Dir, FastForward Innovation & Programming (Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures)

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University is seeking a Director for FastForward Innovation & Programming in Baltimore, Maryland. This role requires strategic leadership for the Open Ecosystem Track and oversight of entrepreneurship initiatives for students and the community.

The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree, extensive experience in management, and a strong ability to build partnerships within innovation ecosystems. Responsibilities include program development, team management, and ensuring inclusive participation across diverse communities.

Join us in fostering the success of innovators and entrepreneurs at JHU.

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressive management experience in venture or business development.
• U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident required due to Federal Export Controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy, operations, and programming for FastForward's Open Ecosystem Track.
• Oversee student, alumni and community entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Manage team supporting Open Ecosystem Track programming.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Program development

Team management

Partnership building

Budget management

Education

Advanced Degree (PhD, MD or equivalent)

Job description

FastForward Overview

FastForward is a coordinated suite of resources designed to efficiently move technologies from startup to marketplace. Part of Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), FastForward serves as a catalyst for the advancement and commercialization of an array of innovations that are derived both at the University and from collaborative projects elsewhere. The goal of FastForward is to help early ventures increase the probability of realizing their potential and bring innovation and life-changing technologies to market.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Director, FastForward Innovation & Programming. Reporting to the Sr. Director, FastForward, the Director leads all strategy, operations, and programming for FastForward's Open Ecosystem Track, and oversees student, alumni and community entrepreneurship initiatives. FastForward operates a two-track model: the Open Ecosystem Track (available to all Hopkins innovators) and the Studio Track (selective, embedded support for highest-potential ventures). This role owns the Open Ecosystem Track, ensuring that all innovators have access to foundational programming and resources that prepare them for commercial success.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Open Ecosystem Track Programming

• Serve as the strategic and operational lead for all Open Ecosystem Track offerings, ensuring that all Hopkins innovators can access high-quality foundational support.
• Oversee education programs including I-Corps, HEXcite, VMP, Idea to Industry, early-stage workshops, and ecosystem events.
• Manage structured office hours covering regulatory pathways, legal, pitch deck development, and financial modeling.
• Maintain vendor and service-provider database accessible to portfolio companies.
• Coordinate with Capital Strategy team to connect entrepreneurs to appropriate funding sources.
• Develop and deliver high-impact programming, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities that support venture creation, growth, and commercialization.
• Improve online resources, onboarding materials, and guidance tools to help innovators understand pathways and available support.

Student Entrepreneurship & Pava Center Leadership

• Lead all strategy, operations, and programming for student, alumni and community entrepreneurship at the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship.
• Coordinate across campus, JHTV/FastForward, student groups, Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), the Baltimore community, and networks of alumni, sponsors, mentors, and partners.
• Guide student and venture teams by providing business insight, structured support, and access to coordinated resources.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and thought partner on student, alumni and community entrepreneurship, advising on programs, policies, and practices that strengthen the innovation pipeline.
• Identify, pilot, and scale new initiatives that enhance venture outcomes and expand participation across disciplines and campuses.
• Support recruitment for Pava Center internship opportunities.

Ecosystem Partnerships, Events & Portfolio Engagement

• Lead a team that designs and executes a calendar of ecosystem events that strengthen startup community, support early founders, and create touchpoints for investors, mentors, and industry partners.
• Strengthen partnerships across Baltimore, Maryland, and national innovation networks.
• Represent FastForward and JHTV externally as a visible leader in the regional and national startup ecosystem.
• Build and steward a coordinated network of mentors, advisers, investors, and alumni.
• Leverage relationships with peer institutions and ecosystem partners to bring best practices and new opportunities to JHU innovators.
• Collaborate with Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) to cultivate philanthropic support and deepen alumni engagement in entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships with faculty, departments, and student organizations to embed entrepreneurship more fully across the university.

Team Leadership & Resource Stewardship

• Lead, develop, and manage teams supporting Open Ecosystem Track programming, and student, alumni and community entrepreneurship, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture aligned with JHTV values and goals.
• Manage staff supporting universal programming (I-Corps, HEXcite, VMP, ecosystem operations).
• Align team roles and priorities with broader JHTV initiatives, ensuring effective coordination and shared accountability for outcomes.
• Oversee budget planning and financial management, ensuring responsible allocation of resources in support of strategic priorities.
• Direct marketing and outreach efforts in partnership with JHTV communications leadership to ensure consistent messaging and strong visibility across audiences.

Performance Management & Strategic Integration

• Track, analyze, and report on key performance metrics for Open Ecosystem Track participation, facility utilization, and venture progress.
• Ensure programs are inclusive and accessible, with intentional efforts to expand participation across diverse student and founder populations.
• Operate as a core member of the JHTV ecosystem, ensuring strong alignment across venture development, mentorship, funding, and commercialization efforts.
• Partner across JHTV and FastForward teams to align programming, funding pathways, mentor engagement, and support services.
• Steward relationships, partnerships, and resources in a way that strengthens the overall JHTV ecosystem and enhances outcomes for innovators.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced Degree (PhD, MD or equivalent).
• Seven years of progressive management experience in venture or business development.
• U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident required due to Federal Export Controls.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience and additional related experience may substitute for required education beyond a high school diploma/graduation equivalent, to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education administration, student programs, or innovation ecosystems.
• Experience working with startups and strong ecosystem-building instincts.
• Demonstrated ability to design programs and infrastructure that serve large, diverse faculty and founder communities.
• Experience managing multi-site operations or facilities.
• Track record of successful partnership development and fundraising.