Job Description

Job Summary
The Division of Research and Innovation is seeking an Executive Director of Semiconductor Economic Development and CorMic Regional Innovation Officer. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

The Executive Director of Semiconductor Economic Development (EDS) will report through the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) to the Associate Vice President of Economic Development and Industry Relations, and may also receive strategic direction and guidance from the Corvallis Microfluidics Tech Hub (CorMic) principal investigator as needed. The EDS will guide OSU’s response to the tech sector needs, with an initial focus on semiconductors. This includes workforce development and research, as well as liaising with OSU colleges, administration, and OSUF staff to understand resources and needs for sector response.

As one major aligned effort, the EDS will also perform the duties of the Regional Innovation Officer (RIO) for CorMic to create and sustain a state, regional, and national leadership market position in microfluidics. CorMic is a regional consortium focused on research development, innovation, and entrepreneurial activities leading to the commercialization of microfluidics technologies, the creation of new companies and overall business development in the Willamette Valley. CorMic also supports workforce development initiatives that strengthen the ecosystem by providing well-trained employees to support a growing microfluidics economy.

This position sits within the Division of Research and Innovation. The DRI embraces an ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in all business, research endeavors and related activities.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
40% – Semiconductor Sector and CorMic Leadership:
Advocate for the sector’s economic development priorities, such as pursuing federal and state funding, attracting new companies, and supporting existing companies.
Lead, advance, or support relevant economic development-focused grant proposals, as appropriate.
Oversee and participate in marketing and outreach activities for the overarching semiconductor capabilities at OSU and CorMic to ensure a vibrant ecosystem in the region.
Develop and implement strategy for CorMic business recruiting, incubator and accelerator services offered, workforce development, as well as oversees budget management.
Coordinate and engage with CorMic Advisory Board to ensure effective oversight of the Hub. Foster diversity and inclusive practices and ensure DEI is engrained across all facets of the Hub.

40% – Semiconductor Sector and CorMic External Relations and Support:
Ensure effective regional coordination with stakeholders that include universities, state and local government, the private sector and agencies such as those addressing economic development and workforce development in the state.
Establish, cultivate, and steward relationships within OSU and with executive decision makers in federal labs and agencies, and industry associations to grow programmatic opportunities.
Collaborate with colleges and OSUF industry relations team to develop and implement strategic plans to establish and enhance relationships with key company partners in the semiconductor sector – understand their needs and goals and aligning them with OSU’s objectives.
Pursue the financial sustainability of CorMic, through activities that create an effective revenue-generating business model with the private sector, and through activities with the State of Oregon, with contract and grant funding from external agencies, and through donations.

10% – Semiconductor Sector and CorMic Evaluation:
Develop and maintain Strategic Plan, evaluate and assess key performance indicators.

10% – Supervision:
Supervise administrative staff, engineering staff and student employees.
What You Will Need
Bachelor’s degree in a field related to semiconductors, microfluidics (electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, other) or business.
Seven years of experience in industry related to semiconductors, power electronics, biotechnology and/or specialty chemical manufacturing.
Experience directing multi-partner projects.
Experience in developing and writing competitive grant or contract proposals or equivalent efforts raising funds for new or continuing initiatives or programs.
Demonstrated experience and success in developing and implementing strategy for business recruiting, research development through commercialization, or workforce development. Strong written and verbal communications skills.
Experience engaging and coordinating a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.