Chief Strategy Officer, Florida High Tech Corridor

The Florida High Tech Corridor is more than an initiative or facilitator; it’s a force multiplier. The 23-county region that spans Central Florida and defines The Corridor is anchored by three of the country’s largest research institutions: the University of Central Florida (UCF), the University of South Florida (USF) and the University of Florida (UF). Powered by an ethos of collaboration, we align opportunities and resources in academia, industry, and economic development to unleash our region’s exponential potential.

For more information, visit https://floridahightech.com/

The Opportunity:

The Florida High Tech Corridor (FHTC) is seeking a visionary and collaborative Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) to lead strategic planning and execution across a dynamic 23-county region. This role will drive innovation, foster partnerships, and expand the impact of high-tech industry development in collaboration with Florida’s leading research universities—University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, and University of Florida. The CSO will serve as a thought leader, program architect, and strategic advisor to the CEO.

Classification Title: Director, Business Development II

Responsibilities:

• Supports the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic plan to advance the FHTC's mission, vision, and strategic pillars.

• Collaborates with stakeholders, including academic institutions, industry partners, and economic development organizations, to identify and capitalize on new opportunities for growth and impact.

• Leads the ideation, creation, and implementation of new programs and innovative initiatives that align with the FHTC's mission and strategic pillars, including, EnergyTech UP, Cenfluence, FL FAST, NSF Regional Innovation Engines, and other strategic initiatives.

• Develops and manages mutually beneficial partnerships with key organizations and stakeholders to enhance the reach and influence of FHTC's activities.

• Acts as a thought leader and spokesperson, representing FHTC at regional and national industry events and forums.

• Establishes organizational structure, processes, and systems to maximize the impact, achieve and track the desired outcomes of new strategic initiatives.

• Collaborates with FHTC staff on grant-funded programs, budgets, and financial plans to ensure objectives of each initiatives are reached.

• Special projects and/or special assistance to the CEO of the FHTC as directed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years of leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years in strategic planning, innovation management, or economic development, with a proven track record of leading cross-sector initiatives.

• Demonstrated success in building and scaling programs within university-industry-government partnerships, including experience with initiatives like NSF Engines, SBIR/STTR, or regional innovation clusters.

• Experience managing federally and state-funded programs, including budgeting, reporting, and aligning financial plans with strategic goals.

• Strong understanding of innovation and research in higher education.

• Strong ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with external vendors, academic institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders to expand FHTC’s reach and impact.

• Skilled communicator with experience representing organizations at regional and national forums, conferences, and advisory boards.

• Master's degree.

• Expertise in designing organizational structures, systems, and performance metrics to support strategic execution and track outcomes.

• Passion for supporting small business development and innovation, with experience delivering consulting, workshops, or technical assistance in areas like finance, marketing, and operations.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

Applicant must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer, as sponsorship is not available for this position.

Classification Title: Director, Business Development II

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?  

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers: 

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program 

• Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays

• Retirement savings options 

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions 

• Education assistance 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide.

Dive into our Total Rewards Calculator to discover the diverse selection available to you, giving you a glimpse into the benefits that together shape your comprehensive rewards package at UCF.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.