Assistant Director Industrial Engagement

The Industrial Engagement Assistant Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for developing and executing comprehensive engagement strategies with chemical industry partners, positioning ACS as the premier thought leader in the chemical sciences and fostering meaningful relationships that advance both industry innovation and ACS's mission. This role requires a visionary leader who can bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application while driving measurable business outcomes.

The position reports directly to the Vice President, Membership & Strategic Engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Industry Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with C-suite executives, R&D leaders, and key decision-makers at major chemical companies
• Develop partnership frameworks with Fortune 500 chemical companies, specialty chemical manufacturers, and emerging industry players
• Create and manage volunteer committee and industry councils to guide ACS strategic initiatives
• Negotiate and oversee strategic partnership agreements and collaborative programs
• Serve as primary liaison between ACS and industry stakeholders at conferences, summits, and industry events

Strategic Planning & Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive industrial engagement strategy aligned with ACS's strategic objectives and industry needs
• Conduct market analysis and industry trend assessment to identify emerging opportunities and challenges
• Create multi-year roadmaps for industry partnerships, thought leadership initiatives, and revenue growth
• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure engagement success
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align industrial strategy with overall organizational goals

Team Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration

• Build and lead a high-performing industrial engagement team, including business development and partnership professionals
• Collaborate effectively with divisions within the organization
• Work closely with ACS Divisions to leverage scientific expertise for industry initiatives
• Partner with Marketing and Communications teams to amplify industry engagement messaging
• Mentor and develop team members to build organizational capability in industrial engagement

Business Development & Revenue Generation

• Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities through industry partnerships and collaborations
• Develop innovative programs and services that provide value to industry partners while advancing ACS mission
• Create tiered membership and partnership models for corporate engagement
• Lead proposal development for large-scale industry-sponsored research initiatives and consortiums
• Establish metrics and reporting systems to track revenue impact and partnership ROI

Thought Leadership & Content Strategy

• Position ACS as the authoritative voice on chemical industry trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Develop thought leadership content including white papers, industry reports, and strategic insights
• Create and execute speaker bureau programs featuring ACS experts at industry conferences and events
• Design and launch industry-specific symposiums, workshops, and executive roundtables

Required Qualifications:
Education & Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, MBA, or equivalent) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Business Administration, or related field
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive leadership experience in chemical industry, technology commercialization, or related sectors
• Proven track record in strategic planning, business development, and partnership management
• Experience working with both Fortune 500 corporations and emerging technology companies

Core Competencies

• Deep understanding of chemical industry landscape, including market dynamics, regulatory environment, and technological trends
• Exceptional relationship-building skills with demonstrated ability to engage senior-level executives
• Strategic thinking capabilities with experience developing and executing long-term business strategies
• Strong financial acumen including P&L management and business case development
• Excellent communication and presentation skills for both technical and business audiences

Leadership & Management Skills

• Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams in matrix organizations
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and partnerships
• Strong negotiation skills with experience in contract development and partnership agreements
• Change management experience with ability to drive organizational transformation

Success Metrics

• Revenue growth from industrial partnerships and engagement programs
• Number and quality of strategic partnerships established and maintained
• Industry recognition and thought leadership positioning metrics
• Member satisfaction scores from corporate members and partners
• Team performance and professional development outcomes

Travel Requirements

This position requires approximately 40-50% travel for industry conferences, client meetings, and partnership development activities, both domestically and internationally.

What We Offer

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Flexible spending accounts and wellness programs
• Professional development fund

Work Environment

• Hybrid work arrangements with flexible scheduling options
• Collaborative culture focused on member success and community impact
• Access to cutting-edge community management tools and platforms
• Opportunities to attend member events and conferences nationwide
• Direct interaction with engaged passionate chemistry professionals

Growth Opportunities

• Pathways for advancement within ACS membership and community teams
• Leadership development programs and community management certifications
• Cross-functional collaboration with marketing, content, and program teams
• Speaking opportunities at conferences and community management events

This role is based in our Washington, DC office. ACS employees work a hybrid schedule, consisting of working onsite two days per work week, as decided by functional area. The balance of the week is open to working remotely, though employees are always welcome onsite each day if they choose.

A reasonable rate of compensation for this position is between $130,000-150,000 per year.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.