Partnership Development Director

The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate NY is hiring a Partnership Development Director. This critical role will drive the Engine’s partnership development activities with an emphasis on corporate and defense sectors. If you’re a a strategic, entrepreneurial, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated track record of closing high-value partnerships and building the public-private alliances, we want to hear from you!

Job Description:
The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York is seeking a dynamic, experienced leader to serve as its Partnership Development Director. The Energy Storage Engine, led by Binghamton University with core partners Cornell University, RIT, Syracuse University, Griffiss Institute, NY-BEST and Launch NY, brings together premier R&D universities, industry, and government agencies to grow a leading battery technology ecosystem in Upstate New York. The Engine’s mission is to accelerate American battery innovation; its ten-year vision is to establish Upstate New York as America’s Battery Tech Capital. Reporting to the CEO, this role drives the Engine’s partnership development activities with particular emphasis on corporate and defense sectors, and in support of the Engines RD&T, workforce development and financial sustainability goals. We seek a strategic, entrepreneurial, relationship-driven leader with a demonstrated track record of closing high-value partnerships and building the public-private alliances necessary to sustain and scale the Engine’s regional impact.

Responsibilities 

• Partnership Development
  • Grow the Engine’s portfolio of over 70 active partners. In particular,
    • Corporate Partnership Development: Lead the Engine’s effort to convert existing industry relationships into formal, funded partnerships with large regional and national corporations. Develop and execute a business development strategy to expand partnerships in battery manufacturing, supplier and downstream industries including electrified transportation, power and energy management and data centers. Promote Engine’s existing industry engagement models and identify new services and engagement models to support evolving corporate partner needs. Participate in discussions regarding partnership agreements, MoUs, sponsored research arrangements, and co-investment frameworks in collaboration with the Engine’s leadership team.
    • Defense Sector and National Security Partnerships: In collaboration with the Engine leadership team and Engine partners including the Griffiss Institute, build and implement an engagement strategy targeting Department of Defense agencies (e.g. AFWERX, OUSD R&E, ARL etc.), defense contractors, and regional defense industrial base companies. Align the Engine’s national security priorities (e.g. domestic supply chain resilience, advanced battery manufacturing, and defense-critical energy storage systems) with relevant federal programs and procurement channels. Identify new programs and engagement models to support department of defense needs.
• Partnership Portfolio Management and Coordination: With support from the Engine’s Partnership Coordinator, ensure partner engagement and agreements are managed consistently. Track pipeline and outcomes to inform NSF reporting and governance board updates, prioritizing growth of investing and contributing partners to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Promoting Engine Products and Services: In collaboration with the Engine’s Technology translation team, promote Engine developed products and services and expand customer base and utilization. Identify opportunities for new products and services aligned with Engine’s mission.
• Ecosystem Positioning and Stakeholder Communications: Support the CEO, COO and the Engine leadership team in engaging with corporate, investor and philanthropic audiences. Represent the Engine at industry events and policy forums. Support the development of compelling narratives about the Engine’s value and impact to attract new partners and investment and collaborate with the communications team on partner-facing materials, case studies, and impact reports.

Learn More and Apply!