Executive Dir, OCAST

Executive Director, OCAST
The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) serves as Oklahoma’s leading catalyst for science, technology, and innovation. OCAST’s mission is to foster innovation in existing and developing businesses by supporting applied research and technology implementation, facilitating technology transfer, and providing seed capital for innovative firms. To further this mission, OCAST seeks an Executive Director who will lead the organization strategically and operationally.

Compensation

– $175,000 per year, commensurate with experience and approval of the OSTRaD Board of Directors, plus a comprehensive benefits package with a generous benefits allowance.

Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the strategic and operational leader, providing vision, leadership, and subject‑matter expertise to advance science and technology across Oklahoma. The role requires strong technical knowledge, the ability to evaluate and scale emerging technologies, and experience managing early‑stage technology investments.

Core Responsibilities

Lead day‑to‑day strategic and operational activities, overseeing staff, budgets, funding programs, and technology investment initiatives.

Collaborate with industry leaders, universities, government agencies, legislators, entrepreneurs, and investors to strengthen Oklahoma’s technology ecosystem.

Evaluate emerging technologies and early‑stage ventures for investment potential, and oversee research and innovation funding programs.

Guide technology transfer and commercialization efforts, helping move research from development into practical market applications.

Develop organizational strategy, monitor performance metrics and KPIs, secure additional grant and investment funding, and ensure regulatory and governance compliance.

Represent OCAST in meetings with public and private stakeholders, ensuring OCAST’s interests are advanced.

Manage the agency’s budgeting, accounting, financial planning, and resource allocation.

Lead professional, technical, and administrative staff, conduct performance evaluations, and promote high performance and accountability.

Maintain transparency and statutory compliance in accordance with state agency governance standards.

Oversee early‑stage capital deployment and technology evaluation to support investment decisions.

Support commercialization and technology transfer activities including entrepreneurship, business model development, and grant funding sourcing.

Provide executive oversight for all agency investment decisions.

Other Responsibilities

Report to the OSTRaD Board during quarterly meetings and as otherwise requested.

Collaborate with the Board to develop and implement OCAST’s operational plan.

Serve as the executive representative of OCAST and the OSTRaD Board in external meetings.

Perform additional duties as assigned by the OSTRaD Board.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Executive leadership experience in a science, technology, innovation, or economic development organization.

Experience in research and development, technology commercialization, or technology‑based entrepreneurship.

Experience deploying capital or managing investments in early‑stage technology ventures.

Expertise in budgeting and financial oversight within a complex or regulated environment.

Experience leading and managing professional and technical staff.

Working knowledge of state agency or corporate governance practices.

Demonstrated success in building partnerships across industry, academia, and government sectors.

Advanced degree in science, engineering, business, public administration, or a related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Background in business, science, engineering, or other technology‑driven fields.

Experience leading innovation programs, grantmaking initiatives, or portfolio management efforts.

Familiarity with Oklahoma’s economic, academic, or technology ecosystem.

Preferred to candidates with a PhD, MBA, JD, or another advanced degree.

Five or more years of direct experience in a scientific or technological subject‑matter domain.

Five or more years of experience in technology commercialization and economic development.

Experience founding and launching a technology‑based company with demonstrated success.

Five or more years of managerial experience supervising director‑level staff in public or private sectors.

Knowledge and Skills

Budgeting and financial management.

Oral and written communication.

Leading and directing professional, technical, and administrative staff.

Building and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, private‑sector partners, academic institutions, and public officials.

Developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve organizational and state goals.

Working knowledge of state agency or business governance and administration.

Experience in research and development, technology-based entrepreneurship, capital investment, business models, technology transfer, and commercialization processes.

What This Role Offers

Opportunity to shape Oklahoma’s innovation economy and influence statewide research, development, and entrepreneurship initiatives.

Chance to lead a mission‑driven organization with significant statewide impact.

Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

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