Senior Director of Innovation and Partner Engagement

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Senior Director of Innovation and Partner Engagement to our growing Dawson Ventures division. In this role, you will align innovation strategies with corporate development goals, bridging internal efforts with external opportunities to accelerate growth, enhance competitive advantage, and create new business value across the organization. This position involves overseeing and supporting the financial success of our start-up ventures through close collaboration with each managing director. The senior director will act as a bridge between internal ventures and external stakeholders to accelerate growth through strategic partnership and investment. This position will also partner with our McKinstry executive and operating company leaders supporting strategic corporate development strategy and needs. Additional responsibilities include:

New Venture Support and Management:

• Oversee Internal Startups:




• Partner with venture managing directors to develop strategies, set goals, and allocate resources.
• Monitor key performance metrics and ensure alignment with corporate objectives and market demands.




• Strategic Alignment:




• Align new ventures with emerging industry trends and customer needs, driving integration into the broader business ecosystem.

Corporate Development and Strategic Partnerships:

• Corporate Strategy Integration:




• Collaborate with enterprise and operating company leaders to identify, develop, and advance corporate development initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.




• Industry and Market Analysis:




• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies to proactively identify growth opportunities.
• Leverage data-driven analysis to provide executive leadership with strategic recommendations.

Innovation Strategy and Leadership:

• Strategy Development:




• Support the formulation and execution of the company's innovation roadmap.
• Promote a culture of innovation across the organization.




• Team Leadership:




• Encourage professional development and knowledge sharing.

External Partner and Customer Engagement:

• Strategic Partnerships:




• Cultivate and sustain high-value relationships with key industry players, including technology firms, suppliers, and industry alliances.
• Lead negotiations for partnership agreements and oversee ongoing collaborations to maximize mutual value.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education required, MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in innovation management, corporate development, or related areas.
• Demonstrated expertise of managing startup ventures, fostering strategic partnerships, and leading high-impact innovation initiatives.
• Experience working with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in leveraging data and market insights to drive strategic decisions.
• Skilled communicator, excellent at speaking in front of others, giving presentations, representing company at a wide range of activities and events required.
• Advanced business writing and editing skills with a proven ability to write copy suitable for proposals, advertising, marketing or web content required.
• High proficiency with Microsoft products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, and SharePoint required.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $121,900 - $233,200 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.

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