Deputy Director of Commercialization
Washington, D.C.
THE MISSION
In our collective pursuit of a sustainable future, the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy (ARPA-E) has emerged as a beacon, leading the charge in supporting transformative, impactful energy solutions. As the International Energy Agency attests, 65% of the technologies needed to meet our global emissions targets are already in play. ARPA-E champions the innovation of the remaining 35%, championing high-impact energy solutions too high-risk for private-sector investment.
Originating from a vision to ensure the U.S. retains its leadership in science and technology, ARPA-E has directed over $3.63 billion into transformative energy endeavors, culminating in revolutionary technological breakthroughs, game-changing patents, and robust private-sector funding.
Join our mission to shape the energy landscape of the future to ensure the nation's environmental health and economic prosperity.
THE ROLE
The Deputy Director for Commercialization at ARPA-E is a visionary leader, steering the charge in transitioning groundbreaking energy innovations from concept to market. As a senior figure within ARPA-E, this role is pivotal in crafting the agency's commercialization strategy while working closely with Tech-to-Market Advisors and other agency leaders. The Deputy Director is not only a respected thought leader in the energy and climate change mitigation sectors but also an entrepreneurial spirit, constantly seeking new avenues to amplify ARPA-E's mission and impact. Representing ARPA-E at various platforms, this role is one of the primary public faces of the agency.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the Tech-to-Market team in developing commercialization strategies for ARPA-E performers.
- Oversee all of ARPA-E’s commercialization efforts, including providing guidance and insights to the team.
- Spearhead the design and execution of ARPA-E’s Seeding Critical Advances for Leading Energy technologies with Untapped Potential (SCALEUP) program, ensuring technologies transition from prototypes to commercially scalable solutions.
- Continuously assess markets to pinpoint potential new funding areas for ARPA-E technologies.
- Drive external outreach activities to foster a commercial stakeholder ecosystem aligned with awardees’ growth goals.
- Collaborate with leadership and communication teams to refine agency messaging and bolster ARPA-E’s profile.
- Serve as the primary commercialization contact for the ARPA-E Director.
- Participate in agency-wide management, including budgetary and personnel decisions, and setting the agency’s technical vision.
- Identify and engage with potential follow-on funding sources for ARPA-E performers.
- Advise ARPA-E performers on strategic opportunities, including capital raising, partnerships, and venture formations.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
- Advanced degree in a technical discipline.
- At least 10 years of leadership experience in technology commercialization, business development, or entrepreneurship within a tech-driven organization, preferably in the energy or climate change mitigation sector.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to convey technical and/or financial concepts to diverse audiences.
- Profound technical communication background and experience.
- Familiarity with new company formation and venture investing.
- Demonstrated interest or expertise in energy and energy technologies.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Willingness and ability to undertake significant travel.
PLEASE NOTE
- This is a term-limited position for an initial three-year term with the opportunity to extend by mutual agreement.
- This role is based in Washington, D.C. Routine remote work is not permitted.
- Relocation assistance offered.
