Executive Director

20Fathoms•Traverse City, MI

54d•Onsite

About The Position

20Fathoms is Northern Michigan’s startup incubator and accelerator, focused on building high-growth companies. Our mission is to be the region’s home for innovation and entrepreneurship by cultivating a thriving, connected ecosystem for early-stage, scaling companies. With emphasis on a team-first, energetic culture, we build and accelerate companies by providing the structure, resources, and support founders need to move from concept to market to scale. 20Fathoms partners with high-potential entrepreneurs to drive meaningful progress, through focused programming, expert mentorship, access to capital, and a strong network of peers and partners. We also provide a community space that feeds that pipeline and enables collisions.

Requirements

BA/BS required, advanced degree preferred in a relevant technology or business discipline or equivalent experience with a technical background
Experience scaling businesses from 2-20 employees
Experience leading a business or business unit with at least 5 full time employees and commensurate annual budget
Knowledge of tech and/or startup sector
Public speaking proficiency
Experience managing commercial business relationships, including ongoing procedures and leases, contracts, and agreements
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Organized and analytical
Ability to maintain interpersonal relationships
Experience as a founder or entrepreneur
Passion for leadership and autonomy
Biased to action with a sense of urgency
Ability to see strengths and weaknesses in individuals and the team and work to improve the collective
Ability to adapt to different situations, styles, and stakeholders
Comfortable reviewing legal documents
Can-do, positive attitude
Willingness to take on new challenges and never stop learning
Willingness to do almost anything to ensure the success of the community and its members
Willingness to scrub the floor and whatever else may be necessary to successfully deliver on the mission.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and/or experience with nonprofit organizations and grant compliance helpful
Relationships, particularly local/regional relationships, that allow you to appropriately network, advocate, and influence on behalf of the region
Proficient with CRM software applications (HubSpot preferred) helpful

Responsibilities

Accountable for all aspects of 20Fathoms’ vision, mission, values, and execution.
Serve as the public face of the organization.
Develop and lead the team with clear alignment to objectives and ensure future sustainability of the organization.
Seek feedback from, collaborate with, and report to the Board of Directors.
Responsible for the 5+ year organizational vision and its operational execution.
Responsible for the day-to-day execution of the organizational vision and strategy, including facility management, Annual Operating Plan development, and allocation of funding expenditures.
Maintain a regular presence in the office.
Responsible for ensuring 20Fathoms meets all near-term expense requirements as well as future multi-year planning.
Responsible for ensuring adequate income – across donor, sponsor, grant, and program income.
Ensure appropriate governance and internal controls, meeting all compliance requirements.
Understand Federal and State Grant management and compliance.
Collaborate with the CFO to manage the affairs of the organization with frugality.
Fundraise and work with donors and sponsors.
Responsible for the hiring, development, and management of a team of 5-15 individuals aligned with the objectives of the organization.
Support entrepreneurs and founders across the ecosystem with the end-goal of creating highly skilled jobs in the NW Region of Michigan.
Attend most 20F events.
Develop and maintain crucial relationships with other community, regional, and state-wide supporters and influencers.
Speak publicly about the mission and progress of 20Fathoms.
Maintain and grow the strength of the 20Fathoms’ brand.
Be the go-to person for high-growth companies and entrepreneurship topics from around the region and state.
See the strengths and weaknesses in individuals and the team and work to improve the collective through development and management of the team.
Maintain regular on-site availability for unhindered people access.
Articulate and deliver the organization’s growth and path forward.
Consistently participate in 20Fathoms’ events.
Champion founders by designing and delivering the right programming at the right time for the right audience.
Create experiences that help founders build, validate, and scale.
Ensure alignment across the organization around shared objectives and measurable outcomes.
Determine appropriate organization-wide priorities and maintain alignment across various teams and contributors.
Communicate and collaborate with key partners throughout the region and state.
Build and maintain critical relationships, ensuring effective partnerships and the reputation of 20Fathoms.
Constantly solicit feedback and input across partnerships to ensure alignment.
Be a consistent, approachable, and visible presence on-site, creating energy, connection, and accessibility within the space.
Make yourself readily available to founders, staff, and partners, fostering an environment where entrepreneurs feel supported, heard, and able to engage in real time as they build and scale.
Responsible for all aspects of income, from individual donor development to corporate sponsorships to current and future grant income.
Prepare and present clear and concise briefing materials and presentations for the Board of Directors.
Work collaboratively with the Board to execute on the organization’s Vision and Mission.
Responsible for the financial viability of the organization – ensuring cash flow health at all times, managing the budget, and accurately projecting future needs and expectations.
Maintain transparent, compliant, and auditable financial records.
Ensure all appropriate grant compliance reporting takes place accurately and on time.
Accountable for all organization-wide leadership of nonprofit and grant program compliance.
Maintain systems access for government and grant agency systems.
Ensure organization-wide grant compliance objectives are met.
Report compliance in alignment with government and grant specifications on time.
Ensure all state and federal nonprofit and solicitation registrations are maintained and up to date - leveraging appropriate financial controls.

Benefits

Health insurance premiums are fully paid by 20Fathoms for the employee
Dental insurance premiums are fully paid by 20Fathoms for the employee
Vision insurance premiums are fully paid by 20Fathoms for the employee
Eligible for coverage 1st of the month following hire
Employees may purchase coverage for eligible family members via payroll deduction
Retirement plan includes options for 401k and/or Roth
Eligible to participate in retirement plan after 1 month of service
Customary paid holidays
Generous paid time off (PTO) policy
On-site fitness center use included