Executive Director
ABOUT
ABOUT 43NORTH
43North is a transformational $5 million startup competition launching its fifth competition in 2018. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, 43North has invested in and incubated 37 companies from around the globe. 43North runs multiple programs focused on building an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in Western New York through student initiatives and programs focused on diversity. The organization has
garnered a reputation for being one of the best startup competitions in the world and has helped in Buffalo’s resurgence and in positioning it as a vibrant, innovative economic center in the U.S.
To learn more about 43North, visit 43North.org.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for comprehensive implementation, management, and oversight of the 43North startup competition and its corresponding incubator space. The ED will manage day-to-day administration and execution of the 43North startup competition. This includes a period for securing application submissions; the judging or evaluation of these submissions; legal work to secure commitments from a set of finalists; and a culminating award event, to be held in October. In addition, the ED is responsible for oversight of the 43North incubator space and its ongoing operation, including regular programming centered on entrepreneurship. Further activities include the raising of sponsorship funds, which are critical to 43North’s operations. These activities include research and prospect identification, cultivation and communications strategies, proposal development, grant application writing and tracking, solicitations, donor stewardship, database management, communications and outreach activities. The ED will provide support and guidance to the marketing and public relations functions, including his/her being part of the public identity of 43North.
The ED reports to the 43North Board of Directors, while working collaboratively and maintaining clear and regular communications with Empire State Development and the office of the Governor.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administration – Implementation and management of an annual budget in excess of $7.7 million, with $5 million for awards. The administration of this budget includes hiring and management of a 13-person staff, outside consultants and contractors necessary to achieve objectives. The ED is responsible for leading all aspects of the 43North startup competition, working extensively with awardees in the legal process of securing their commitments to 43North, and providing oversight and control of the day-to-day operations of the 43North incubator.
- Sponsorship Development – The formation of strategies, tactics, planning, and ultimate implementation to secure sponsorship funding is required for 43North to achieve its annual financial objectives. This is likely to include sourcing funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations, amongst others.
- Relationship Management – The ED will be adept at managing various constituents in the process of advancing the overall objectives of 43North. This person will need to establish and foster collaborative relationships with local, regional, and national non-profits, political, governmental organizations, sponsors and other key stakeholders. Travel to promote the program will be required.
- Public Relations – The 43North ED will be comfortable in representing the organization in all different venues and with a variety of audiences. (S)he will be comfortable interacting with the press and media, serving as spokesperson for the organization. The ideal qualities of the candidate will include an open and receptive approach to collaboration with multiple stakeholder groups, along with high integrity as demonstrated through effective planning and implementation to meet mutually agreed upon goals. The individual should be flexible, while maintaining strong determination toward meeting goals and be an inspiration to others. This person will be expected to think strategically and execute effectively in a collaborative environment where results are critically important.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will be able to manage a professional organization, demonstrate fluency of the venture capital and private equity worlds, be able to overcome external obstacles inherent in managing a high-profile organization and have extensive entrepreneurial experience. (S)he will be familiar with all aspects of startups—forming, launching, and administering a high-growth company. The candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, along with program/people management, critical thinking, and communications skills. S(he) should possess a demonstrable track record of dealing with a variety of people, ideas, and business situations where individual objectives might compete, but have been brought into alignment.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
43North provides a competitive base compensation, medical/dental insurance and other benefits.
