Managing Director, Berkeley

Activate Global, Inc • Berkeley, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Activate is seeking a Managing Director to serve as the primary entrepreneurial advisor to its Berkeley community of Activate Fellows. The role focuses on advancing fellow outcomes through individual mentorship, leading annual fellow selection, and connecting fellows with resources, support, and one another. The Managing Director represents the Berkeley community to Activate’s Global team and external stakeholders across academia, industry, investment, and government, and works closely with the Cyclotron Road team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The position reports to Activate’s US Fellowship Leader.

The Managing Director leads the Berkeley fellowship community and regional ecosystem engagement, oversees the partnership with Berkeley Lab and the Cyclotron Road program, and supports educational programming and fellow services. The position also builds relationships with research institutions, universities, talent pipelines, innovation partners, sponsors, and local alumni. This is a full-time role based in Berkeley, California. The team typically works from the office at least part of each day because Activate operates an in-person community.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in the physical or biological sciences.
• At least 10 years of experience in research, development, management, and commercialization of science-driven technologies.
• Entrepreneurial experience leading a new company or business unit.
• Experience leading high-performance technical teams and demonstrated commitment to nurturing talent through mentorship.
• Strong network and reputation among stakeholders across academia, industry, finance, and government, including in the Berkeley area.
• Demonstrated objectivity, empathy, and inclusiveness in leadership.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage a complex, dynamic portfolio of projects and stakeholders.
• Ability to support a broad range of finance and business models for bringing hard tech to market.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Managing Director and primary advisor for a cross-disciplinary community of entrepreneurial fellows.
• Drive successful outcomes for individual fellows through mentorship, support, network connectivity, and resources.
• Oversee the selection of fellows.
• Support bi-weekly in-person and virtual educational programming.
• Manage the partnership with Berkeley Lab and the Cyclotron Road program.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, and other talent pipelines to attract applicants for future fellowship cohorts.
• Lead Berkeley-area ecosystem engagement, strengthen relationships with innovation partners, and support visibility for Activate and its fellows.
• Build collaborative, cross-functional relationships with staff and partners to help the program operate effectively and efficiently.
• Represent Activate at an executive level with public- and private-sector stakeholders across the technology innovation ecosystem.
• Engage with current and potential government and philanthropic sponsors.
• Partner with Berkeley’s Fellowship Manager to provide support to fellows.
• Support and strengthen engagement with local alumni.

Benefits

• Professional development.
• $2,000 in annual wellness funds.
• Flexible paid time off.
• Healthcare coverage for employees and dependents, with 90–100% of premiums covered.
• Opportunity to join a retirement plan with a 3% match beginning after 3 months at Activate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director