Job Description
Join NextGen Horizons at the forefront of tomorrow's transformation. We're seeking a visionary 2026 Innovation Futurist to architect the future landscape of emerging technologies and societal shifts. This pivotal role demands strategic foresight to position our organization as a leader in the rapidly evolving post-2025 digital economy. You'll collaborate with C-suite executives to develop forward-looking roadmaps, anticipate disruptive trends, and translate future insights into actionable business strategies. Our Austin headquarters offers a dynamic, future-focused environment where your expertise will directly shape the innovations that will define 2026 and beyond.
Responsibilities
- Lead horizon scanning and trend analysis for technologies impacting 2026 business landscapes
- Develop strategic foresight frameworks to identify emerging opportunities and threats
- Partner with R&D teams to prototype future-proof solutions
- Deliver executive-level briefings on future market shifts and competitive positioning
- Establish innovation pipelines aligned with 2026 societal and technological projections
- Design scenario-planning models for potential 2026 global disruptions
- Drive cross-functional initiatives to embed future-readiness across all departments
Qualifications
- 10+ years in strategic foresight, innovation consulting, or future planning roles
- Expertise in emerging technologies (AI, quantum computing, biotech, Web3)
- Proven track record of translating future insights into commercial strategies
- Advanced degree in Futures Studies, Technology Strategy, or related field
- Deep understanding of geopolitical and socioeconomic trends through 2030
- Exceptional data visualization and scenario modeling skills
- Experience leading cross-organizational innovation initiatives
- Certification in Foresight or Innovation Management preferred