Executive Director, Alliance Network

About BlueForge Alliance (BFA):

BlueForge Alliance is an agile program integrator positioned to meet the demand to build capacity for the defense industrial base. We are a unifying organization converging technology, manufacturing, economics, and state and federal government to provide a forward-facing, federated umbrella with national visibility.

As a non-profit, neutral convener, BlueForge Alliance aligns strategy with execution to coordinate regional stakeholders, assess and propose high-value efforts, and rapidly establish and deploy U.S. Department of Defense investments. By streamlining competing priorities and viewpoints, we aim to increase manufacturing capacity and technology adoption, boost the number of available suppliers and diversify investment into the defense industrial base.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director, Alliance Network is responsible for the overall success of the Alliance and will serve as the lead advocate, convenor, and partner for the Alliance Network. This position leads the development of the alliance strategy and annual plan; and executes the alliance strategy in support of and in partnership with the Chief Strategy Officer. This role is pivotal in advancing the organization’s mission, fostering relationships with key Alliance partners, including industry, academia, and government stakeholders. Additionally, the Executive Director will collaborate closely with the Marketing and Communications team to craft and deliver cohesive messaging and strategies that align with corporate Alliance Network objectives. In addition to the following details, by being a BlueForger, you will be expected to uphold and exemplify our values of Belonging, Selfless Service, Integrity, Leadership, Respect, and Excellence. We uphold these values upon a backbone of humility driven by a culture of safety, vulnerability, and purpose.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Alliance Network Strategy and Advocacy:
  • Develop and execute comprehensive Alliance engagement strategies to advance BlueForge Alliance's mission and strategic objectives.
  • Represent the organization’s interests in meetings with members of industry, academia, and government as it relates to building and sustaining our Alliance Network.
  • Advocate for policy initiatives, funding opportunities, and regulatory changes that align with organizational priorities.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Establish and maintain relationships with key industry and academic partners, government officials, industry associations and societies, and other defense-focused stakeholders.
  • Facilitate strategic engagements, briefings, and events with stakeholders, including congressional hearings, committee meetings, and public forums.
  • Collaborate with state and local stakeholders to align organizational objectives with regional supplier, technology, and workforce development priorities.
• Collaboration with Marketing/Communications:
  • Work closely with the Marketing and Communications and other internal teams to develop and deliver cohesive messaging that aligns with Alliance Network strategies and enhances BlueForge Alliance’s public profile.
  • Provide input on the creation of communication materials, including executive briefs, press releases, talking points, and presentations, tailored for public audiences.
  • Support the coordination of public relations campaigns, ensuring consistency in messaging and alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaboration with Programs:
  • Work closely with Line of Effort (LOE) leads as internal stakeholders to support a data-centric approach for teaming and partnering providing data collection, analysis, and insight for Program utilization regarding the Alliance Network.
  • Represent BlueForge Alliance in coalitions, industry groups, and advocacy organizations to promote the organization’s Alliance Network objectives.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Prepare regular reports for the CSO and executive leadership on Alliance Network activities, engagement trends and outcomes.
  • Support the development of metrics to assess the effectiveness of Alliance Network strategies and initiatives.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Manages, develops and trains Alliance Network staff.
• Provides guidance on the workflow of the department.
• Provides constructive feedback and timely performance evaluations.