Temporary Program Director, Entrepreneurial and Regional Ecosystems

The Temporary Program Director of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems will provide the Senior Director for Programs with advice and support on a range of critical path program priorities underway within the Entrepreneur ecosystem, tech hubs programs, and other priorities of the Innovation Institute to support and execute an entrepreneur-led economic development strategy for MassTech that strengthens conditions for entrepreneurship and supports new business formation and growth among tech and innovation firms in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Temporary Program Director will Working cooperatively with key stakeholders and colleagues within the Innovation Institute and across MassTech to support implementation of recommendations derived from this work. The Temporary Program Director will serve as the organization lead for entrepreneurship: and will be responsible for capturing and sharing best practices on entrepreneurial support programs across divisions and serves as cross-division subject matter expert and advisor on MassTech entrepreneurial support and program activities.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Programs, the Temporary Program Director of Entrepreneurial and Regional Ecosystems will be responsible for ensuring progress on sample work streams listed below:

Provide lead support for the evolution of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems in Massachusetts; Promote tech-based entrepreneurship within key innovation sectors in the Massachusetts economy; Promote and administer MassTech’s Mentorship Grant Program

• Provide lead support for the implementation of the Massachusetts Tech Hubs program and other similarly related regional ecosystem support initiatives.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the ability to:

Promote & facilitate tech based entrepreneurship and regional development within key innovation sectors such as robotics, AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and fintech, as well as in priority innovation sectors such as digital health, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity; Promote, manage and develop MassTech’s Mentorship Grant Fund and the Massachusetts Tech Hubs Fund in an effective, strategic and supportive manner; Serve as the connective tissue between startup communities both across and beyond the Commonwealth to elevate entrepreneurial opportunities and bring together public resources with private investment; Communicate the status and effectiveness of program work through oral, written and power point presentation; Evaluate results for the purpose of process improvements and improved outcomes with future economic development activities. KEY OBJECTIVES Work closely to advise and support the Senior Director for Programs to implement the “TechHub” designation program intended to recognize the growth potential for emerging technology and innovation ecosystems in regions across the Commonwealth. Facilitate and support advisory group(s) of startup founders and ecosystem builders from across Massachusetts to address fragmentation among startup communities and advise on ways the Commonwealth can best support entrepreneurial efforts Map, explore, and understand the unique regional startup communities across the Commonwealth to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities Coordinate strategies for uniquely and effectively communicating the status of the ecosystem, examples include, but are not limited to, an entrepreneurial asset map, entrepreneurial success stories, and a curated list of Massachusetts’ entrepreneur support organizations, business assistance programs, startup resources, and startup community events. Identify approaches to document and share best practices for engagement within entrepreneurial ecosystems. Lead efforts that democratize entrepreneurship through the facilitation of accessible networks that connect aspiring entrepreneurs and existing startup founders and employees with each other, mentors, events, and resources across the ecosystem. Cultivate new pipelines of entrepreneurial talent by partnering with entrepreneur support organizations, educators, and workforce development officials to spark entrepreneurial mindsets among underserved populations including minorities, youth, mid-career adults and retirees seeking new opportunities, and intrapreneurs. Assess and implement pilot/experimental economic development projects that provide opportunities to support regional growth in priority technology sectors and industry clusters. Responsible for supporting grant awards to third party intermediary organizations working to support ecosystem development. This includes the evaluation and summary of grant proposals; drafting materials for Board level and/or third party review; developing scopes of work; and ongoing management and review of investments. Periodically design and oversee select workshop, conference, target challenges as well as other strategic and business development activities. Assume direct responsibility and accountability for the quality of communications and supporting work documents. Work with other departments within MassTech, such as Legal, Finance and Administration, and Human Resources, in order to process documents and paper work in a timely and professional manner. Experience Five years +of experience leading/managing initiatives involving genuine collaboration between industry, academia and government. Five years’ +experience managing projects that involve data collection, analysis and presentation. Previous research or project management experience in an academic/non-profit/public sector organization and/or relevant research or project management experience with entrepreneurship based economic development, or applicable investment analysis in venture capital or similar private investment organizations. Demonstrated ability to design and manage complex projects to successful completion Demonstrated ability to work independently, to establish priorities, multi-task, and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Demonstrated ability to listen to stakeholders, understand complex issues, and design and deliver creative solutions Evidence of taking personal responsibility for providing detailed management and coordination of an initiative in which control and ownership of agendas, commitments, outcomes and communications is shared across many organizations/institutions. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to provide superior management and execution for complex projects/initiatives Demonstrated ability to coordinate, organize, support and execute collaborative efforts across diverse constituencies. Ability to utilize software applications/tools as a means for enhancing communication, improving productivity and enabling broad stakeholder participation. Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills; demonstrated ability and confidence to interact in executive level communications in business, government and academia. ** This position requires candidates to be able to work at our Westborough, Massachusetts office at least two days per week. This is not a fully remote position. ** MassTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. MassTech offers a hybrid work schedule and a competitive total rewards package.