Managing Director - Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator

📋 Description

• Lead recruiting, selecting, and investing in early-stage water tech startups for three cohorts per
• Build relationships with mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners to support startups.
• Coach founders on financial modeling, go-to-market strategy, fundraising positioning, and deck
• Manage progress and outcomes for portfolio companies post-program.
• Represent the program with NOAA and other partners in the Great Lakes water community.
• Plan logistics and coordinate accelerator activities with internal and external partners.

🎯 Requirements

• Experience in water/ocean/environmental or adjacent hard-tech sectors.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with venture-backed or startup operating experience.
• Comfort with capital-intensive hardware and long development cycles.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, independent environment with multiple projects.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% and work some nights/weekends.

🎁 Benefits

• Non-dilutive funding support through NOAA/Great Lakes program (no equity taken).
• Chance to shape the Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator and work with federal partners.
• Opportunity to lead a flagship program in a growing national accelerator network.