Job Description
Join Nexus Horizons Inc. at the forefront of tomorrow's innovations as we seek a visionary 2026 Futurist Strategist to shape our next-generation roadmap. This pivotal role demands a blend of analytical rigor and creative foresight to anticipate technological paradigms, market shifts, and societal transformations defining 2026 and beyond. You'll collaborate with C-suite executives to embed future-readiness into our DNA, driving initiatives that position us as industry pioneers. Our Austin hub offers a dynamic environment where your insights will directly influence product development, corporate strategy, and investment decisions in emerging domains like quantum computing, neurotech, and sustainable ecosystems.
We offer unparalleled opportunities to work with Nobel laureates, patent-holding engineers, and serial entrepreneurs. Your impact will extend beyond our organization through thought leadership at global forums and whitepapers that will redefine industry standards.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the 2026 Innovation Roadmap, identifying disruptive technologies and market opportunities with 3-5 year horizons
- Lead cross-functional 'Future Labs' comprising data scientists, UX researchers, and industry specialists to prototype next-gen solutions
- Produce forward-looking intelligence reports and scenario analyses for executive decision-making boards
- Forge strategic partnerships with academic institutions (MIT, Stanford) and innovation labs to access cutting-edge research
- Drive organizational adoption of future-proofing methodologies across R&D, marketing, and operations
- Represent the company at Davos, CES, and other premier foresight forums as a keynote thought leader
- Manage a $5M innovation portfolio with ROI tracking and KPI alignment
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Futures Studies, Systems Thinking, or related field (PhD preferred)
- Minimum 7 years in strategic foresight, innovation consulting, or R&D leadership at Fortune 500 companies
- Published thought leadership on emerging tech trends (AI, biotech, climate tech) in peer-reviewed journals
- Expertise in horizon scanning, scenario planning, and trend analysis methodologies
- Proven track record of translating foresight into commercialized products or market strategies
- Strong network with futurists, VCs, and academic researchers in Silicon Valley and Austin ecosystems
- Certification in Futures Thinking (e.g., from Institute of the Future) or equivalent expertise