Managing Director, Berkeley

Activate Global • Berkeley, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

Activate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps turn scientific discoveries into real-world impact by building a cross-sector ecosystem for hard-tech innovation. Its flagship fellowship has supported nearly 350 fellows, who have launched more than 275 companies and secured over $5.5 billion in follow-on funding. Activate is expanding its programs to support scientists and engineers at more stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Managing Director will serve as the primary entrepreneurial advisor and mentor to Activate Fellows in Berkeley. The role drives fellow outcomes through mentorship, resource and network connections, and support; leads the annual selection of fellows; and represents the Berkeley community to Activate’s global team and external stakeholders across academia, industry, investment, and government. The Managing Director will work closely with the Cyclotron Road team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and report to Activate’s US Fellowship Leader.

This is a full-time position based in Berkeley, California. Because Activate operates an in-person community, the team typically works from the office for at least part of each day. The starting base salary is $215,000. The benefits package includes professional development, $2,000 in annual wellness funds, flexible paid time off, healthcare coverage for employees and dependents with 90–100% of premiums covered, and access to a retirement plan with a 3% match after three months at Activate.

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 as the leader of 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, and 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 advancing hard tech to market.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Managing Director and primary advisor for a cross-disciplinary community of entrepreneurial fellows.
• Drive successful outcomes for each fellow 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 strong applicants for future fellowship cohorts.
• Lead ecosystem engagement efforts in the Berkeley region, including strengthening relationships with innovation partners and supporting visibility for Activate and its fellows.
• Build collaborative, cross-functional relationships with staff and partners to ensure the program operates 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 best-in-class 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
• Retirement plan with a 3% match beginning after three months

What This Job Offers

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