NSF M-SPIRE CEO

NSF Advancing M-SPIRE is seeking a CEO with industrial, translation, workforce, and business experience to lead and carry out the mission of NSF M-SPIRE and spur economic development in the region

About the role: The CEO will provide visionary leadership for all aspects of M-SPIRE initiatives and will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the long-term strategic plans of the Engine. This individual will embrace the goal of building a sustainable and equitable and equity-focused regional innovation ecosystem that provides value to all stakeholders.

Affiliation: As we support the proposal of M-SPIRE through the NSF Engines competition, we are seeking individuals who are willing and eligible to become affiliated with the lead organization of the Engine as the CEO-designate and commit to becoming the full-time CEO upon award.

Timeline: Applicant review will begin June 30, 2024 with the goal of having the CEO identified and affiliated as a Person-of-interest at University of Minnesota to lead M-SPIRE’s preliminary proposal to NSF Engines due 6 August 2024.

Apply now: Email mspire@umn.edu with your a) cover letter including a diversity statement and b) up-to-date resume/CV.

Interviews and screening will take place prior to proposal and award. Commitment to this initiative is not a guarantee that the position will be funded by NSF. Any offer of employment is contingent on competition outcome and the successful completion of a background check.

Organizational Partnerships

  • Organizations and individuals active in the community across the Twin Cities or throughout the various regions in our state, let’s find our where we can partner and support your work

  • M-SPIRE seeks to amplify the work organizations are doing to support the development and earning ability of Minnesotans.

  • M-SPIRE seek to leverage and align ongoing activities in ventures, investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and training in sustainable innovations.

  • Seeking input and resources that can support adoption of sustainable solutions across the plastics and waste supply chain.

Opportunities in NSF M-SPIRE and at partner organizations

  • We are seeking students who are studying or residing in Minnesota to participate in a 10-person Student Board for M-SPIRE. We seek candidates who can bring diverse perspectives in sustainability, plastics, polymer science, innovation, entrepreneurship, business, environmental justice, economic development, or other relevant topics to M-SPIRE.

    Requirements: Student Board Members must be at least 18 years old, committed to participate on the board for 1 year or more, expected to join monthly virtual meetings and participate in work beyond meetings as needed. The time commitment is estimated to be 8 h/month. An annual stipend of $1,000 will be provided upon satisfactory engagement on board activities.

    Onboarding: We are seeking board members immediately and are expecting to onboard ad-hoc until the board is filled. After an initial board is formed, we will start a cycle of service that starts at 4 month intervals.

    Apply by emailing mspire@umn.edu with the title “Application to Student Board - [Month, year]” and attach a 1-page resume and a 1-page statement using non-resume prose to share your story, you perspective, and the aspirations you have in participating on this board.

  • We are seeking professionals at any stage in their post-education career who are residing in Minnesota or working for a Minnesota-based organization to participate in a 10-person Individual Board for M-SPIRE. We seek candidates who can bring diverse perspectives in sustainability, plastics, polymer science, innovation, entrepreneurship, business, environmental justice, economic development, or other relevant topics to M-SPIRE.

    Requirements: Board Members must be committed to participate on the board for 1 year or more, expected to join monthly virtual meetings and participate in work beyond meetings as needed. The time commitment is estimated to be 8 h/month. We ask for an annual contribution of $1200 to support the direct sponsorship of student board members and the activity of the boards.

    Onboarding: We are seeking board members immediately and are expecting to onboard ad-hoc until the board is filled. After an initial board is formed, we will start a cycle of service that starts at 4 month intervals.

    Apply by emailing mspire@umn.edu with the title “Application to In ividual Board - [Month, year]” and attach a 1-page resume and a 1-page statement using non-resume prose to share your story, you perspective, and the aspirations you have in participating on this board.