Director of Science Entrepreneurship & Startup Growth

Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Inc; Olivette (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Danforth Center seeks a Director of Entrepreneurship to bridge science and business, coaching scientist-entrepreneurs and representing the Center with industry partners.

You will interface with the DTC incubator on budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio performance, translating research into viable commercial opportunities. This on-site role in St. Louis requires strong leadership and a network in agtech.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required; master's preferred, in Science, Agriculture, or Business Administration.
• Minimum of three years of relevant experience, ideally in agtech or crop science with startup exposure.
• Ability to travel for conferences/partner meetings as needed.

Responsibilities

• Train and coach scientist-entrepreneurs to translate science into viable ventures.
• Represent the Center externally with industry partners and the DTC incubator.
• Provide budget development, financial forecasting, and reporting support for portfolio ventures.
• Develop compelling, non-technical framing for external audiences and pitches.
• Track program metrics such as ventures launched, funding, and licensing activity.
• Collaborate with researchers and tech transfer staff to move technologies forward.

Skills

Entrepreneurship coaching

Pitch deck development

Financial forecasting

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Scientific communication

Networking

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Danforth Center seeks a Director of Entrepreneurship to bridge science and business, coaching scientist-entrepreneurs and representing the Center with industry partners.

You will interface with the DTC incubator on budgeting, forecasting, and portfolio performance, translating research into viable commercial opportunities. This on-site role in St. Louis requires strong leadership and a network in agtech.