Senior Director, Strategic Business Development

Natcast (short for The National Center for the Advancement of Semiconductor Technology) is a new, purpose-built, non-profit entity created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium, established by the CHIPS Act of the U.S. government.

Working at Natcast represents an opportunity to help extend America’s leadership in semiconductor technology, significantly reduce the time and cost of moving from idea to commercialization, and build and sustain a semiconductor workforce development ecosystem.

These efforts to advance semiconductor technology and seed new industries built on the capabilities of a wide range of advanced chips hold the potential to benefit the country and the world for generations to come.

Senior Director of Strategic Business Development 

In this role, you will be responsible for advancing Natcast's mission by forming and managing high-impact strategic partnerships and leading complex negotiations. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's long-term strategy, particularly in relation to its engagements with large, sophisticated semiconductor companies and a diverse array of ecosystem partners. 

You will lead negotiations with key industry players, develop bespoke bi-lateral agreements, and identify new business opportunities that enhance Natcast's position within the semiconductor and broader technology ecosystem. You will also conduct in-depth market analysis and work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure strategic alignment and operational feasibility of all partnership activities. 

To thrive in this role, you must possess exceptional negotiation and deal-making skills, strong analytical and financial acumen, and the ability to drive successful outcomes in high-stakes environments. You should have a deep understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem and related technologies, coupled with superior communication and leadership skills. 

Natcast is a trailblazing non-profit entity established under the CHIPS Act to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) consortium. As a key component of the CHIPS and Science Act, Natcast is poised to drive innovation, set standards, and re-establish U.S. leadership in semiconductor design and manufacturing. By convening the brightest minds from government, industry, and academia, Natcast is tackling the most pressing challenges in the domestic semiconductor ecosystem head-on. 

The Senior Director of Strategic Business Development will play a crucial role in shaping Natcast's strategic partnerships and investments, ensuring the effective allocation of resources to high-impact initiatives. Your expertise will be instrumental in identifying and supporting the most promising opportunities to advance U.S. semiconductor leadership. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead negotiations with large, sophisticated semiconductor companies, securing long-term, high-value agreements that align with Natcast and NSTC strategic goals 

• Develop bespoke bi-lateral agreements with a wide range of ecosystem partners 

• Conduct in-depth market analysis to identify trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging opportunities 

• Work closely with the executive team to align strategic business development initiatives with overall corporate objectives 

• Collaborate with technology, legal, and finance teams to ensure strategic soundness and operational feasibility of partnerships 

• Build, sustain and grow a network of strategic partnerships, leveraging existing relationships to identify new opportunities, drive innovation, and achieve shared goals 

• Act as a key liaison between Natcast and external stakeholders, including the Department of Commerce 

• Build and lead a high-performing strategic business development team 

• Develop work plans, provide leadership briefings, and oversee execution of strategic recommendations 

• Ensure adherence to Natcast's investment and partnership policies 

Required Skills and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field10+ years of experience in strategic business development, corporate development, or related roles, preferably within the semiconductor or high-tech industries 

• Proven track record in negotiating and managing large-scale, complex agreements with major industry players 

• Strong understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem and related technologies 

• Exceptional negotiation and deal-making skills with the ability to engage and build relationships with senior executives at large companies (>$5bn revenues) 

• Strong analytical and financial acumen, with ability to evaluate complex business opportunities 

• Excellent leadership and team-building capabilities 

• Highly skilled at cultivating strategic, mutually beneficial relationships  

• Superior communication and interpersonal skills 

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree such as MBA, MS, or PhD in a relevant field 

• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance if required 

• Willingness to travel globally to engage with stakeholders 

• Commitment to public service and Natcast's mission of semiconductor leadership 

• Experience in investment analysis, technology transfer, or management consulting 

If you are a strategic leader with a passion for driving innovation in the semiconductor industry and a desire to contribute to the revitalization of U.S. technological leadership, we encourage you to apply for this position. Join us in our mission to advance semiconductor innovation and strengthen the domestic semiconductor ecosystem through strategic partnerships and investments. 

Natcast is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any protected attribute. We encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. If you require accommodation at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please let us know. 

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