Associate Director, Accelerators and Investment

GENERAL SUMMARY: Reporting to the Senior Director of Accelerators and Investments, the Associate Director of Accelerator Program Operations serves as a key member of the Polsky Center’s Accelerator and Investments team. Responsible for the day-to-day management and operational excellence of the university’s accelerator programs, the Associate Director plays a key part in ensuring the success of accelerator cohorts by providing logistical support, organizing events, and fostering connections across the broader innovation ecosystem. This role works closely with cohort companies to identify their needs and facilitate valuable relationships with mentors, investors, faculty, and industry experts.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: This position requires a strong focus on operations, relationship building, and program management to advance the mission of the accelerator programs and the university's broader entrepreneurial goals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of accelerator and investment programs, including scheduling, logistics, and managing communications with cohort companies.
• Plan and execute events for accelerator and investment programs, such as workshops, networking sessions, and pitch days, ensuring seamless execution and impactful experiences for participants.
• Act as the primary point of contact for accelerator cohort companies, working closely with them to understand their needs and provide tailored support throughout the program.
• Build and expand the university’s ecosystem in focus areas by identifying relevant industry leaders, venture capitalists, and other external stakeholders.
• Connect cohort companies with mentors, faculty, investors, and other resources to accelerate their growth and success.
• Track and analyze key performance metrics for accelerator and investment programs, preparing reports and presentations for stakeholders to evaluate program impact and outcomes.
• Support senior director in tracking and managing program budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources while adhering to financial guidelines and objectives.
• Maintain strong relationships with alumni of accelerator and investment programs, facilitating ongoing connections and engagement with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Partner closely across internal teams, including technology development, business development, venture development, marketing, and science student programs, to align accelerator and investment program activities with Polsky goals and identify areas for collaboration.
• Identify and implement improvements to processes, programming, and operations to enhance the effectiveness of accelerator programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through a minimum of 2 years of work experience in technology commercialization, venture creation, and/or investments required.
• Experience with program management and operations and with working with internal and external stakeholders to advance commercialization activities preferred.
• Familiarity with the startup and accelerator ecosystem, including the needs of early-stage companies preferred.
• Strong program management, attention to details, and organizational skills, with experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across diverse groups preferred
• Proficiency in event planning and coordination, with a track record of executing successful events required.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and maintain focus in a dynamic environment required.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing challenges required.
• Experience working with budgets and financial management preferred.
• Knowledge of key sectors such as life sciences, AI, quantum technology, or cleantech preferred.