Education & Research • Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Lobo Catalyst is seeking a founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to build and lead an
independent nonprofit affiliated with the University of New Mexico (UNM), positioned at the
intersection of research, industry partnership, technology commercialization, and economic
development.
New Mexico is investing in quantum technologies, advanced energy, aerospace and
defense, and other emerging fields. With UNM, national laboratories, industry,
government, and communities as partners, Lobo Catalyst will translate the state’s scientific
strengths into research partnerships, new capabilities, companies, and high-quality jobs.
This is an opportunity to establish a new institution, build the relationships and operating
model that will define its future, and help advance innovation and economic opportunity
across New Mexico.
Lobo Catalyst is an independent nonprofit affiliated with UNM. It connects the university,
national laboratories, industry, government, and communities through a flexible vehicle for
cooperative technology ventures, research contracts, and partnerships. Its mission spans
quantum, advanced energy, aerospace and defense, and other emerging technologies.
Lobo Catalyst will pursue opportunities that benefit from cross-institutional coordination
and an agile operating model, while complementing the missions and capabilities of
existing research, technology-transfer, and innovation organizations.
Reporting to the Lobo Catalyst Board of Directors, with the Board chair serving as the
primary reporting relationship, the CEO will lead the organization from startup through
sustained operation. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on
institution building, developing a capable team, trusted partnerships, and a durable
business model.
The CEO will work across UNM, national laboratories, industry, government, investors,
and other partners to structure agreements, develop state and federal opportunities,
expand industry engagement, and establish Lobo Catalyst as a trusted and financially
sustainable organization.
The CEO’s early priorities will include:
Stand up a quantum applications user facility as an early initiative, coordinating the partnerships, operating model, and capabilities needed to serve external users and support applied research and workforce development.Build Lobo Catalyst’s organizational infrastructure, including governance, financial and administrative systems, compliance processes, and a high-performing core team.Establish credibility with New Mexico’s government and legislative stakeholders and pursue state and federal opportunities that advance the organization’s mission.Develop and execute multi-institution partnerships involving UNM, national laboratories, companies, and government agencies.
Build a customer and revenue model, with disciplined financial management and a credible path toward long-term sustainability.
Lead organizational strategy, operations, staffing, budgeting, governance coordination, risk management, and performance reporting to the Board.Structure and negotiate research, technology, and economic-development partnerships across universities, national laboratories, industry, government, and communities.Identify and pursue federal, state, corporate, philanthropic, and other funding and contract opportunities; position Lobo Catalyst to coordinate or lead appropriate multi- institution initiatives.Cultivate productive relationships with state leadership, federal agencies, national laboratories, industry partners, and communities throughout New Mexico.Help companies establish a presence, partner, invest, and create high-quality jobs in New Mexico.
Develop customers, recurring revenue, operating reserves, and the financial and organizational discipline needed for lasting independence.Communicate Lobo Catalyst’s outcomes and impact clearly to its Board, partners, government stakeholders, and the public.
Lobo Catalyst seeks an entrepreneurial executive with demonstrated strength in the
following areas:
Institution building. Experience establishing or growing organizations, teams, operating
systems, and revenue models from an early stage.
Government and legislative relationships. A record of earning public-sector trust and
translating relationships into funding, contracts, or measurable outcomes.
Cross-sector partnerships. Demonstrated ability to align universities, national
laboratories, industry, government, and communities around shared objectives.
Business and financial leadership. Experience developing customers and revenue,
managing budgets and reserves, and building financially sustainable operations.
Technical literacy and learning agility. Curiosity and sound judgment across emerging
technologies, with the ability to work effectively with scientific experts; specialized
expertise in quantum is not required.
Cultural and communication agility. Clear, adaptable communication and the sensitivity
to learn New Mexico’s political, institutional, and cultural dynamics.
Bachelor’s degree.
Ten or more years of progressively senior leadership experience in research
commercialization, technology partnerships, economic development, deep-technology
operations, organizational development, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience leading complex partnerships and developing funding,
contracts, or business opportunities across multiple organizations.
Advanced degree in a scientific, technical, business, or related discipline.
Experience establishing or leading a nonprofit, research enterprise, or other
organization with significant public-sector and industry relationships.
Familiarity with national laboratories, federal research agencies, federal awards, and
cross-institutional research partnership mechanisms.
Experience with emerging technologies, commercialization, company formation,
venture development, or statewide economic-development initiatives.
Experience working with state government, legislatures, and nonprofit boards.
The CEO and Board will establish specific measures of performance, expected to include:
An operational organization with a capable core team and effective governance and
financial systems.
Trusted relationships with New Mexico state leadership and key institutional partners.
Competitive federal proposals, contracts, and multi-institution partnerships.
Growing industry participation, customer relationships, and measurable statewide
impact.
A credible path to sustainable revenue and long-term organizational independence.
Albuquerque offers a distinctive combination of scientific opportunity, cultural heritage, and
quality of life. Set between the Sandia Mountains and the Rio Grande, the city is home to
the University of New Mexico and is part of a region anchored by national laboratories and
a growing innovation community. Native American and Hispanic traditions contribute to a
rich cultural setting, complemented by museums, performing arts, New Mexican cuisine,
and the International Balloon Fiesta.
The region offers year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, cycling, and nearby
skiing. New Mexico also offers tuition-free college pathways for eligible residents and no-
cost child care through state programs, subject to eligibility requirements and provider
availability. Learn more about living and working in Albuquerque: Why Albuquerque (UNM)
Reporting relationship: Lobo Catalyst Board of Directors, with the chair as the primary
reporting relationship.
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico; relocation assistance available.
Anticipated base salary: $240,000–$285,000.
Additional compensation: Milestone incentive contemplated; final terms to be
determined by the Board.
