Special Assistant (Working Title: Director of Manufacturing Programs)

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description The Director of Manufacturing and Incubation Programs will lead a key pillar of the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) within Empire State Development (ESD) by supporting New York State manufacturers, enabling them to grow and thrive. This role will guide statewide efforts to strengthen New York’s manufacturing ecosystem, drive innovation, and advance economic development through targeted program leadership. The Director will oversee and provide program management of the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NYMEP) and its 11 centers throughout the state. They will also provide program management and oversight of the NYS Certified Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot program and its 30 centers. They will serve as a key advisor on manufacturing-related policy and programs. This position plays a vital role in aligning NYSTAR’s manufacturing initiatives with broader state goals, ensuring impactful program delivery, resource coordination, and visibility across stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of manufacturing challenges and opportunities, strong hands-on program management experience, and a passion for building a more resilient, competitive, and inclusive manufacturing and innovation support base in New York.Duties include but are not limited to: • Lead the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NYMEP), both strategically and programmatically, including: o Oversee eleven (11) NYMEP centers/center directors across the state, maintaining both federal and state compliance.o Work directly with the federal NIST MEP team to ensure all deliverables are met, including directly managing all NY MEP reporting and contracts.o Collaborate with the NIST MEP National Network and the Northeast NODE of MEP centers through initiatives, regular meetings, and projects.o Regularly review federal, state, and local reports to assess opportunities to assist with economic development efforts or create new initiatives.• Oversee and provide program management for the NYS Certified Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot Program, managing the contracts for thirty (30) centers, ensuring on-time reporting, payment, and impact collection.• Assist the Executive Director with the creation/implementation of proactive programs that support manufacturing and manufacturers to meet ESD goals and result in the creation and retention of jobs in New York, while meeting fiduciary responsibilities and utilizing program resources effectively.• As directed, engage and develop long-term working relationships with local, state, and federal resource partners.• Ensure effective coordination and integration of activities between ESD staff, Executive Chamber, agency specialists, and other public and private stakeholders/organizations as needed and appropriate.• Manage direct reports overseeing manufacturing and incubation programs.• Contribute to the development of internal and external communications, collateral, and events promoting the NYSTAR network.• Contribute to the development of required annual reports.• Oversee and undertake special projects or initiatives as needed.• Travel up to twenty-five percent (25%), primarily within New York State.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Education Requirements: A bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred.Professional Experience Requirements: • At least five years of relevant experience, preferably in leadership capacities• Experience building strategies and planning execution• Experience in the manufacturing sector or in working with manufacturersKnowledge Requirements: • Excellent verbal and writing skills• Knowledge of Microsoft Office• Strong understanding of manufacturing and technology sectors• Not-for-profit supporting technology acceleration• Relevant governmental grant writing, policy, and/or administration experience (local, state, and federal)

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments SALARY RANGE: $90,931 – $114,940

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Salary : $90,931 - $114,940