Vice President, Community Engagement and Impact (Remote)

Internet 2• US,

20h•Remote

About The Position

Internet2 is an advanced non-profit technology company founded in 1996 by the nation’s leading higher education institutions. It provides a collaborative environment for U.S. Research and Education (R&E) organizations to solve shared technology challenges and develop innovative solutions supporting their research, educational, and community service missions. Internet2 operates a state-of-the-art national research and education network and advances a comprehensive service portfolio spanning trust and identity solutions, cloud programs and services, research engagement initiatives, and community-building programs. This integrated approach enables Internet2 to deliver unique value that empowers its diverse stakeholder community, including universities, government agencies, regional networks, international R&E networks, corporations, and leading research and education organizations. The Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact (VP of CEI) is a senior executive responsible for shaping and leading the organization’s strategy to engage, serve, and grow its national R&E stakeholder community. The role focuses on maximizing the impact of Internet2’s high‑end networking, cyberinfrastructure, trust and identity, research technology and NET+ services for universities, minority serving institutions (MSIs), Research and Education Networks (RENs), federal agencies, community anchor institutions, and industry partners. The VP will build strong, collaborative relationships across sectors and globally, advancing a broad agenda that includes strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and enabling historically under-resourced colleges and universities to participate on par with the national Research & Education (R&E) ecosystem. The VP of CEI is a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and partners with the ELT on delivering Internet2’s mission. The position will require national and international travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of overall experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
5+ years within a senior strategic, operational, or advisory role.
Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional projects and senior-level relationships.
Robust network of connections and allies from across the R&E and global Internet community.
Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly.
Experience providing strategic solutions to under-resourced institutions to enable them to meet their missions.
Demonstrated experience working closely with senior leadership to solve problems, build consensus, and capitalize on opportunities using strategic communications and outreach activities.
Demonstrated ability to be diplomatic and tactful in dealing with internal and external stakeholders and senior leadership.
Capacity for big picture thinking, including anticipating what’s ahead and what needs to be done.
Proven ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones in a global environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher.
Experience in the R&E ecosystem and/or global NREN or similar community.
Strong understanding of the R&E community, Internet and cyberinfrastructure technologies, policy, or digital development issues.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, technology roadmap, and long‑term strategic plan.
Identify emerging needs and opportunities across higher education, MSIs, research organizations, federal agencies, community anchor institutions, and industry partners.
Champion the voice of the community within executive leadership discussions and organizational decision‑making.
Cultivate the success of the MS-CC - an NSF sponsored program that promotes advanced cyberinfrastructure at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other minority-serving institutions to strengthen data and research computing, teaching, curriculum development, collaboration, and institutional connections.
Partner with community leaders to co‑design programs and capacity‑building efforts that help MSIs and other underserved institutions participate fully in the national R&E ecosystem.
Promote inclusive engagement practices that ensure broad participation from Internet2’s stakeholder community.
Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders across member institutions, MSIs, consortia, and partner organizations.
Lead the development of strategic partnerships that expand the reach and impact of the organization’s networking, cyberinfrastructure, and trust and identity services, with a focus on closing gaps in access and participation.
Represent the organization in national, regional and international forums, advisory boards, and working groups relevant to R&E technology and digital equity.
Collaborate with product, engineering, and operations teams to ensure services are responsive to community needs and deliver clear value for a diverse set of institutions and stakeholders.
Design and oversee community‑facing programs (e.g., program advisory groups, steering committees, pilots, training, and outreach) that drive adoption and effective use of advanced technologies across all communities.
Define and track impact metrics that show how services advance the mission of the national and global R&E ecosystem and promote digital equity.
Ensure strategic communications related to community engagement, including impact stories and case studies that highlight the advancement of the Internet2 stakeholder community needs.
Serve as a visible champion for advanced networking, cyberinfrastructure, trust and identity, research technologies and NET+ services to enable the acceleration of R&E opportunities.
Ensure consistent, clear messaging about services, opportunities, and resources across all segments of the community, using understandable and accessible communication practices.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team responsible for member relations, community programs, events, and impact reporting.
Collaborate closely with other executives (e.g., technology, operations, policy, and finance leaders) to ensure community priorities, including those of MSIs and underserved institutions, influence organizational planning and resource allocation.
Contribute to budget planning, revenue strategies related to membership or participation, and long‑term sustainability of community and equity‑focused programs.