Job Listing

DATE:  January 25, 2008

DEPARTMENT:  John Adams Innovation Institute

POSITION:  Director of Investments

The John Adams Innovation Institute (the "Innovation Institute") is an operating division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC), established in September 2004 by the MTC Board of Directors as the economic development arm of the organization.

Region by region, sector by sector, the John Adams Innovation Institute strives to improve Massachusetts’ competitive edge in the Innovation Economy, supporting industry clusters and institutions in efforts to stimulate new job creation and job retention in knowledge-and technology-focused companies. The Innovation Institute employs a number of tools, services and strategies to grow the Massachusetts Innovation Economy, such as conducting rigorous and independent research on problems facing the innovation economy; convening stakeholders; brokering interventions; and undertaking projects and initiatives that improve conditions for economic growth in the Commonwealth. 

The Director of Investments will be responsible for the implementation and management of the division’s two public purpose funds – The Massachusetts Research Center Matching Grant Fund and the John Adams Innovation Institute Fund – as well as additional public purpose investments.  Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of Investments is responsible for (i) developing solicitations and defining criteria for investments; (ii) working with clients and staff to originate and shape individual investment opportunities; (iii) working with the Director to support Governing Board decision making; (iv) providing management support and supervision for existing investments; and (v) supporting Innovation Institute monitoring and evaluation activities on all investments. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to undertake hands-on involvement and responsibility to:  

1. Ensure that the Innovation Institute’s investments achieve the greatest possible impacts on cluster growth and advance the economic development mission of the organization.  
2. Direct the origination, shaping and approval of investments, beginning with the generation of leads through Governing Board approval, followed by ongoing management, supervision, and evaluation activities.   
3. Recognize and comprehend the unique investment objectives of the Innovation Institute and help manifest those objectives through the work of the organization;
4. Draft program operating documents, including solicitations, approval memoranda, project scopes of work, investment summaries and other written documents that enhance the evaluation, decision-making and performance of individual Innovation Institute investments.
5. Conduct proposal assessments of individual investment opportunities, including analyses of critical issues through internal and external review panels.
6. Work with grantees and stakeholders to insure maximum economic development impacts from investments by contributing new information and ideas to investment applications and ensuring successful completion all activities provided for the approved contract.
7.  Maintain management and oversight systems to provide real-time information for the Chief Operating Officer and Director and to inform ongoing management and supervisory support for investment activities.
8. Conduct outreach to prospective and potential applicants on investment opportunities in order to increase the pipeline of investment opportunities.
9. Perform background research and analysis to evaluate project feasibility and to enhance the proper support of field activities before and after funding.
10. Manage the activities of investment staff to support the objectives of the division.
11. Manage and complete tasks, on budget and on schedule, in accordance with project plans.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The successful candidate will have a degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a degree in the fields of public administration, finance, business administration, community development, applied economics or related field.  While a Masters degree from a related field is also preferred, demonstrated equivalent professional experience can adequately substitute for the lack of a master’s degree.  This would include experience with technology or economic development, including in areas such as management consulting, venture capital and other client-focused and transaction-oriented settings,.  To qualify, you should have a minimum of at least six or more years of experience in the private or public sectors, with matters relevant to development and implementation of technology-focused economic development.

The candidate of choice will have an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and Board Members as well as with key stakeholders and outside agencies.  The candidate will have a demonstrated ability to understand complex public policy issues involving economic development and science and technology policies and programs.  Strong interpersonal, presentation skills coupled with an ability to take initiatives independently and handle multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines are essential for success.  The ability to write, analyze, develop, propose, and organize are all required to accomplish these tasks successfully.

To Apply:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to forward resume and salary requirements via E-mail to employment@masstech.org. You may also fax a resume to 508.898.2275 or mail to Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, 75 North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581-3340, Attn: Director of Investments

Only resumes with salary expectations will be reviewed.  No phone calls please. 

Application review begins February 8, 2008

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer