The Midwest Sustainable Plastics Innovation Regional Engine (M-SPIRE) will tackle one of the most urgent environmental challenges facing society—the plastics crisis. By enabling a circular plastics economy, M-SPIRE will drive the world’s transition to sustainable plastics. To achieve this, M-SPIRE will: 1) conduct use-inspired research and innovate to address critical challenges for circular plastics; 2) accelerate translation of solutions for global adoption; 3) transform and expand the plastics workforce; and 4) ensure inclusivity in the Engine’s culture and societal benefits. M-SPIRE will be a diverse, people-centered hub for developing and deploying the next generation of sustainable plastics technologies, businesses, and creative talent. As the first stop for any issue at the intersection of sustainability and plastics, M-SPIRE will build and cultivate an innovation ecosystem that enables, empowers, and emboldens scientists, technologists, communities, businesses, entrepreneurs, and governments to solve the plastic pollution crisis. Our diverse network represents the entirety of the plastics sector and the essential regional partners required to create a plastics future that is economically robust and sustainable and benefits the region, nation, and the world.

About the Position:
The CEO will provide visionary leadership for all aspects of M-SPIRE operations and will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the long-term strategic plans of the Engine, with the goal of building a sustainable and equitable and equity-focused regional innovation ecosystem that provides value to all stakeholders.

Salary range:

$180,000-$240,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Location of Position:
Based at the University of Minnesota

This position is contingent on the University of Minnesota receiving a Regional Innovation Engines award from the National Science Foundation. M-SPIRE is one of 16 finalists and 4-12 awards are anticipated:

Winning organizations are expected to be announced in late Fall 2023. Interviews may take place prior to award notification and are not a guarantee that the position will be funded. 

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in field related to use-inspired research, translation of innovation, and/or workforce development that can be connected to sustainability plus at least 15 years of experience.
• Demonstrated success leading and growing organizations.
• Business administration/ business acumen and people management/team building experience.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting new allies and building partnerships with key individuals and organizations from different sectors.
• Experience in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience successfully working in diverse settings with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated success fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice in organizations and/or communities.
• Expertise in foundational and leading-edge concepts and issues in sustainability and circular economies.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to creatively problem solve and adapt to changing circumstances while still fulfilling the team’s/organization’s mission.
• Excellent systems thinking skills.
• Ability to build and maintain mutually beneficial partnerships with a variety of individuals and organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education

• Masters or doctoral degree in field related to use-inspired research, translation of innovation, and/or workforce development that can be connected to sustainability

Experience

• Experience establishing and leading rapidly growing startup organizations or departments.
• Demonstrated success leading and growing organizations related to use-inspired research, translation of innovation, and/or workforce development.
• Expertise in foundational and leading-edge concepts and issues in plastics sustainability and circular economies.
• Familiarity with the Greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul region and its major industry, government, academic, and nonprofit stakeholders.

About University of Minnesota Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world.

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