California State University, Fresno Foundation

DIRECTOR – WATER, ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY (WET) CENTER

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT #23-496

POSITION SUMMARY:

Full-time, benefited position with the Water, Energy and Technology (WET) Center through the California State University, Fresno Foundation. The WET Center helps ventures grow healthy businesses starting from innovative ideas to commercially viable products and services. Since 2007, we have supported water, energy and agricultural technology entrepreneurs through programs and services developed by our experienced team, with the assistance of a diverse network of industry and academic professionals. The passion of our ventures, combined with a dedicated staff and a network of technical and business expertise, makes for exciting commercialization journeys – and successful ones. The WET Center includes office space for rent, informal and formal meeting space, and plug-and-play space. It can serve as a soft-landing spot for companies looking to establish a presence in California’s Central Valley, through the BlueTechValleyprograms. The WET Center is closely aligned with Fresno State’s Center for Irrigation Technology.

The Director of the Water, Energy and Technology Center will lead the Center’s effort in growing and managing an innovative ecosystem that supports and nurtures water, energy, and agricultural startups. The role requires a visionary and experienced leader with a strong background in innovation and entrepreneurship. The Director of the Water, Energy and Technology Center will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that support the growth of startups, securing grant funding, fostering partnerships, creating programs that enhance our ecosystem, and managing a team of program managers and administrative staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB

FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Associate Vice President, California Water Institute, the WET Center Director will be responsible for the following typical duties including, but not limited to:

· Develop and implement strategies to support the growth of startups.

· Work closely with leadership, staff, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize the Center’s focus areas.

· Develop and implement strategies to attract and retain startups and maintain oversight over the metrics to measure the success of the Center’s efforts and impact.

· Develop and manage the Center’s budget and ensure that proposals and initiatives are financially sustainable.

· Evaluate and analyze data to identify improvement areas and gather information to support strategic decision-making.

· Establish partnerships with industry, academia, government, and investors to create a robust innovation ecosystem.

o Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including industry partners, academia, funding agencies, community-based organizations, and more.

o Create and implement initiatives that foster collaboration and networking opportunities.

· Create and implement programs and services that support startups growth:

o Develop and implement programs and services that support the growth of startups, including mentoring, acceleration, technical assistance, and more.

o Work closely with staff and startups to understand the startup’s needs and provide tailored support.

· Identify and evaluate emerging trends and technologies in the innovation space:

o Stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies in the innovation space.

o Use this knowledge to inform the development of new opportunities, programs, partnerships, and services.

· Secure grant funding to support the Center’s programs and initiatives:

o Research and identify grant opportunities that align with the Center’s mission and vision.

o Develop grant proposals and manage grant awards, including fiscal oversight, and ensure grant deliverables and products are completed on time and with a high level of quality.

o Oversee reporting and communication with funding agencies.

· Lead and manage a team of employees:

o Recruit, hire, and train program managers and administrative staff

o Provide guidance and support to staff to ensure they are effectively implementing programs and initiatives.

· Represent the Center in external meetings and events:

o Attend external meetings and events to promote the WET Center’s mission and vision, programs, and impact.

o Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required:

· Master’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, or a related field. A candidate with a Bachelor’s degree and several years of relevant and transferrable experience will be considered.

· Minimum five years of experience in people management, program, and partnership development.

· Experience in startup development, innovation management, and/or technology transfer

· Knowledge of the startup ecosystem, including funding sources, accelerators, and incubators.

· Demonstrated experience in securing and managing grant funding.

· Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with industry, academia, government and investors.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

· Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.

· Comfortable presenting at larger public events and strong presentation skills.

· Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

· Strong leadership and team management skills.

· Highly proficient in project planning, budgeting, and oversight

· Valid Driver’s License in good standing and a safe driving record as driving may be a requirement of this position.

Preferred:

• Knowledge of ag tech, energy, and/or water sector preferred.
• Educational background (or relevant training) in agriculture, science, engineering, or STEM related field.

COMPENSATION:

$6,200.00 - $8,000.00 per month, DOE. Salary will be commensurate and competitive with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health, dental, vision, life and 401(k), vacation, sick, and holiday pay.

DEADLINE:

Application review begins July 7, 2023; open until filled.

TO APPLY:

Please visit the Auxiliary Human Resources page at https://auxiliary.fresnostate.edu/association/hr/employment-opportunities.html for job announcement and application. Applications may be mailed, emailed, faxed or delivered in person to:

California State University, Fresno

Auxiliary Human Resources

2771 E. Shaw Ave. (there is no suite number)

Fresno, CA 93710 Fax: (559) 278-0988

E-mail completed application & resume to: HRAUX@ LISTSERV.csufresno.edu

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED WITHOUT A COMPLETED APPLICATION

California State University, Fresno is a smoke free campus. For more information, please click http://fresnostate.edu/adminserv/smokefree/index.html

Employment for this position is by the California State University, Fresno Foundation. This is not a State of California position.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/ADA EMPLOYER

California State University, Fresno Auxiliary Services is proud to be part of the Fresno State community. As part of the campus community, Auxiliary Services follows the CSU policy that requires all faculty, staff and students who are accessing campus facilities at any university location to be immunized (fully vaccinated) against the virus that causes COVID-19. The policy does allow for medical or religious exemption from the immunization requirement. Auxiliary Services requires all of its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a medical or religious exemption and any appropriate backup documentation. Fully vaccinated is defined as having received the dose at least 14 days prior to being on boarded, if selected. Current and new employees are required to adhere to this policy by September 30, 2021 and remain in adherence after that date.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $6,200.00 - $8,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
California State University, Fresno Auxiliary Services is proud to be part of the Fresno State community. As part of the campus community, Auxiliary Services follows the CSU policy that requires all faculty, staff and students who are accessing campus faci

Work Location: In person