Director, Ignite VC

At LabCentral Ignite, we are committed to driving greater innovation in the fast-growing biotech industry by solving one of the most pressing problems companies face: racial and gender underrepresentation among scientists, start‑up founders, and other necessary human capital who are the engine behind discoveries that are healing, saving, and extending lives. If you derive meaning and fulfillment in breaking down systemic barriers for historically excluded students and professionals to access careers with huge potential for upward mobility, this role would be ideal for you. We are actively recruiting a passionate Director of IgniteVC reporting to our Executive Director to join the LabCentral Ignite team. You will be an ideal candidate to lead the strategy and execution of IgniteVC programming and fundraising initiatives if you have 7+ years of experience and a proven record in the realm of venture capital and portfolio / program management. Relationships or experience in life sciences, biotechnology and / or biopharma, consulting, and DEIB work is required. If you do not meet all the requirements or qualifications but bring other unique skills and experience that would be valuable in this role, please apply and highlight those attributes for us in your application. RESPONSIBILITIES In partnership with IgniteVC Advisory Board, design and develop IgniteVC business model and program strategy to create concrete, meaningful, and sustainable change in diversity, equity, and inclusion among the life sciences investment firms and venture‑backed startup companies Own the launch and management of new programs, resources, tools, and materials for IgniteVC programming Drive fundraising outreach for IgniteVC initiatives and manage partnerships with program sponsors Build and maintain relationships with thought leaders, key stakeholders from the VC industry Monitor, assist in building and innovating methods of reporting of key results as they are relevant to sponsor relations Serve as an innovative thought partner on strategic programming opportunities with LabCentral Ignite’s leadership and other opportunities in the ecosystem Collaborate with LabCentral team members in Operations, Partnerships, Finance and LabCentral Ignite program teams where applicable. Design, prepare, and present fundraising proposals to corporate, foundation, and government agency decision makers Design, prepare, and present fundraising development plans to internal stakeholders and leadership Your success will be guided and determined by many things including these metrics : Launch and execution of new programs, resources, and tools Measures of uptake and impact from IgniteVC resources and programs Revenue from new and existing sponsors Growth of Ignite’s member‑based platform, the bio.Diversity Network, and member satisfaction Progress against prior year goals and metrics for LabCentral Ignite DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND TECHNICAL SKILLS Extensive knowledge and experience of the current and emerging practices that impact the DE&I of innovation‑led healthcare industries Superior knowledge regarding the principles related to venture capital Experience in building and managing relationships with stakeholders and KOLs within the venture capital industry (or a willingness and aptitude to learn) An experienced non‑profit development or business development professional to build long‑term partner relationships and partner investors Demonstrated DEIB experience Find ease in learning new technology and software This role is hybrid - the ability to be onsite and in the community on a weekly basis DESIRED COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIORS Ability to manage complex projects and multi‑task with excellent organization skills –Pays attention to both details and macro‑level outcomes Strong internal and external communicator with strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral, written and presentation skills Organized, ability to perform under pressure and provide timely solutions Attention to Detail : Demonstrates concern for thoroughness and accuracy Action‑oriented and are happy to pitch in to help our nimble team achieve collective strategic goals, work with minimal guidance, be proactive, and handle uncertainty and ambiguity Creative problem solver BENEFITS Medical and dental premiums full covered, including deductible costs Long‑and short‑term disability, life insurance Unlimited vacation Three months fully paid parental leave 401K match up to 6% with immediate vestment Partial or full reimbursements towards transportation (parking pass, MBTA, or bike commuting costs) Gym / fitness / yoga memberships or classes, massage therapy, and cell phone stipend and repairs Reimbursement for continuing education / training towards your job, student loan reimbursement Amazing colleagues, inspiring residents, sleek workspaces with tons of snacks, and in‑house programming on thought‑provoking topics ABOUT LABCENTRAL LabCentral is a Massachusetts non‑profit company founded in 2013 as a launchpad for high‑potential life sciences and biotech start‑ups. Operating over 225,000 sq. feet in Cambridge and on the Harvard University campus, LabCentral offers a network of laboratory spaces and scientific communities designed to jumpstart the launch of promising, early‑stage life‑sciences companies. LabCentral prepares entrepreneurs and scientists to accelerate scientific innovation in service of human health by providing best‑in‑class operational support, curated events and programming, and access to a diverse network of sponsors. LabCentral is also home to Gallery 1832 which engages the local community to celebrate artistic innovation. Our mission is to empower the next generation of biotech and life science innovators by creating opportunities that accelerate the development of breakthrough technology and therapies. ABOUT LABCENTRAL IGNITE LabCentral launched LabCentral Ignite in January 2021 as a first‑and‑only‑of‑its‑kind platform focused solely on addressing systemic racial, gender and other underrepresentation in talent across the life sciences and the biotech industry – from labs to leadership, and from the STEM student pipeline to the entrepreneurs advancing life‑changing innovations. Through a range of equity‑driven programs, a growing member network of industry, startups, higher ed, VCs and nonprofits, and a budding consortium of Minority‑Serving Institutions (MSIs), Ignite is creating momentum to connect Black, Latinx, women, first‑generation college and other underrepresented students and innovators to academic, technical skills‑building, assessment, mentoring, job placement and board and leadership preparation opportunities that fuel biotech diversity and inclusively transform careers. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. Our mission to revolutionize the life sciences starts from within by embracing all perspectives. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr