MD, Water Tech Accelerator — Non-Dilutive Funding

gener8tor; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

gener8tor seeks a Managing Director to lead the Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator in Chicago, directing early-stage water tech startups with non-dilutive NOAA funding. You will recruit, mentor, and invest in portfolio companies while cultivating partnerships with federal agencies and regional ecosystem partners.

The role requires deep sector knowledge, fundraising acumen, and the ability to work across a wide network, reporting to the Senior Managing Director of Sustainability.

Qualifications

• Experience in water/ocean/environmental sectors.
• Experience as founder or employee in a venture-backed company.
• Capital-intensive hardware experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and external relationships.
• Experience with federally funded programs preferred.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Recruit startup applicants and lead due diligence for three cohorts of five startups per year.
• Develop relationships with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.
• Act as lead mentor and provide coaching on financial modeling, GTM strategy, fundraising positioning, and deck development.
• Monitor startup progress post-program.
• Engage with NOAA partners and ecosystem stakeholders as gener8tor’s face in the Great Lakes water community.

Skills

Water/ocean tech experience

Venture capital familiarity

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Travel flexibility

Job description

gener8tor seeks a Managing Director to lead the Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator in Chicago, directing early-stage water tech startups with non-dilutive NOAA funding. You will recruit, mentor, and invest in portfolio companies while cultivating partnerships with federal agencies and regional ecosystem partners.

The role requires deep sector knowledge, fundraising acumen, and the ability to work across a wide network, reporting to the Senior Managing Director of Sustainability.