Job Description
Join FutureWorks Ventures at the forefront of tomorrow's economy as we pioneer transformative solutions for 2026 and beyond. As our Strategic Innovation Director, you'll architect the next generation of digital ecosystems while leading a cross-functional team of visionaries. This role demands a blend of strategic foresight, technical expertise, and executive leadership to drive market-defining initiatives in emerging technologies. You'll collaborate with Fortune 500 partners, disrupt traditional industries, and shape the future of human-computer interaction. Our Austin campus offers cutting-edge R&D facilities and a culture where innovation thrives.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute 2026 innovation roadmaps aligned with emerging tech trends (quantum computing, neural interfaces, sustainable AI)
- Lead cross-disciplinary teams of engineers, designers, and data scientists in building prototype solutions
- Forge strategic partnerships with academic institutions and industry disruptors
- Secure and manage $10M+ innovation budgets for R&D initiatives
- Present strategic vision to C-suite executives and board members
- Drive patent development and intellectual property strategy
- Mentor next-gen innovators through our Future Leaders program
Qualifications
- 15+ years in tech innovation with 5+ years in executive leadership
- Proven track record launching market-defining products (minimum 3 exits >$100M)
- Expertise in emerging technologies: quantum computing, blockchain, and neurotech
- PhD or equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, or Futuristics
- Experience scaling teams from 10 to 100+ professionals
- Published thought leadership in Harvard Business Review or similar
- Fluency in Mandarin or Arabic for global partnerships
- Security clearance for federal innovation projects