Job Description
Join NextGen Innovations as our visionary 2026 Futurist Strategist and help shape tomorrow's landscape today. We're seeking a forward-thinking leader to architect our long-term innovation roadmap for 2026 and beyond. This pivotal role combines cutting-edge technological foresight with strategic business planning to position our company at the forefront of emerging trends. You'll collaborate with C-suite executives, R&D teams, and global partners to identify disruptive opportunities, anticipate market shifts, and develop actionable blueprints for sustainable growth.
Our ideal candidate thrives at the intersection of technology, sociology, and business strategy, with a proven ability to translate complex future scenarios into executable initiatives. This is your chance to influence how industries evolve in the coming decade while working in Austin's dynamic tech ecosystem.
Responsibilities
- Analyze emerging technologies (AI, quantum computing, biotech) and societal trends to forecast 2026 market landscapes
- Develop strategic roadmaps for innovation adoption across 5+ industry verticals
- Lead cross-functional workshops to align stakeholders on future vision and priorities
- Produce high-impact trend reports and scenario planning frameworks for executive decision-making
- Establish partnerships with research institutions and think tanks to access cutting-edge foresight
- Monitor global policy/regulatory shifts affecting long-term technology adoption
- Design and implement KPIs for measuring future-readiness across organizational functions
Qualifications
- 8+ years in strategic planning, innovation management, or futurism consulting
- Proven track record developing multi-year roadmaps for Fortune 500 companies
- Expertise in scenario planning, trend analysis, and horizon scanning methodologies
- Deep understanding of exponential technologies and their societal implications
- Exceptional presentation skills with experience briefing C-suite executives
- Advanced degree in Strategic Foresight, Technology Management, or related field
- Published thought leadership in futurism or innovation strategy (articles/whitepapers)
- Proficiency in foresight tools (e.g., Horizon Scanning, Delphi Method, STEEP analysis)