Associate Director, Startup Programs & Tech Incubation

JOB TITLE

Associate Director, Startup Programs & Tech Incubation

LOCATION

Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME

Technology Commercialization

DIVISION NAME

Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Associate Director for Startup Programs and Tech Incubation works with WPI faculty inventors to assist in identifying the potential for new start-ups and provides assistance for the startups' development. Meets informally and formally with incubator companies on a regular basis to support their successful development. Providing technical assistance, access to shared facilities, and counseling in business operations and strategy. Acts as a link between faculty inventors and the business world, providing support with strategic planning, problem-solving, fund-raising and opportunity assessment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the incubator program.

• Collaborate with key WPI stakeholders to establish and optimize the incubator operating processes including recruitment, operations, program management and budget.

• Evaluate and select promising manufacturing startups to participate in the incubator program based on established criteria.

• Work with incubator companies to help assess their equipment needs, connecting them to appropriate WPI or external facilities.

• Provide mentorship and strategic guidance to the incubated startups, assisting them in refining their business models, manufacturing processes, and operational strategies.

• Foster a supportive and collaborative environment within the incubator, encouraging knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities among startup founders.

• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners of the program.

• Measure and report key indicators regarding the performance and impact of the incubator program.

• Connect startups with relevant industry experts, investors, and potential customers to facilitate their growth and access to resources.

• Conduct regular progress reviews and assessments of each startup's performance, offering constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement.

• Monitor and track the incubator's overall performance metrics, such as startup success rate, funding raised, and job creation.

• Cultivate relationships with strategic partners, industry associations, and governmental organizations to strengthen the incubator's network and access to resources.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM related field of study required.

• Master's degree in in a closely related field of study preferred.

• Three (3) to five (5) years of related experience with professional-level program management experience

• Five (5) to eight (8) years of related experience preferred.

Please include a cover letter with a resume for consideration.

FLSA STATUS

United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively seeks to increase the diversity of its workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.