SBIR Partnership Director

The Department of Energy invests approximately $300 million annually in Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) awards. SBIR-STTR awards can span the innovation lifecycle: concept development (Phase I), prototype maturation (Phase II), and commercialization (Phase III and beyond). While DOE's SBIR-STTR programs have consistently funded high-quality technical work, the transition from research to commercialization remains a persistent challenge. Phase II companies often lack access to federal procurement channels, buyer networks, and specialized technical support; many potential federal customers are unaware of SBIR or STTR-derived solutions aligned to their mission needs; and early-stage companies routinely fail to use Technical and Business Assistance (TABA) funds available to them because they do not know where and how to get the right expertise. The Department has enlisted the Foundation for Energy Security and Innovation (FESI) to address these gaps. FESI will serve as the primary commercialization and marketplace connector for the DOE SBIR-STTR portfolio.About the RoleThe SBIR Partnership Director position will be responsible for leading the overall strategy and execution of FESI’s SBIR commercialization initiative, ensuring the program accelerates awardees’ path from research to market. The ideal candidate is motivated by the prospect of building a new program and creating connective tissue between the Department of Energy, other federal agencies, investors, buyers, and ecosystem partners. The Director leads the end-to-end commercialization pipeline, ensuring startups receive the training, connections, and support needed to transition from research to market. They are highly organized, outgoing, and professional, commercially astute, and energized by the challenge of building and scaling a mission-driven partnership model.ResponsibilitiesDOE Relationship & Federal Engagement Serve as FESI’s primary operational point of contact with DOE on SBIR commercialization activities.Oversee relationships with federal agencies able to use Phase III sole source authority, ensuring strong understanding of the portfolio and mission fit.Ensure program activities align with DOE priorities, timelines, and expectations.Represent the program in DOE briefings, interagency discussions, and federal stakeholder forums.Program & Team Management Lead overall strategy and execution of FESI’s SBIR commercialization initiative from design through delivery (from intake, assessment, readiness, partner engagement to outcomes).In alignment with the VP of Platform, design and manage a repeatable commercialization pipeline spanning government engagement, private sector outreach, improve TABA utilization, and investor readiness.Design and deliver commercialization training and support programs.Lead the strategy and execution of TABA services.Identify startup needs and coordinate appropriate support resources.Develop and maintain systems for tracking progress, commercialization outcomes, and impact (e.g., readiness, connections made, follow-on funding).Build, manage, and mentor a small, high performing team in a fast-moving foundation startup environment.Based upon awardees needs (pitch readiness, showcase, demonstrations) create events that support SBIR companies.Ensure responsible stewardship of public and philanthropic resources, with strong operational, financial, and ethical discipline.Cross Functional Leadership & Internal Collaboration Work closely with the SBIR Partnerships Manager to align buyer, investor, and TABA provider relationships with program strategy, ensuring awardees are connected to the right partners at the right time.Identify appropriate investors and corporate partners for startups.Work with the Partnerships Manager to facilitate targeted TABA matchmaking.Ensure connections translate into meaningful commercialization opportunities through pitch competitions and investor readiness training.Own SBIR program data and performance tracking, including: Startup readiness and progress, Commercialization outcomes, Follow-on funding and adoption.Coordinate with Partnerships Manager to ensure alignment between program outcomes and partner engagement data.Partner with the VP of Investment Platform to integrate SBIR companies into FESI’s broader capital and investor ecosystem, aligning commercialization activities with investment readiness and market demand.Collaborate with the Events Director to define the strategic purpose of convenings such as pitch days, buyer demos, and agency match events and ensure each event advances commercialization outcomes rather than one-off engagement.Coordinate across these roles to create a seamless, end-to-end commercialization experience for awardees, from early customer discovery to follow-on funding and adoption.Serve as the internal integrator, translating DOE priorities, market signals, and partner feedback into clear direction for partnerships, investment engagement, and event programming.Ensure consistent communication, shared goals, and clear accountability across teams, so execution remains aligned, efficient, and impact driven.Qualifications8–12+ years of experience in federal programs, technology commercialization, or innovation ecosystems.Demonstrated ability to work with federal agencies, startups, investors, or complex multi‑stakeholder ecosystems.Experience leading or managing programs focused on technology commercialization, innovation, or market adoption.Strong strategic and operational skills, with experience building processes in dynamic or startup environments.Excellent communication and relationship management skills across technical, policy, and business audiences.Experience managing people or cross functional teams. Required SkillsStrong familiarity with SBIR/STTR or similar federal R&D programs, technology transfer, or government procurement.Experience working with DOE or other federal agencies.Background in ecosystem building, incubator/accelerator, small business support programming, commercialization training, or convening partners (e.g., demo days, pitch events, buyer meetings).Bachelor’s degree; advanced degree preferred but not mandatory.CRM or relationship management tools (Salesforce).Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday).Data tracking or reporting tools (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, dashboards).Presentation tools for senior stakeholders and external audiences.Health, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; short- and long-term disability, life insurance, paid time off and holidays; flexible work schedule/hybrid.Work EnvironmentThis role is open to candidates based anywhere in the United States. While remote eligible, the position will involve a significant presence in Washington, DC due to close collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and other federal partners.The Program Director should expect to be in DC for meetings, briefings, convenings, and relationship building. FESI will cover reasonable, job-related travel expenses. Relocation is not required for this position.