Accelerator and Sales Director (Aerospace and Defense)

WHO WE ARE:

Plug and Play Tech Center is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations to create the most meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all corners of the world. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs join our vertical-specific accelerator programs to team up with our corporate members or receive a direct investment from Plug and Play. Plug and Play has over 45 locations across the world and our corporate members include: Daimler, Prologis, PG&E, Nissan, Volvo, BP, Walmart, Nokia, Coca Cola, Doosan Bobcat, and over 500 more. Plug and Play’s corporate members utilize Plug and Play to identify the best startups to meet their challenges. Plug and Play’s proven investment track record includes Honey, Dropbox, Lending Club, Kustomer, Einride, and many more.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We’re a diverse team with backgrounds in technology and entrepreneurship and we’re growing rapidly to deliver on our mission. We’re actively seeking an Accelerator Director to manage our innovation platform: ‘Innovation Triangle powered by Plug and Play’ in the cities of College Station & Bryan.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Team Management:

• Manage and grow three-person team (Ventures Associate, Corporate Partnership Manager, Program Manager)
• Coordinate directly with other Accelerator Directors and Plug and Play’s other relevant global accelerator programs
  
  

Sales:

• This position requires building a robust pipeline of corporate and government partners that will participate in the program.
• Manage the P&L of the new office, driving sales growth and expanding the reach of the program.
• Signing corporate partners drives revenue and delivers more value for startups that participate in the program. Candidates must possess strong passion to grow the number of partners through sales and create a world-class ‘Innovation Triangle powered by Plug and Play’ in the cities of College Station & Bryan.
• Advise corporate partners/leads on innovation strategy, knowledgeably sharing updates on recent technology innovations, industry news, and other relevant material.
  
  

Curriculum Management:

• Together with the wider Plug and Play Programs Team, put together a 12-week accelerator calendar twice a year for the upcoming cohorts of the program. Ensure the curriculum is designed for aerospace and defense startups and partners to maximize value extracted from the program.
• Working closely with the office Program Manager to identify a timeline of what each week will consist of for startups in regard to content (For example: (i.e. 1-to-1 Mentorship, Startup and Corporate Match-Making, Themed Meetups and Innovation Days)
• Keeping up-to-date with relevant industry specific issues.
  
  

Branding, Networking, and Events:

• Become the ‘face’ of ‘Innovation Triangle powered by Plug and Play’ in the cities of College Station & Bryan.
• Develop strong relationships with key innovation stakeholders across Texas and beyond, attracting them to our activities in the ‘Innovation Triangle powered by Plug and Play’ in the cities of College Station & Bryan.
• Attend tech events around the area to create brand awareness.
• Occasionally, travel to other locations to attend events (Travel 20% required mostly in the US)
• Coordinate logistics with your team to plan and execute your program events, while inviting corporate corporates to participate.
  
  

Relationship management :

• Maintain relationships with funding partners and participating stakeholders.
• Going ‘above and beyond’ to ensure partner satisfaction and ensure needs are met.
• Work with the team to collect data and deliver reporting to funding partners in a timely manner.
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience; an advanced postgraduate degree in aerospace, defense, semiconductors, or advanced manufacturing is preferred.
• 5 - 8 years of experience selling technology products (or B2B software) to corporations, or experience in corporate solutions, industry initiatives, startups, or an investment environment.
• Demonstrated intellectual curiosity and 3–5 years of relevant experience in industry initiatives, startups, or venture capital environments, with a strong passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.
  
  

Skills and Competencies:

• Proven ability to engage and manage relationships with senior executives and key stakeholders.
• Outstanding sales record and acumen, specifically selling into the US Government and defense primes
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing projects and leading teams of up to 10 people.
• Managerial experience, demonstrating an ability to drive results through a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience in public speaking is advantageous.
• Outstanding interpersonal, quantitative, and analytical skills.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Background in the military and defense contract experience.
• Active security clearance valued.
• Established knowledge and professional network within the aerospace and defense community.
• Alumni status from Texas A&M University.
• Experience in educating and engaging diverse stakeholders, including communities, corporations, governments, and non-profit organizations.