholders. Guide and review STELLAR publicity, including building relationships with press.
Operational Excellence and Talent Development: Establish and oversee policies, processes, and performance metrics that promote operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement based on stakeholder and client needs. Build, mentor, and evaluate a high-performing STELLAR leadership team. Promote a culture of collaboration, compliance, innovation, and service consistent with University values and NSF expectations. Ensure STELLAR’s operations effectively meet the needs of stakeholders, clients, and partners while advancing institutional and regional impact.

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