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Startup Ecosystem Director

State of Wisconsin

Madison (WI)

Remote

USD 72,000 - 91,000

Full time

30+ days ago

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Job summary

The Startup Ecosystem Director at the State of Wisconsin will drive initiatives to support high-growth startups and enhance the state's innovation ecosystem. This role involves program management, strategic partnerships, and leadership in various initiatives aimed at developing a robust entrepreneurial environment in Wisconsin.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 7 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, or related field.
  • Familiarity with federal and peer-state programs.
  • Experience working with high technology companies.

Responsibilities

  • Design, launch, and manage entrepreneurship-focused programs.
  • Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships.
  • Develop and lead startup attraction strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills
Leadership
Partnership development
Project management
Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Job description

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Introduction

WEDC is a Wisconsin-based organization, with a remote-work first environment. Remote work is intended to be performed in the State of Wisconsin.

Position Summary

The Startup Ecosystem Director is responsible for developing, refining and implementing programs and policies that increase high-growth startups and expand and mature the innovation ecosystem in the State of Wisconsin. The position plays a critical leadership role in shaping and strengthening Wisconsin’s innovation economy and is responsible for designing and delivering programs, partnerships, and strategic initiatives that accelerate the development of high-growth startups, build ecosystem density, and position Wisconsin as a premier destination for entrepreneurial growth. Working at the intersection of government, private sector, higher education, and community partners, the Director leads efforts to increase the number of scalable startups, enhance connectedness across regions and sectors, and cultivate an inclusive, resilient startup ecosystem that reflects the full potential of Wisconsin’s people, places, and industries. This position participates in program and project development, public outreach, disseminates program information and is an active leader in project-related work groups and committees in the organization. The position will have additional responsibilities of supervising the activities of the Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Programs Manager including application process, CRM account accuracy, customer communications, annual reporting and verifications, sponsorship activities and overall performance monitoring.

Salary Information

$72,200.00 - $90,300.00 Annually

Job Details

The Startup Ecosystem Director will spend a majority of their time in these activities:

Program Leadership and Management

  • Design, launch, and manage entrepreneurship-focused programs that support high-growth startups and emerging founders across Wisconsin.
  • Lead initiatives aimed at ecosystem development, including accelerator support, founder pipelines, investor engagement, and talent connectivity.
  • Oversee grantmaking, technical assistance, and performance tracking for ecosystem-building partners and programs.
  • Lead analysis of venture program data, trends and outcomes; prepare and disseminate reports on program outcomes for a broad audience including WEDC board, State legislature, and industry professionals

Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships

  • Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with venture capital firms, universities, corporations, national accelerators, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
  • Identify and advance opportunities to attract and retain high-growth startups through targeted campaigns, partnerships, or regional collaborations.
  • Collaborate with other state agencies and local development organizations to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into statewide economic development plans.

Startup Attraction

  • Develop and lead domestic and global startup attraction strategies to bring new, high-potential ventures to Wisconsin.
  • Build and manage partnerships with accelerators, regional and global investment associations, and technology-based economic development organizations to identify and recruit diverse startup teams.

Ecosystem Development and Thought Leadership

  • Map, track, and assess the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to identify gaps, strengths, and emerging opportunities.
  • Develop and share insights on trends affecting startup growth, innovation policy, venture capital, and ecosystem performance.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Human Ecology, Nonprofit Leadership, Public Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline — or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, venture capital, commercialization and technology transfer, startup programs, or related field.
  • Proven success in program management and ecosystem building, with a strong track record of supporting high-growth startups.
  • Familiarity with federal and peer-state programs focused on ecosystem development and support, entrepreneurial ecosystems, startup life cycles, and innovation funding models (e.g., angel, venture, federal SBIR/STTR).
  • Experience working with high technology companies, especially in the biotechnology, software, medical device, advanced manufacturing, material science, green/clean tech, and communications fields. Leading to Strong understanding of organizational strategies and development timeline for high tech and emerging growth companies.

Skills And Talents

  • Ability to conduct investment due diligence.
  • Ability to manage and lead a productive and engaged team
  • Deep understanding of financing mechanisms including equity investments, private placements, convertible notes and securities regulations.
  • Quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong leadership, partnership development, and cross-sector collaboration skills.
  • Ability to source and execute business deals.
  • High energy, enthusiastic, quick to response to requests and opportunities.
  • Strong project management skills
  • PC applications and systems including word processing, spreadsheet, database management and Windows software.
  • Demonstrated ability to partner and influence at all levels in the business and to be viewed as a credible, valuable source of information and integral part of management team.

How To Apply

Applicants for this position must apply online at WEDC website. Questions may be directed to recruiting@wedc.org.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Seniority level
  • Seniority level
    Director
Employment type
  • Employment type
    Full-time
Job function
  • Job function
    Other
  • Industries
    Government Administration

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