Ecosystem Development Director (Business Development)

Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Ecosystem Development Director (Business Development) to lead the growth and expansion of our innovative ecosystem. In this pivotal role, you will drive strategic partnerships, cultivate new business opportunities, and foster collaborative relationships that enhance our ecosystem’s value. Your energetic approach will inspire cross-functional teams and external stakeholders alike to achieve ambitious growth targets. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future landscape of our ecosystem by leveraging your expertise in business development, strategic planning, and customer engagement.

Job Description: Ecosystem Development Director

First Flight Venture Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting science-focused entrepreneurs and startups in North Carolina. We provide a vibrant incubator environment, comprehensive programming, and access to a vast network of mentors and resources to help entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses. As a catalyst for innovation and economic development, First Flight plays a crucial role in fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

The Ecosystem Development Director is responsible for cultivating sponsorship and partnership opportunities, leading and managing Signature Events like the High Flyer Awards Luncheon, and collaborating with First Flight Venture Center staff to identify speakers for our various entrepreneurial focused programs. This role requires a highly organized, detail oriented, and collaborative individual with strong project management skills. The Ecosystem Development Director is essential to advancing First Flight’s mission by securing the right blend of sponsorships, strategic connections, and engaging speakers that empower entrepreneurs and strengthen the organization.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and growing organization that is making a real difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and supports the economic development of North Carolina. If you are passionate about supporting innovation and have a proven track record of success in fundraising and project management, we encourage you to apply!

Summary:

The Ecosystem Development Director is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to ensure the sustainability of the First Flight Venture Center. This role oversees all development activities including identifying and closing sponsorship and partnership opportunities, leading and managing Signature Events such as the High Flyer Awards Luncheon, and collaborating with the First Flight team with identifying speakers for various events and programs. Additionally, the Ecosystem Development Director is responsible for cultivating strong relationships with donors, board members, and community stakeholders. This role involves business development, fundraising, thought leadership, and strategic connections to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem for the organization.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Business Development Leadership:

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies aligned with First Flight’s goals.
• Establish and build relationships with key companies, organizations, and individuals to ensure First Flight’s success.
• Identify strategic relationships beneficial to both First Flight and our entrepreneurs.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the First Flight team around fundraising best practices and strategies.
• Assist with identifying regional, state-wide, national, and global thought leadership opportunities for First Flight and our entrepreneurs.
• Assist First Flight team with identifying speakers and topics for our entrepreneurial

focused programming.

• Collaborate with marketing staff and the First Flight team to create marketing collateral and presentations.
• Leverage First Flight’s CRM to track and monitor leads, create invoices, and analyze fundraising data.
• Manage sponsorship and partnership communications in conjunction with the First Flight team.

Signature Event Management:

• Identify potential partners and sponsors for 3 Signature Events hosted by First Flight (High Flyers Awards Luncheon, March Madness, Barbecue, Brews, and Band).
• Serve as the project manager for First Flight’s Signature Events, leading the team to ensure a successful event.
• Leverage First Flight’s CRM platform to manage sponsorships, attendees, and other event details.

Other Duties as Assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business/Public Administration, Management, or a related field.
• 5 years of experience in business development or fundraising, preferably in a non-profit or entrepreneurial environment.
• Experience leading fundraising efforts.
• Strong project management skills.
• History of leading events and programs.
• Understanding of marketing and communications and its relationship with fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and problem solving.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Passion for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Must be a collaborative team player.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business Administration/Public Administration or a related field.
• Experience working in an incubator or accelerator environment.
• Familiarity with the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) framework.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Compensation includes a base plus commission

About FFVC

First Flight Venture Center is a high science, high impact science-focused business

incubator and innovation hub located in the heart of Research Triangle Park, NC.

Established in 1991, First Flight has hosted more than 400 science-focused companies,

providing strategic education, tailored resources, guidance, business connections and

office/lab space in a 25,000 sq.ft. facility. First Flight has launched businesses that have

commercialized important new science breakthroughs and disruptive technologies,

while creating thousands of jobs in North Carolina.

Mission: To propel early-staged science focused companies through the delivery of comprehensive resources and to empower innovators to transform their good ideas to great successes.

Vision: To be a global center of excellence empowering science innovators to impact positive change.

Reports To: Director of Operations

Department: Business Development

Pay: $85,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Durham, NC 27709

Salary : $85,000 - $140,000