Executive Director, Human Fusions Institute

POSITION OBJECTIVE

As a recognized external leader and visionary for the institute, the executive director will play an integral role in strategic planning, funding attraction, and public relations for the institute. The Executive Director will work closely with the Vice President for Research and Technology Management, the Faculty Director, the Advisory Board, the institute staff, and Case Western Reserve University leadership to serve the mission and long-term sustainability of the Institute. The executive director will lead and catalyze growth in the institute-related research, technology commercialization, education, and outreach activities among the faculty and serve as the face for the institute leadership not only at the university, but also across the globe. This will involve setting national policies and strategic directions as well as contributing thought leadership across the country to prepare our world for a more inter-connected society.

The Human Fusions Institute is striving to amplify human capability and presence through human-technology symbiosis. The vision of our team of interdisciplinary researchers is to create a thriving, just, and connected world through symbiotic human-technology relations. To achieve this, we are building NeuroReality™, a technology platform that allows us to communicate all the senses between technology and the human nervous system in real-time, over long distances. NeuroReality™ consists of 1) Neural interfaces to connect with the human nervous system; 2) The NeuroReality™ networking platform to transmit “universal” data between humans and edge devices; and 3) Connection with edge devices. Building on more than 60 years of neurotechnology success, NeuroReality™ harnesses the power of our sensorimotor systems using direct neural interfaces to pave the way for human-technology connections across time and space.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact with the vice president for research and technology management, the provost, and the institute director of the institute to guide and direct strategic plans and operations, as well as report metrics and operational details of the institute. Regular contact with faculty, particularly those leading the platforms of focus for the institute. Regular contact with the deans of School of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Medicine, Mandel School of Social Science, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Dental School, and Weatherhead School of Management. Daily contact with the institute staff.

University: Contact with all departments and faculty participating in energy research and education. Regular contact with the Office of Research and Technology Management, the vice president of development, and the Office of the Provost to discuss strategic directions and report on progress in implementing strategic plans. Contact with directors of relevant centers and departments across the campus. Regular contact with Corporate Relations and Government and Foundation Relations.

External: At least quarterly contact with the institute’s advisory board to discuss strategic and technical directions and report on progress in implementing the Institute’s strategic plans. Annual contact with donors linked to effort in coordination with development staff. Contact with local government officials (e.g. City of Cleveland) in connection with local economic development. Contact with federal government representatives such as DOE, DOD, NASA and NSF program directors, center directors, administrators, and congressional leaders. Contact with representatives of local, national and international companies as well as representatives of private investments (e.g. investors, venture capital, angel investors, etc.).

Students: Supervision of student interns and interaction with associated student researchers, entrepreneurs, and students.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Supervise the institute administrative staff and provide them with opportunities to expand their own leadership capabilities within the institute’s realm.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 15 or more years of experience, including 5 years of experience in the technology industry, required. Must have a record of success building new organizations and/or initiatives as well as leading activities within a complex multi-stakeholder environment and demonstrated ability to catalyze successful initiatives with industry, research institutes, and/or within academia.

Education: Master’s degree required, preferably in engineering, business, or related field.

REQUIRED SKILLS

WORKING CONDITIONS

General work environment that include normal office activities, speaking engagements, and university meetings. Travel as needed for meetings, workshops, conferences and other university business.

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity.  Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.  Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation.  Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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