Director, Koffman Southern Tier Incubator - Binghamton University

Budget Title: Director (SL-6)

Salary: $145,000 - $150,000

The Koffman Southern Tier Incubator is a 501 c(3) organization, an affiliate of the Binghamton University Foundation and supported by Binghamton University. It serves as a hub for startup activity within the Southern Tier and beyond, while offering 35,000 square feet of co-working spaces, offices, high-tech laboratories and common areas that encourage collaboration between startup companies. Every inch of the building has been thoughtfully designed to provide working spaces that inspire individuals and companies to create and develop innovative products and ideas. The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships oversees the facility and its cohort of in-house programs, providing participants with the tools to take their businesses to the next level. The incubator's space and programming are open to students and community members.

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Partnerships, with a fiduciary responsibility to the Koffman Board of Directors, the Director will lead and grow one of Upstate New York's premier small business and startup incubators. They will be a dynamic and visionary leader who has a mission driven approach in leading an organization.

The ideal candidate will have a background in entrepreneurship, investment management, and program development, with a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem. This position is responsible for driving strategic initiatives, securing external funding through sponsorships and grants, and building strong partnerships to support the growth of entrepreneurs and small businesses in the region. Our incubator supports early-stage startups by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and structured accelerator programs. We empower students, faculty, and community entrepreneurs with the resources, networks, and expertise needed to launch and scale successful ventures.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the university incubator, aligning with institutional goals.
• Design, implement, and manage incubation and accelerator programs tailored to student, faculty, and community entrepreneurs.
• Oversee investment activities, including due diligence, portfolio management, and university-affiliated venture funds.
• Identify and support high-potential startups, providing mentorship and strategic guidance on business growth, fundraising, and market entry.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with academic departments, research centers, and external stakeholders.
• Track startup performance, measure impact, and report key metrics to university leadership.
• Manage program budgets and secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with academic departments, research centers, and external stakeholders.
• Represent the incubator to key stakeholders including sponsors, funders, community leaders, and university partners.
• Cultivate and secure sponsorships and financial support from corporations, local businesses, and regional stakeholders.
• Build relationships with angel investors, venture capital firms, and alternative funding sources to support incubator members.
• Provide fundraising support and guidance to entrepreneurs preparing for investment, grant applications, and other financing and capital raising efforts.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive community that supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to match organizational needs with available funding opportunities and draft compelling proposals.
• Proven financial acumen.
• Must be proficient in developing, monitoring, and reporting on budgets to ensure compliance with funding requirements and organizational goals.
• Ability to delegate effectively and manage multiple direct reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to stakeholders, funders, and team members.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Knowledge of startup funding mechanisms, including grants, equity financing, and venture capital.
• Effective leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyze business models and provide actionable strategic advice.
• Familiarity with university technology transfer, commercialization, and innovation ecosystems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.
• Familiarity with funding opportunities from agencies such as EDA, SBA, NYSERDA, or Empire State Development.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Non-Profit Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Engineering, or a related field
• At least seven years of experience in startup incubation, venture capital, investment management, or university-based entrepreneurship programs
• Experience in identifying, researching, and securing grant funding from public and private sources
• Minimum of three years managing departmental or programmatic budgets
• Experience in developing strategic initiatives
• Experience supervising/mentoring staff, including performance evaluation, professional development planning, and team-building
• Proven track record of working with startups, investors, and corporate innovation programs
• Experience in designing and executing structured startup support and mentorship programs

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business, Non-Profit Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Engineering, or a related field
• Experience in startup financing, financial modeling, fundraising, investment readiness processes and technology commercialization
• Experience working in a business incubator, accelerator, or nonprofit entrepreneurial support organization
• Experience as a startup founder, investor, or mentor

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Offers of employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and verification of degree(s) and credentials.

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