Vacancy Announcement: DIRECTOR, ACCELERATOR SERVICES
OVERVIEW
The Innovate Washington Foundation (IWF) is a nonprofit economic development organization committed to increasing the economic impact of innovation and technology throughout the state of Washington, in all industries and economic sectors.
IWF focuses on designing and implementing programs that directly impact Washington and Pacific Northwest companies, research institutions and entrepreneurs through our mission of making Washington the best place to develop innovative ideas and launch innovative companies.
The Director, Accelerator Services supports the IWF mission by leading the system of services and programs focused on start-up and high growth technology company acceleration, product commercialization and entrepreneur support. In support of these areas, the Director will design and execute strategies that ensure statewide access to IWF Accelerator Services, including business consultants, executive entrepreneurs, grant programs, targeted loan funds and access to investment capital. The Director will manage ongoing evaluation of current services, and identify new services that could be developed to maximize IWFs impact on Washington’s innovation economy. This position is accountable for measuring and reporting the results of the Accelerator Services Group (ASG) in terms of balanced return on investment.
It is expected that the Director will have deep experience with leading self-managed and consultative teams in the technology sector. The incumbent will have private sector experience including providing assistance in product development, market assessment, segmentation and planning, business and strategic planning, financial modeling, capitalization, sales management and organizational development. In addition, Accelerator Services projects will include technology and intellectual property assessment, assistance in preparing client companies for public, private or institutional financing including government grants and introductory access to equity funding sources and loan funds. Experience in energy, clean technology, aerospace, or health science sectors is a plus.
This position serves on the IWF management team and provides the leadership and entrepreneurial experience needed to help meet IWF’s mission and vision.
This position reports to the Vice President of Economic Development.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead the Accelerator Services Group (ASG) to deliver a full complement of effective services to start-up and high-growth clients.
• Define and continuously improve ASG services to meet IWF’s state-wide mission and effectively leverage public investments in technology focused economic development.
• Recruit, develop and lead ASG staff. Establish and maintain processes for open communication, group collaboration, and apply coaching principles to foster an environment of creativity, teamwork, and accountability.
• Develop and implement systems to track and manage ASG client-defined milestones in support of delivering on client support contracts and within a project based “scope, schedule and budget” framework.
• Oversee development and coordination of the ASG client intake/review process to evaluate the commercialization potential of client applicants and their proposals. Negotiate agreements with clients for ASG services.
• Stay engaged with IWF clients’ long-term business performance to measure outcomes and return on investment attributed to IWF services as well as to identify opportunities to provide additional assistance through ASG services if requested by the client.
• Facilitate, and develop relationships within the existing state-wide network of professional service providers, investment community, and economic development organizations to assist clients secure relevant assistance not provided through IWF.
• Advance the IWF mission through community outreach, active collaboration, and engagement with external constituents and partners statewide.
• Develop recruitment strategies for, and integration of, Executive Entrepreneurs. Manage Executive Entrepreneurs’ contracts and associated performance- based deliverables.
• Other duties as assigned.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Discernment/Judgment
Makes decisions authoritatively and wisely, after adequately contemplating various available courses of action.
Drive for Results
Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.
Initiative
Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.
Innovation
Applies original thinking in approach to job responsibilities and to improve processes, methods, systems, or services.
Organizational Understanding
Understands agendas and perspectives of others, recognizing and effectively balancing the interests and needs of one's own group with those of the broader organization.
Coaching
Works to improve and reinforce performance of others. Facilitates their skill development by providing clear, behaviorally specific performance feedback, and making or eliciting specific suggestions for improvement in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem.
Collaborative Leadership
Promotes and generates cooperation among one's peers in leadership to achieve a collective outcome; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participates in creating a unified leadership team that get results.
Influence
Asserts own ideas and persuades others, gaining support and commitment from others; mobilizes people to take action, using creative approaches to motivate others to meet organization goals.
Team Leadership
Willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties; works cooperatively with others to accomplish organization objectives.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director, Accelerator Services manages a geographically distributed staff, as well as various independent contractors and interns.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:
• Education credentials demonstrated by the equivalent of a master’s degree in business, science or engineering or a combination of degrees in these fields.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience managing complex projects within, or as a consultant to, technology-based businesses.
• At least five (3) years of experience in a start-up or high growth enterprise.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory leadership experience.
Required Skills / Experience:
• Demonstrated technical skills with a strong combination of innovation, commercialization, engineering, new product development, business administration and entrepreneurship skills.
• Demonstrated success leading in a team environment and facilitating effective communication across a broad base of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated team building and management skills.
• Demonstrated experience with developing and implementing business, strategic, financial, marketing and communications plans.
• Strong computer literacy, including: competency with Microsoft Office applications in a Windows environment; competency with the Internet as a business tool; prior experience with customer relationship management systems and software.
• Demonstrated ability to work in an environment where confidentiality is required.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated excellent public speaking ability.
Preferred Qualification and Attributes:
• Previous profit and Loss accountability in a high growth technology-based business.
• Experience with technology assessment, market and business development, contract negotiation processes and techniques, and commercialization processes.
• Entrepreneurial experience is highly desirable, specifically that related to building successful technology based businesses intent upon bringing new products to the market place. Lessons learned from unsuccessful entrepreneurial endeavors are also a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to energetically and effectively execute a volume of varying tasks under deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the patent process, including experience working with legal experts for patenting and licensing of technology, and the practices surrounding the protection of all forms of intellectual property.
• Experience with at least two stages of technology company equity financing; experience with debt financing.
• Experience as a participant in the development of successful grant proposals to include subsequent grant execution, performance, and reporting.
• Significant leadership and management experience including supervision of individuals and teams in dynamic organizational environments. Experience managing and coaching high performing teams; experience with Agile is very desirable.
• Expertise in the development and maintenance of effective multi-organization partnerships.
• Outstanding customer service attitude, commitment, personality and approach.
• Keen ability to both hold “the big picture” and simultaneously ensure the execution of the many details involved in a high-growth company environment.
Equivalent education / experience may substitute for all required qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license / certification / registration.
How to Apply
The position is open until filled. The first review of compiled applications will take place 03/19/12. Application materials should identify skills and experience as they relate to the duties and responsibilities of the position, and to the stated required and desirable qualifications.
Applicants should send a cover letter, current resume, and the names, addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses of three professional references to:
Innovate Washington Foundation
Accelerator Services Vacancy Announcement
Attention: Diane Wick
PO Box 1495
Spokane, WA 99210-1495
Learn More about Innovate Washington Foundation at: www.innovatewashington.org
The Innovate Washington Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer with a policy of equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam.
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