Our Mission and Who We Serve
An advanced non-profit technology company founded in 1996 by the nation’s leading higher education institutions, Internet2 provides a collaborative environment for U.S. Research and Education (R&E) organizations to solve shared technology challenges and develop innovative solutions supporting their research, educational, and community service missions. Today, Internet2 stands at the intersection of infrastructure and innovation, operating a state-of-the-art national research and education network while simultaneously advancing a comprehensive service portfolio spanning trust and identity solutions, cloud programs and services, research engagement initiatives, and community-building programs. This integrated approach enables Internet2 to deliver unique value that empowers its diverse stakeholder community, including universities, government agencies, regional networks, international R&E networks, corporations, and leading research and education organizations.
Position Summary
The Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact (VP of CEI) is a senior executive responsible for shaping and leading the organization’s strategy to engage, serve, and grow its national R&E stakeholder community. The role focuses on maximizing the impact of Internet2’s high‑end networking, cyberinfrastructure, trust and identity, research technology and NET+ services for universities, minority serving institutions (MSIs), Research and Education Networks (RENs), federal agencies, community anchor institutions, and industry partners. The VP will build strong, collaborative relationships across sectors and globally, advancing a broad agenda that includes strengthening cybersecurity infrastructure and enabling historically under-resourced colleges and universities to participate on par with the national Research & Education (R&E) ecosystem. The VP of CEI is a member of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and partners with the ELT on delivering Internet2’s mission. The position will require national and international travel.
Please Note: This position will be posted for seven calendar days. For best consideration, please apply by May 15.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Community Engagement Strategy
- Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, technology roadmap, and long‑term strategic plan.
- Identify emerging needs and opportunities across higher education, MSIs, research organizations, federal agencies, community anchor institutions, and industry partners.
- Champion the voice of the community within executive leadership discussions and organizational decision‑making.
Minority Serving – Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (MS-CC)
- Cultivate the success of the MS-CC - an NSF sponsored program that promotes advanced cyberinfrastructure at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other minority-serving institutions to strengthen data and research computing, teaching, curriculum development, collaboration, and institutional connections. It serves as a change agent for strategies and programs that directly engage and support bringing parity in advancing the vital research and education conducted at these institutions.
- Partner with community leaders to co‑design programs and capacity‑building efforts that help MSIs and other underserved institutions participate fully in the national R&E ecosystem.
Stakeholder Relations, Participation and Partnerships
- Promote inclusive engagement practices that ensure broad participation from Internet2’s stakeholder community.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders across member institutions, MSIs, consortia, and partner organizations.
- Lead the development of strategic partnerships that expand the reach and impact of the organization’s networking, cyberinfrastructure, and trust and identity services, with a focus on closing gaps in access and participation.
- Represent the organization in national, regional and international forums, advisory boards, and working groups relevant to R&E technology and digital equity.
Impact, Programs, and Services
- Collaborate with product, engineering, and operations teams to ensure services are responsive to community needs and deliver clear value for a diverse set of institutions and stakeholders.
- Design and oversee community‑facing programs (e.g., program advisory groups, steering committees, pilots, training, and outreach) that drive adoption and effective use of advanced technologies across all communities.
- Define and track impact metrics that show how services advance the mission of the national and global R&E ecosystem and promote digital equity.
Communications
- Ensure strategic communications related to community engagement, including impact stories and case studies that highlight the advancement of the Internet2 stakeholder community needs.
- Serve as a visible champion for advanced networking, cyberinfrastructure, trust and identity, research technologies and NET+ services to enable the acceleration of R&E opportunities.
- Ensure consistent, clear messaging about services, opportunities, and resources across all segments of the community, using understandable and accessible communication practices.
Leadership and Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team responsible for member relations, community programs, events, and impact reporting.
- Collaborate closely with other executives (e.g., technology, operations, policy, and finance leaders) to ensure community priorities, including those of MSIs and underserved institutions, influence organizational planning and resource allocation.
- Contribute to budget planning, revenue strategies related to membership or participation, and long‑term sustainability of community and equity‑focused programs.
Core Competencies
- Strategic and systems thinking
- Strong executive presence and judgment
- Project management and execution
- Demonstrated ability to manage cross-function collaboration
- Relationship building and influence
- Adaptability and problem-solving
- Commitment to Internet2’s mission and values, and the needs of the R&E community
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years of overall experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- 5+ years within a senior strategic, operational, or advisory role.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, cross-functional projects and senior-level relationships.
- Robust network of connections and allies from across the R&E and global Internet community.
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly.
- Experience providing strategic solutions to under-resourced institutions to enable them to meet their missions.
- Demonstrated experience working closely with senior leadership to solve problems, build consensus, and capitalize on opportunities using strategic communications and outreach activities.
- Demonstrated ability to be diplomatic and tactful in dealing with internal and external stakeholders and senior leadership.
- Capacity for big picture thinking, including anticipating what’s ahead and what needs to be done.
- Proven ability to work effectively across cultures and time zones in a global environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree or higher.
- Experience in the R&E ecosystem and/or global NREN or similar community.
- Strong understanding of the R&E community, Internet and cyberinfrastructure technologies, policy, or digital development issues.
Internet2 Employment Benefits
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible to participate in Internet2’s employee benefits program effective on your start date in accordance with the terms and conditions of each plan. The program currently includes medical, dental, life, vision and disability insurances, a health spending account program, sick time, vacation time and a tax deferred retirement plan.
Expected Compensation: This is a senior level position. Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience.
Internet2 is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
