Executive Director, Tech Innovation & Economic Growth

State of Oklahoma; Oklahoma; On-site; USD 158,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Oklahoma seeks an Executive Director for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The role reports to the OSTRaD Board and leads strategic planning, staff oversight, and investment initiatives to advance Oklahoma’s science and technology ecosystem.

The candidate will drive capital deployment, partnerships across industry and academia, and ensure regulatory compliance while promoting innovation and economic growth throughout the state.

Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience in science, technology, innovation, or economic development.
• Experience with capital investments in early-stage ventures and technology transfer.
• Strong budgeting, governance, and oversight in a public or regulated environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day strategic and operational activities of OCAST and oversee staff, budgets, funding programs, and technology investments.
• Oversee research funding programs, technology transfer, and commercialization efforts.
• Develop and monitor the agency’s strategic plan with KPIs aligned to state goals.
• Secure additional grant and investment funding and ensure governance compliance.

Skills

Executive leadership

Technology commercialization

Budget management

Strategic planning

Stakeholder collaboration

Governance

Public administration

Education

Advanced degree preferred

Public administration background

MBA or STEM degree

Job description

State of Oklahoma seeks an Executive Director for the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST). The role reports to the OSTRaD Board and leads strategic planning, staff oversight, and investment initiatives to advance Oklahoma’s science and technology ecosystem.

The candidate will drive capital deployment, partnerships across industry and academia, and ensure regulatory compliance while promoting innovation and economic growth throughout the state.