Technology Innovation and Strategy Director

Responsible for leading SME’s tech-driven Innovation Hub, this position focuses on driving the integration of advanced technologies, such as AI, Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics, to enhance workforce development and technology adoption goals. This role will establish and manage a centralized tech-driven Innovation Hub to provide strategic, technology-focused consultancy services across SME, ensuring they are mission-driven and market-responsive. Partnering closely with product leadership, this role will drive cohesive technology adoption across SME’s offerings, positioning the organization as leader in tech-enabled solutions for the manufacturing workforce and manufacturing ecosystem. Key responsibilities include identifying funding sources and supporting revenue growth through technology partnerships, consulting services, scalable analytics and customer-centric tools.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS:

• Establish and lead the tech-driven Innovation Hub, creating a strategic plan that aligns with SME’s mission and positions the organization as a leader in technology and talent development.
• Coordinate with product leadership to integrate emerging technologies into product lifecycles, enhancing market relevance and operational efficiency.
• Foster a collaborative, technology-driven culture focused on continuous improvement and alignment with industry advancements.
• Serve as a consultant across the organization, advising on tech-driven initiatives that enhance program impact and align with market demands.
• Support teams in leveraging data insights to optimize performance and align programs with impact and revenue generation goals.
• Help groups balance mission objectives with market needs to ensure initiatives are impactful and competitive.
• Create monetization strategies for consulting services, data and research reporting, subscription-based analytics tools, and licensed programs/solutions that serve both industry needs and SME’s mission.
• Develop partnerships with tech companies, educational institutions, and industry leaders to create co-branded programs, sponsored initiatives, and scalable technology-driven solutions that deliver financial and impact.
• Develop and promote analytics tools and dashboards that generate revenue through subscriptions and licensing while advancing SME’s leadership in data-driven workforce solutions.
• Build relationships with funders, including government agencies, industry sponsors, and philanthropic organizations, to secure ongoing funding for tech-driven Innovation Hub projects and new ventures.
• Lead the development and launch of customer-focused products that improve productivity, efficiency, and skills development, creating new revenue streams while strengthening SME’s position as a leader in mission-driven, technology-enabled solutions.
• Work with product teams to incorporate emerging technologies throughout development, ensuring innovative, market-ready solutions.
• Leverage partnerships with industry, academia, and technology firms to drive growth and advance SME’s objectives.
• Represent SME’s mission at public forums, industry events, and through media, highlighting advancements in manufacturing and workforce technologies.
• Define and measure impact metrics for new products to ensure that they support SME’s financial and mission-driven goals.
• Pilot mission-aligned programs, evaluating revenue and impact to identify scalable models for deployment across SME.
• Other duties as assigned.