Executive Director of Business Development for Microelectronics

Company: Arizona State University
Location: Mesa
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Profile: Administrative Operations Manager 4 Job Family: Administrative Operations Time Type: Full time Max Pay – Depends on experience: $300,000.00 USD Annual Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and nine (9) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field including five (5) years managerial experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Job Profile Summary: Administers and evaluates all business and administrative matters including budget, operations, and programs and personnel administration within several departments. Provides financial analysis and strategic planning as well as oversees the budgetary controls. Job Description: Position Salary Range: Depends on Experience Compensation will depend on experience but will consist of a base salary with the potential for bonuses based on growing portfolio strength. Base salary: $100,000 - $150,00 per year; DOE Bonus potential: up to $200,000, total compensation maximum of $300,000 Arizona State University seeks a highly experienced and strategic Executive Director of Business Development for Microelectronics to lead industry, government, and defense-related engagement in support of the University’s microelectronics, semiconductor, and advanced packaging initiatives. This senior leadership role is responsible for building and sustaining high-impact partnerships with semiconductor industry leaders, federal and state government agencies, the U.S. Department of War (DoW), and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to advance sponsored research, industry partnerships, technology transition, and national security objectives. The Executive Director will serve as a key external-facing representative of the University, aligning institutional research capabilities with industry and government needs, identifying and securing grant and contract funding, and supporting the commercialization and deployment of microelectronics technologies. Reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer for Semiconductor Research and works closely with academic leadership, research centers, faculty, and administrative units across the University including but not limited to the Corporate Engagement and Strategic Partnership, Core Facilities, and Government Relations teams within ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. This position is funded by DoW and requires candidates to meet the definition of US person as defined in as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 and 15 C.F.R. § 772.1. Essential Duties: Strategic Partnership Development: Develop and execute a comprehensive business development strategy for microelectronics and semiconductor initiatives Establish, grow, and manage strategic partnerships with semiconductor manufacturers, equipment suppliers, fabless companies, and related industry stakeholders Identify opportunities to leverage ASU’s Core Facilities and capabilities to grow revenue to enable financial sustainability Collaborate with industry and research partners to define technology gaps and identify opportunities to close those gaps with additional investments and funding Serve as the primary liaison between the University and external partners, ensuring alignment of goals, expectations, and deliverables Government & Defense Engagement: Lead engagement with federal, state, and regional government agencies to secure grant and contract funding, including but not limited to DoW, NSF, DOE, CHIPS and Science Act programs (NIST, DOC, DOX, DoW), Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and other mission-aligned agencies Build and maintain strong relationships with the U.S. Department of War, defense research organizations (DARPA, AFRL, ARL, NRL, etc), defense manufacturing and sustainment organizations (ManTech, IBAS, FUZE, DIU, etc.), Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) contracting agencies Support classified and unclassified research initiatives in compliance with applicable regulations and security requirements Engage with other Microelectronics Commons Hubs, FFRDCs, DoW Labs to maximize impact of ASUs capabilities and investments Funding & Proposal Development: Identify funding opportunities and shape large-scale, multi-institutional, and multi-partner proposals Collaborate with faculty, research development staff, and sponsored programs offices to develop competitive proposals and white papers Support negotiation of sponsored research agreements, cooperative research agreements, and other partnership frameworks Technology Transition & Commercialization Facilitate pathways for technology transition, prototyping, pilot manufacturing, and commercialization of microelectronics research outcomes Coordinate with technology transfer, innovation, and entrepreneurship offices to support licensing, startups, and industry adoption Promote workforce development initiatives aligned with industry and defense needs Internal Leadership & Coordination: Act as a connector across academic departments, research centers, and institutes involved in microelectronics and related fields Advise university leadership on trends in the semiconductor industry, defense priorities, and federal research policy; bring Voice of the Customer into the university leadership team and strategies Represent the University at industry forums, government meetings, and national conferences Own and coordinate with Core Facilities team on the marketing and selling of ASU’s core facilities for semiconductors, microelectronics, and advanced packaging capabilities Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strategic thinking and execution External relationship building Grant and contract development Cross-sector collaboration Technology transition and commercialization Leadership in complex environments Marketing and sales experience Working Environment: Primary office location to be at MTW (MacroTechnology Works) in ASU Research Park in Tempe, AZ Some travel (up to 25%) will be required Desired Qualifications: Master’s, Ph.D. or MBA strongly preferred in engineering, science, business, or a related field Minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in business development, government relations, research administration, or industry partnerships within microelectronics, semiconductors, defense, or advanced manufacturing Experience working business development for semiconductor foundries highly preferred Deep understanding of the semiconductor ecosystem, including R&D, manufacturing, supply chains, and workforce needs Proven ability to build trusted relationships with senior industry executives, government officials, and academic leaders Active or prior security clearance, or eligibility to obtain one Strong negotiation, communication, and executive presence skills Demonstrated success securing federal, state, or defense-related research funding Experience working with or within the U.S. Department of War, national laboratories, or defense contractors Experience leading large, complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives or consortia Familiarity with CHIPS and Science Act programs and defense microelectronics initiatives Working Environment: ASU is an inclusive enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market, as such the following options may be offered dependent on department needs: Flexible work options: Alternative work schedules can include four, 10-hour workdays in a workweek; a nine-day, 80-hour schedule over two workweeks for exempt employees only; and staggered start and stop times. Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required. Remote work is an arrangement where the employee spends less than 60% of their regular workweek at a regularly assigned ASU work location. Executive vice president-level approval is required. Standard Working Environment: Climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position. Constantly detects and operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer. Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information to perform essential duties. Expected to be responsive to customers, engaged in work production, resourceful, flexible, and respectful of others. Department Statement: Each year since 2016, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all eleven years the category has existed. ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers. At Southwest Advanced Prototyping Hub ( SWAPHub) , we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team. Working at ASU has additional perks and OUTSTANDING benefits, which include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; ASU/UA/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; state and optional retirement plans; access to ASU recreation and cultural activities; and more. To estimate the value of your total compensation, please visit https://cfo.asu.edu/compensation-estimator . Driving Requirement: Driving is not required for this position. Location: Off-Campus: Mesa/Tempe Funding: Grant Funded Instructions to Apply: Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub. Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on. https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$19632.htmld To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments: Cover letter Resume or CV Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name. Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered. Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact HR Talent Acquisition before the posting close date to request edits. Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete. ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456. Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources . Employment Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Fingerprint Check Statement: This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Keywords: Arizona State University, Catalina Foothills , Executive Director of Business Development for Microelectronics, Engineering , Mesa, Arizona