CONTEXT OF THE JOB:
The Manufacturing USA network of institutes created by the federal government to advance United States competitiveness in advanced manufacturing innovation. NIIMBL (the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals) is one of the 17 Manufacturing USA institutes and was established by a cooperative agreement between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the University of Delaware (UD). NIIMBL is a large-scale public/private consortium of diverse set of member organizations, including industry, academia, non-profit organizations, state governments, and federal agencies. Within UD, NIIMBL reports to the Vice President for Research, Scholarship & Innovation.

NIIMBL was established in 2017 and is focused on ensuring a vibrant, healthy, US-based biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation ecosystem to support US economic competitiveness as well as our national security and public health security. In addition to a role in ecosystem leadership, NIIMBL’s activities include investments in pre-competitive technology advancement, workforce development, and regulatory science related issues.

NIIMBL’s core staff include teams focused on engagement with current members, recruitment of new members, and communications with key stakeholders. Under limited direction, the Director, Member Relations and Communications role leads the business development and marketing and communications teams and is responsible for developing strategy and leading the implementation and execution of priorities to ensure NIIMBL long-term financial sustainability. The position will focus on value creation and return of investment for NIIMBL activities in support of the interests of NIIMBL members. The Director will form and manage strong relationships with external stakeholders and ensure key members understand and can articulate the value of membership. The Director is responsible for projecting an image of the Institute to state/federal agencies and the media at regional, national, and international levels, reflecting the Core Values of the organization.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides leadership and expertise regarding the Institute’s marketing, communications, business development, and member relations strategies. Expected to perform as practitioner, strategic counsel, and key influencer to produce results, directing the execution of strategies.
• Supervise the Business Development Director position and team and supervise the Marketing and Communications team that reports to the Strategic Community Relations Director.
• Develop and deliver an effective engagement program in conjunction with key stakeholders; to help NIIMBL meet financial goals and strengthen the relationships between the Institute with Prospective and Current Members.
• Develop, execute, and oversee a comprehensive internal and external marketing and communication strategy; taking into consideration institutional image, positioning, mission, goals, priorities and accomplishments of the Institute.
• Supervise, motivate, and develop exempt staff. Direct staff effort completing work and special projects. Manage workload and productivity. Provide critical feedback on performance. Assist in analyzing and resolving complex issues.
• Work closely with the NIIMBL Leadership team to support advocacy and promotion of the Institute’s initiatives and activities.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and ten years of related leadership experience in Business Development, Fundraising or Marketing and Communications in a member-driven organization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience and understanding of Federal grants is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience and success in operating within the private-sector and academic environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with distinct customer groups, each with their own unique membership concerns.
• Heightened sense of prioritization and time management, with ability to display those traits while leading teams.
• Ability to understand and address the challenge of communicating membership value as it relates to diverse stakeholder types including Industry, Government, and Academia.
• Understanding of marketing strategies, tools, and practices, with ability to stay apprised of contemporary trends, techniques, and technologies to maximize functional effectiveness.
• Strategic planning skills, applicable to proactive project and operational plans, as well as situations that may be reactive and issue-driven.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.