Senior Manager, Venture & Startup Ecosystem Development

About The Engine

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and public benefit organization, The Engine supports Tough Tech founders working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in climate, health, and advanced systems. We do this through powerful founder programs, access to shared infrastructure and labs, and by convening a national network of corporate partners, investors, and experts.

In September 2023, the National Science Foundation selected The Engine to stand up The Builder Platform (TBP) to be a model for post-award support, catalyze commercialization of groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements, and spur regional economic development across the inaugural cohort of NSF Regional Innovation Engine (NSF Engine) awardees. The Builder Platform is a human-centered network that exists to support awardee regions in capitalizing on this high-impact investment, deploying consultative, programmatic, and community support across key stakeholders in their ecosystems.

Bringing together the brightest minds in Tough Tech, The Engine connects regional ecosystem builders to the capital, partners, tools and support they need to scale. Our tailored support is fueling the growth of ecosystems supported by the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program - a flagship initiative that is driving regional innovation across the country.

The Engine amplifies NSF’s investments in regional innovation ecosystems, providing:

●      Peer learning environments,

●      Private sector network connections,

●      Full lifecycle support from early R&D to full-scale technology deployment in critical technology sectors.

The Engine helps teams navigate microvalleys, reducing friction between stages, and accelerating the translation of breakthrough technologies.

Learn more about our workand the NSF Regional Innovation Engines we serve here.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated and networked Senior Manager, Venture & Startup Ecosystem Development to join our team dedicated to accelerating high-potential, tough tech startups of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines. The ideal candidate will be the primary catalyst for growth, responsible for engaging NSF Engines translation leads, their ecosystem stakeholders, and the founders—working on complex, fundamental technologies like quantum computing, advanced materials, and sustainable energy—to the critical external resources they need to scale. This is a high-visibility, mid-level role for a proven connector who thrives on making strategic introductions that drive real business outcomes.

• Identify and engage high-potential startups and research teams emerging within NSF Engines
• Design the engagement plan (targets, approach/methodology, processes, metrics) to add capacity to the regions
• Leveraging The Engine’s National Investor Network, facilitate highly relevant curated introductions between founders and investors
• Support investor readiness through feedback on fundraising materials and pitch strategies
• In collaboration with The Engine’s Director of Partnerships, actively cultivate and manage relationships with a curated network of Seed to Series B investors (Angels, institutional VCs, corporate venture, and accelerators/incubators) with a clear mandate for tough tech
• Connect NSF Engines’ own Investor Networks to The Engine’s to create a powerful network of networks
• Manage the Translation Portfolio: Oversee all initiatives within this pillar, including co-leading the R&D/Translation Builder Group and dedicated small-group problem-solving sessions
• Leveraging The Engine’s existing investor-focused programming, develop a complementary engagement plan with NSF Engines (e.g. one-to-many topical webinars, roundtables, office hours)
• Lead strategic partnerships in the translation field and serve as the primary TBP contact for key partners (e.g. Activate, Noble Reach, Investors)
• Be a key resource for creating and deploying high-impact content, templates, and assets on this topic, and represent The Builder Platform at national events and conferences.
• Collaborate with NSF and NSF Engines on a National Investing Event
• Act as a trusted partner and representative for The Builder Platform with critical stakeholders.
• Serve as the lead point of contact (“Navigator”) for a portfolio of three Cohort 1 Engines, actively managing relationships through regular check-ins with their CEOs and facilitating essential connections.
• Participate in key meetings with NSF Leadership as a leading contributor, providing insight and data on the progress and needs of the Engines.
• Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to startup growth, including investor meetings, customer pilot conversions, partnership deal flow, and successful funding rounds.
• Input to Milestones reports, presentations, and other materials as needed

• Experience: 7+ years of experience in a relevant field such as Venture Capital (VC), Startup/Startup Ecosystem, Corporate Development, Strategic Partnerships, or Business Development within a technology-focused environment. Experience with "tough tech," deep science, or highly technical B2B sectors is a significant advantage.
• Education: Bachelor's degree required. An MBA or Master's in a technical/STEM field is a plus.
• Networking Prowess: A demonstrated, existing, and high-quality professional network among early-stage investors, corporate innovation leaders, and/or industry experts.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to bridge the language gap between deep technical teams and business/financial stakeholders.
• Strategic Acumen: Proven ability to analyze complex business models and market opportunities and define the strategic steps necessary for a company to transition from lab-to-market.
• Soft Skills: Highly proactive, results-oriented, a fantastic listener, and an empathetic advocate for founders.

• This is an opportunity to be at the forefront of a national innovation initiative. You won’t just manage a program; you will build the operating model that empowers regional economies, accelerates Tough Tech solutions, and shapes the future of the American innovation landscape. If you are motivated, mission-driven and excited by the challenge of coordinating complex stakeholders for a critical mission, we encourage you to apply.