Executive Director — QCMI and RIADA Partnership

Job overview

The Executive Director — QCMI and RIADA Partnership role is onsite in Davenport, IA. The posting specifies an annual base salary of $75,000. The role leads the Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute and Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance, supporting regional defense and manufacturing initiatives. The Executive Director advances partnerships, business development, research, workforce development, and operational management for QCMI while coordinating RIADA’s board, work plan, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. The position aligns academic, industry, government, and defense partners to support the region’s defense industrial base and manufacturing ecosystem.

What you'll do

• Lead QCMI partnerships and business development with DoD, academic, industry, and government stakeholders
• pursue business opportunities and funding
• represent QCMI at regional and national forums
• guide research and workforce priorities
• develop strategic plans and coordinate member institutions
• oversee facilities, operations, budgets, staffing, and compliance
• serve as RIADA board point of contact
• establish its annual work plan and budget
• conduct defense-industry outreach
• coordinate with Chamber teams and consultants
• communicate priorities and maintain strategic relationships.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

executive director

davenport ia

quad cities chamber of commerce

qcmi

riada

defense industry

manufacturing

business development

dod partnerships

workforce development

research partnerships

facilities and operations

$75,000 annual base salary

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Why this role

Requires a degree in engineering, manufacturing, business administration, or a related field; at least 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing or defense; business development, marketing, public relations, DoD, academic, and industry collaboration experience; valid driver’s license and insurability.

About the employer

Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is hiring for this role. Industry: Business Associations. Sector: 81.