Reporting to the Vice President, Business Operations & Strategy, the Director, Business Operations & Strategy, at our new BioLabs Innovation Center at University of Vermont, located in Burlington, VT, manages and oversees the strategic and financial growth, as well as day-to-day operations, of the site facility. This includes (1) initiating new and fostering existing relationships with key stakeholders in the Burlington, Vermont, and greater New England biotech ecosystem, (2) building a strong pipeline of prospective resident life science startup companies, and (3) overseeing the site’s daily operations, finances, and team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Initiate and grow connections with relevant local stakeholders, including universities and research institutes, tech transfer offices, economic development groups, trade organizations, investors, incubators / accelerators, and real estate groups
• Build strong pipeline of prospective resident life science startup companies; manage sales process from lead generation through deal closure
• Spearhead the site’s regional marketing and advertising efforts
• Increase the site’s brand awareness through thought leadership, participation in relevant local and national conferences, tradeshows, meetings, seminars/panels, and attendance at local events
• Stay informed regarding industry trends, market competition, and customer needs to adapt sales strategies and inform growth opportunities in the greater New England area
• Manage relationships with resident life science startup companies; promote and support their growth
• Manage site team of operations and events personnel
• With support from your team, develop a calendar of events and educational programming for the new site’s resident community and the broader Burlington and greater New England biotech ecosystem
• Develop the site’s annual strategic goals and operating budgets with support from VP Business Operations & Strategy; effectively forecast and manage within targets
• Collaborate with Biolabs’ Operations leadership team to standardize and streamline operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree (MBA and/or MS or PhD in life sciences or related field) is preferred
• At least 3 to 5 years’ leadership experience in business development, strategic partnerships, alliance management, and/or marketing in a commercial environment, preferably in the biotech and/or life sciences space, required
• Persuasive and passionate communicator with exceptional communication and presentation skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, an effective listener, and proactive relationship builder
• Exceptional people leader with a track record of selecting and nurturing strong performers
• Strong connections to the Vermont and/or greater New England biotech ecosystem (i.e. universities, tech transfer offices, investors, startup companies, economic development groups, real estate, etc.) a plus
• Exposure to early-stage company creation, venture investment, finance and/or related activities preferred
• Highly organized, self-motivated, entrepreneurial, and results driven
• Ability to attend off-hours events and meetings regularly
• Ability to travel as needed