Executive Director, RAPID Manufacturing Institute

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term growth strategy that ensures RAPID's sustainability, industry relevance, and continued impact beyond current funding cycles.
• Serve as the primary external ambassador for RAPID, building relationships with senior leaders across industry, government, academia, and the Manufacturing USA network.
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and revenue-generating initiatives to support RAPID's mission and growth.
• Provide visionary leadership to position RAPID as the national leader in process intensification, advanced manufacturing innovation, and related workforce development activities.
• Partner with the RAPID Governing Board and Executive Committee to establish strategic priorities, evaluate organizational performance, and guide long-term decision-making.
• Lead organizational growth and transformation efforts, ensuring RAPID has the structure, talent, and capabilities necessary to achieve its strategic objectives while fostering a culture of respect, integrity and collaboration.
• Monitor emerging trends in manufacturing, energy, technology, and federal policy to proactively identify opportunities, risks, and competitive advantages for RAPID and its stakeholders.
• Establish key performance indicators and success metrics across financial performance, membership growth, project impact, stakeholder engagement, and organizational effectiveness.
• Ensure alignment of new projects and existing activities with RAPID's strategic plan and long-term vision.
• Participate with AIChE leadership to ensure consistency of strategy and practices across AIChE and RAPID.

Competencies

• Strategic Visioning & Planning - Develop and execute a long-term strategy for RAPID's growth and impact.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Build and strengthen partnerships with industry, government, and academia.
• Organizational Leadership - Scale RAPID by structuring teams, optimizing operations, and driving growth.
• Financial Management - Oversee budgets, secure funding, and allocate resources strategically.
• Policy & Government Relations - Navigate government partnerships, funding, and regulatory landscapes.
• Technology & Innovation - Align RAPID's portfolio with emerging industry trends and needs.
• Change Management - Lead through industry and institute shifts, ensuring adaptability and competitiveness.
• Executive Governance - Guide RAPID's Boards and Executive Committee to ensure strategic alignment.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related discipline required, with MS or PhD preferred.
• Prior success in growing a small company or business unit by creating stakeholder value and managing a highly skilled team.
• Experience managing large project teams, business units, or a small business.
• Organized and strategic thinker who can move from ideation through to execution.
• Ability to translate broad goals into achievable steps, anticipate and solve problems, and take advantage of opportunities.
• Ability to motivate and enable others to work toward a shared vision.
• Collaborative mindset.
• Willingness to listen to the opinions and perspectives of others.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Dept. of Energy and the Manufacturing USA Institutes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and personal days.
• Retail plan with employer matching contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare and Dependent Care).
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support.

Pay

The annual salary range for this role is $200,000 - $250,000, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The position may be fulfilled via telecommuting by a candidate with demonstrated ability to work across geographic boundaries with multi-location teams. The position is expected to require 20-30% travel.