MANAGER, EXTERNAL RELATIONS, Innovate@BU

As a key member of the Innovate@BU team reporting to the Executive Director, the External Relations Manager is responsible for building and maintaining positive and productive relationships between Innovate@BU and alumni, volunteer mentors, judges & speakers, other BU departments, and ecosystem partners in Boston/MA’s tech, social impact, non-profit, and government spaces. The focus for this position is to connect BU and external resources in support of our programs and mission.

Job Functions:

Volunteer Mentors, Judges, Speakers: (30%)

Maintain and build a network that provides mechanisms for matching qualified volunteers with students in Innovate@BU programs, competitions. The mentor network should balance the needs of our current students with scalability and ensure that mentors represent a wide range of expertise, industries, skills and backgrounds with a strong attention to ensuring diverse candidates are available for all students.

Promotion in the Ecosystem: (15%)

Help promote Innovate@BU by attending local ecosystem events, getting Innovate@BU staff placed as Judges, Panelists & Speakers at innovation events in and around Boston, and market events that you host in our Center. Partner with local ecosystem groups on event promotion and other opportunities to grow our partner network. Collect metrics that measure the team’s engagement with the local innovation ecosystem.

Entrepreneur in Residence Program: (15%)

Help identify, recruit, and manage leading Northeast entrepreneurs and social impact leaders who can support Innovate@BU’s mission through events, judging, provide inspiration and who can create measurable impact in the BU community over the duration of their appointment.

Create connections across BU: (10%)

Develop and nurture mutually beneficial relationships across BU schools and organizations for the benefit of students

Develop relationships with external organizations to benefit students: (10%)

Work with staff, funders, the Executive Director and outside groups to develop and offer internships and opportunities for students such as Enlight Summer Social Impact Internship and the Norway Program.

Alumni & Donor Relations: (20%)

Support and collaborate with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to recommend, develop, and organize innovation engagement opportunities directed specifically at alumni, either leveraging existing programming for students or by creating unique programming. Planning and hosting events that you create. In partnership with the Executive Director, support donor stewardship activities, such as finding opportunities for donors to participate in the activities of Innovate@BU or manage donor office hour visits

Required Skills

Bachelor's degree required. A minimum of five years' experience in relationship or community management, either in fundraising, government affairs, or the startup ecosystem along with excellent oral and written communications skills are all strongly desired. Preference will be given to candidates with proven interest and background in innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem knowledge. Must have event planning experience. We seek a forward-thinking and goals-oriented individual who can work both independently and as part of a team.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.