RVA Ecosystem Director

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director

Location: Richmond, VA

Position Summary:

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director will support the expansion and growth of entrepreneurial community, in part by developing and maintaining deep and positive relationships with a variety of regional stakeholders across the private and public sectors to shape and support the evolution and growth of the region’s entrepreneurial and business economy. Additionally, this leader and the resources they will connect will serve as a guide and resource hub for entrepreneurs, helping them learn about and access the tools they need to start and grow their businesses.

The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Director is a new position formed by the 1717 Collective. The 1717 Collective is a group of entrepreneurial support organizations based in Richmond, VA. Organizations include Bridging Virginia, Startup Virginia, The Municipal Business League, JWC Foundation, and Lighthouse Labs RVA. The Director will report to a group of representatives from these organizations.

Requirements

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Infrastructure  

• Manage and expand the business support network by serving as a leader and connector among entrepreneur support organizations and, the existing initiatives within and outside of the Richmond region.
• Facilitate, organize, and manage cross-collaborations. Collaborate with stakeholders to establish and coordinate strategic goals and key initiatives.
• Design and implement new ecosystem-building initiatives and special projects throughout the region that foster connection and inclusive economic development activities.
• Implement and oversee collaborative communication strategies among ecosystem members.

Entrepreneur & Business Support 

• Assess the needs and build a system and/or a team that can serve as a central point of contact for entrepreneurs seeking guidance and resources.
• Provide detailed information on available programs, services, and funding opportunities.
• Assist entrepreneurs in navigating application processes for various resources. A strong focus will be on small and historically underserved businesses. 
• Advocate for the needs of entrepreneurs within the Greater Richmond ecosystem and provide feedback to resource providers.
• Develop and distribute informational materials such as guides, newsletters, and online resources.

System Development & Data Management:

• Use existing research and drive key benchmarking data and success metrics.
• Utilizing success metrics, develop and maintain a CRM system to track and manage entrepreneur interactions, ensuring efficient follow-ups and data collection.
• Create and maintain a comprehensive, publicly accessible resource map to guide entrepreneurs through their business journey. Or develop partnerships with existing initiatives to increase collaboration and efficiency for all stakeholders. 

Event Management & Community Engagement:  

• Lead the organization and management of regional business development and training events.
• Build a support services network to connect entrepreneurs with essential resources.
• Conduct strategic outreach events focusing on underrepresented groups.
• Collaborate with other team members to develop and implement strategies for supporting entrepreneurs.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.

What we are looking for:

Results-driven performer: 

To be successful in this role, the individual should have direct experience working in programs and initiatives that support the growth of entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development. The Director will have experience presenting and interacting with business owners, founders, large-corporate executives, entrepreneur support organizations, investors, lenders, and other service providers. Knowledge of the region's culture, business community, economic development practices, and the region’s public policy environment will be plus factors. The Director will develop and maintain authentic relationships with key organizations and individuals within the region, state, and industry-based entrepreneurial ecosystems. In addition, this individual will be a driven, hands-on professional with the following:

• Commitment to collaboration, communication, customer service, problem-solving, results measurement, and goal achievement.
• Proactive, energetic approach to building interpersonal relationships with internal and external partners.
• Experience with business development and launching and growing innovative programs, products, and/or services.
• Curiosity to understand long-term market opportunities, policy dynamics, and organizational impacts.
• Ability to align stakeholder priorities with goals, business objectives, service offerings, and organizational needs.
• Ability to drive collaboration, shared vision, and work collaboratively and closely across program teams and partners.
• Familiar experience with software tools (Salesforce, Microsoft)
• Excellent communication and listening skills working with diverse stakeholders.

Experiences and Qualifications (in addition to those above):

• Four or more years of professional experience in economic development, entrepreneurial ecosystems, business development, community relations, and/or related endeavors.
• A solid comprehension of business formation and stages of growth, management consulting, and public policy is preferred.
• Experience with economic development, business development, growth programs, and implementation processes is a plus.
• Personal characteristics must include strong verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, dedication to teamwork, and a commitment to applying emerging technologies to achieve workplace efficiencies.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience is a strong preference.
• Experience working with government-related programs.
• Solid understanding and appreciation of equal access, diversity, and inclusiveness and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated contributions to positive customer service and client relations. 
• Experience as an effective contributor in a mission-driven organization.
• Bilingual Spanish/English ability preferred.

Work Environment:

This role involves direct interaction with entrepreneurs, providing support, information, and connections to various programs, services, and funding opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Richmond, VA. To be successful in this role, the individual will be required to meet with the community and key stakeholders in person regularly, therefore this position is not eligible for remote work. The individual will have full access to the 1717 Mike Wassemar Innovation Center. 

Benefits

Compensation:

• Salary commensurate with qualifications: $80K-$90K per year.
• Healthcare is available 
• Generous PTO package