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University Accelerator Director information

What does a University Accelerator Director do?

A University Accelerator Director oversees the operations and strategy of a university-affiliated accelerator program, which supports startups and entrepreneurs, often among students, faculty, and alumni. Their responsibilities include managing program staff, recruiting promising startups, connecting participants with mentors and investors, and ensuring the program provides valuable resources such as funding, training, and networking opportunities. The Director also builds relationships with industry partners and helps measure the impact of the accelerator on the university and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What is the difference between University Accelerator Director vs University Startup Program Manager?

AspectUniversity Accelerator DirectorUniversity Startup Program Manager
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in business, entrepreneurship, or related fields; experience in startup ecosystemsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree; experience in program coordination and entrepreneurship
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing accelerator programs, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagementOperational role managing startup programs, events, and mentorship activities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, innovation hubs, and acceleratorsUniversities, research institutions, and startup support organizations

The University Accelerator Director focuses on strategic leadership and program development for university-based accelerators, while the University Startup Program Manager handles day-to-day operations and program execution. Both roles require entrepreneurial experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a University Accelerator Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a University Accelerator Director, you need expertise in entrepreneurship, program management, and higher education, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in startup ecosystems. Familiarity with business incubator software, project management tools, and data analytics platforms is typically required. Exceptional networking, leadership, and communication skills help build strong relationships with students, faculty, mentors, and industry partners. These skills ensure the effective development and scaling of university startups, fostering innovation and external engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by University Accelerator Directors when supporting early-stage startups?

University Accelerator Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of startups with varying levels of experience, securing sustainable funding for accelerator programs, and fostering strong connections between university resources and external mentors or investors. Additionally, directors must manage relationships among faculty, students, and industry partners while ensuring compliance with university policies. Being proactive in communication and adaptable in problem-solving is essential for navigating these complexities and driving the success of both the accelerator and its participating ventures.
Director of Sales and Accelerator

Director of Sales and Accelerator

Plug and Play Tech Center

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

WHO WE ARE:
Plug and Play Tech Center is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world's largest corporations to create the most meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all corners of the world. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs join our vertical-specific accelerator programs to team up with our corporate members or receive a direct investment from Plug and Play. Plug and Play has over 60 locations across the world and our corporate members include: Prologis, Walmart, Coca Cola, Eli Lilly, University Hospitals, Zimmer Biomet, Duke Energy, Tavistock, Guidewell, Doosan Bobcat, UCF, and over 500 more. Plug and Play's corporate members utilize Plug and Play to identify the best startups to meet their challenges. Plug and Play's proven investment track record includes Honey, Dropbox, Lending Club, Kustomer, Einride, and many more.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR:
We're a diverse team with backgrounds in technology and entrepreneurship and we're growing rapidly to deliver on our mission. We're actively seeking an Accelerator Director to manage our Lake Nona accelerator program, local team and platform in Lake Nona, FL
HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Sales:
  • This position requires building a pipeline of potential corporate partners that will participate in the program and utilize Plug and Play ecosystem and services.
  • Manage the P&L of Plug and Play Lake Nona office, driving sales growth and expanding the reach of the program.
  • Signing corporate partners drives revenue and delivers more value for startups that participate in the program
  • Candidates must possess strong passion to grow the number of partners through sales and create a world-class innovation platform in Florida.

Team Operations:
  • Manage the local team and act as a bridge between the Lake Nona and Silicon Valley regions.
  • Coordinate logistics with your team to plan and execute your program events and project deliverables, while inviting corporate attendees.
  • Establish strong relationships with the existing partners and help them engage with the broader Plug and Play ecosystem, local community, and various stakeholders.
  • Going above and beyond to ensure partner satisfaction and ensure their needs are met.
  • Work with the team to collect data and deliver reporting to funding partners in a timely manner.

Industry and Ecosystem Participation:
  • Keeping up-to-date with relevant industry specific issues, news, trends.
  • Becoming the 'face' of Plug and Play in Lake Nona. Develop strong relationships with key innovation stakeholders across various organizations, attracting them to our activities in the region.
  • Attend tech events around the area to create brand awareness and to build new relationships.
  • Occasionally, travel to other Plug and Play locations to attend events.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, technology or a related field
  • Deep passion for entrepreneurship, technology and innovation.
  • At least 5 years' experience in industry initiatives, startup or investing environment
  • Strong leadership and project managing capabilities
  • Professional written and verbal communication. Public speaking.
  • Exceptional quantitative and analytical skills
  • Entrepreneurial spirit and autonomy

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