Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

SALARY

$93,888.90 - $117,361.13

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship this position will help foster growth of Arlington’s existing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and coordinate with City of Arlington partners on establishing Arlington as a major national hub for corporate innovation centers and research and development hubs, venture capitalists, high growth high tech firms, and as a smart city This role will focus on attracting and retaining high-growth companies, fostering partnerships, and building a dynamic environment that encourages new ventures and innovative industries.

Qualifying Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public or business administration, economic development, entrepreneurship, urban and regional studies, or in a closely related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in economic development., entrepreneurship, small business support, or innovation

• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of CRM Software programs (HubSpot, Salesforce, etc.).

• Knowledge of attracting tech firms and building innovation ecosystems.

• Knowledge of successful regional innovation centers, innovation hubs, accelerators, incubators, and technology commercialization programs, including the creation and management/operations.

• Knowledge of competitive Tier 1/Tier 2 tech markets and major tech companies, unicorns, and gazelles.

• Knowledge of financial tools available on a local, state, and national level that benefit a company or EDC.

• Proficiency in "talking tech"; shares the same vernacular of tech leaders, investors, and startups.

• Skill in strategic planning with the ability to understand the big picture and align priorities.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience leading or managing technology- or innovation- led economic development projects.

• Experience with technology and/or Smart City initiatives.

• Experience with entrepreneurship best practices.

• Experience utilizing economic development incentive programs.

• Graduates of the Economic Development Institute, regional entrepreneurship and/or corporate innovation institutes, or similar programs.

• Completion of the Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) or other relevant professional development courses, such as those offered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) or the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OUEDI).

• Have obtained or seeking to obtain professional certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDF) or relevant industry certifications.