Senior Manager, Venture & Startup Ecosystem Development

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and engage high-potential startups and research teams emerging within NSF Engines
• Design the engagement plan (targets, approach/methodology, processes, metrics) to add capacity to the regions
• Connect founders and investors
• Support investor readiness through feedback on fundraising materials and pitch strategies
• In collaboration with The Engine’s Director of Partnerships, actively cultivate and manage relationships with a curated network of Seed to Series B investors (Angels, institutional VCs, corporate venture, and accelerators/incubators) with a clear mandate for tough tech
• Connect NSF Engines’ own Investor Networks to The Engine’s to create a powerful network of networks
• Manage the Translation Portfolio: Oversee all initiatives within this pillar, including co-leading the R&D/Translation Builder Group and dedicated small-group problem-solving sessions
• Leveraging The Engine’s existing investor-focused programming, develop a complementary engagement plan with NSF Engines (e.g. one-to-many topical webinars, roundtables, office hours)
• Lead strategic partnerships in the translation field and serve as the primary TBP contact for key partners (e.g. Activate, Noble Reach, Investors)
• Be a key resource for creating and deploying high-impact content, templates, and assets on this topic, and represent The Builder Platform at national events and conferences.
• Collaborate with NSF and NSF Engines on a National Investing Event
• Act as a trusted partner and representative for The Builder Platform with critical stakeholders.
• Serve as the lead point of contact (“Navigator”) for a portfolio of three Cohort 1 Engines, actively managing relationships through regular check-ins with their CEOs and facilitating essential connections.
• Participate in key meetings with NSF Leadership as a leading contributor, providing insight and data on the progress and needs of the Engines.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to startup growth, including investor meetings, customer pilot conversions, partnership deal flow, and successful funding rounds.
• Input to Milestones reports, presentations, and other materials as needed

Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years of experience in a relevant field such as Venture Capital (VC), Startup/Startup Ecosystem, Corporate Development, Strategic Partnerships, or Business Development within a technology-focused environment. Experience with "tough tech," deep science, or highly technical B2B sectors is a significant advantage.
• Education: Bachelor's degree required. An MBA or Master's in a technical/STEM field is a plus.
• Networking Prowess: A demonstrated, existing, and high-quality professional network among early-stage investors, corporate innovation leaders, and/or industry experts.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to bridge the language gap between deep technical teams and business/financial stakeholders.
• Strategic Acumen: Proven ability to analyze complex business models and market opportunities and define the strategic steps necessary for a company to transition from lab-to-market.
• Soft Skills: Highly proactive, results-oriented, a fantastic listener, and an empathetic advocate for founders.

Why Join The Engine

• This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of a national innovation initiative. You won’t just manage a program; you will build the operating model that empowers regional economies, accelerates Tough Tech solutions, and shapes the future of the American innovation landscape. If you are motivated, mission-driven and excited by the challenge of coordinating complex stakeholders for a critical mission, we encourage you to apply.