The Opportunity
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.
About Lobo Catalyst
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.
The Role
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.
Initial Priorities
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.
Key Responsibilities
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.
