General Description
The Director of New Ventures is instrumental to the achievement of High Tech Rochester’s
goals in the formation and growth of startup companies in the Greater Rochester Region. This
individual is responsible for all aspects of HTR’s new venture efforts including oversight of the
Lennox Tech Enterprise Center and Rochester BioVenture Center incubator facilities, direct
interaction with client companies, and development and execution of programs and services to
assist early stage firms. The Director must have an excellent understanding of startup company
issues, a broad network from which to draw upon to assist clients, and the ability to act as an
effective coach and mentor to client companies.
Key Responsibilities
Identify, recruit, and work with high potential entrepreneurs / startup companies, both
resident in HTR facilities and non-resident
Meet regularly with client companies, develop milestone plans, provide coaching and
advice, and connect them with resources to accelerate their growth
Monitor, track, and report client progress
Assist clients in transitioning out of the incubation facilities, as a result of successful
graduation, or because of their failure to meet required milestones
Build a robust network of partners and resources including private companies, business
support organizations, lending institutions, venture capital, and angel networks
Evaluate the suite of current HTR service offerings, and identify new programs or
services that can lead to increased levels of business formation and client success
Build upon HTR’s nationally recognized Entrepreneur-in-Residence program and create
a broad pool of “A team” mentors / advisors to assist client companies
Manage the Lennox Tech Enterprise incubator facility, including client lease negotiations
and coordination with subcontracted property manager. Supervise Manager of
Rochester BioVenture Center incubator
Develop and implement educational programs, workshops, and seminars for clients and
local entrepreneurs. This includes oversight of PreSeed Workshops, the Rochester
Regional Business Plan Contest, and The Entrepreneurs Network (TEN), among others.
Provide guidance to clients on intellectual property and technology transfer issues
Work to build awareness throughout the community of HTR capabilities, and represent
HTR at local and regional events in support of its mission
Equip incubators with appropriate reference materials for client use
Manage and direct staff
Track results, write reports, apply for and administer grants
Develop a budget, operate within budget
Other duties as assigned
HTR Relationships
Reports To: President
Qualifications
Highest ethical standards
Bachelor’s degree required
High level experience in a startup company. Preference for someone who has been a
founder / President / CEO through successful growth and exit
Experience with venture capital and/or angel investor groups
Experience and knowledge of SBIR/STTR and similar grant programs
Demonstrated experience providing business and technical assistance to client
companies and linking clients to resources and networks
Experience working in a business incubator and/or coaching & mentoring startup
companies is preferred
Experience in evaluating risk and business financing
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English
Strong commitment to team building, partnerships, and collaborations
Leader with the ability to make solid management decisions and inspire his/her
employees and peers
Motivated self-starter with strong work and business ethics
Demonstrated ability to operate independently without close supervision
Self-sufficient in Microsoft Office and general computer use.
Position Details
Location: Lennox Tech Enterprise Center
Compensation: Salary plus Bonus
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours)
Important Note
This job description does not list all job duties. Management might request that you perform
other duties. Management’s evaluation of your performance is based on the tasks listed in this
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job description and these other duties. Performance may be measured by the quality of client
recruitment and their eventual business success. Management has the right to revise this job
description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. The employee or
HTR may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason.
HTR is a dynamic not-for-profit organization whose mission is to act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and
innovation-based economic development, by applying business expertise and network connections to aid in the
formation and profitable growth of companies in the Greater Rochester, NY region. For additional information
about HTR please visit www.htr.org. High Tech Rochester is an equal employment opportunity employer. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, sex, national
origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or marital status.
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