Montana Career Opportunity – Executive Director – Early Stage Montana

Early Stage Montana (ESMT)is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that operates throughout Montana. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of Montana’s tech ecosystem by providing world class training and top tier mentor ship to emerging Montana-based tech companies and entrepreneurs.  Please visit http://www.earlystagemt.org for additional information on its programs and partnerships.

The Executive Director is a person of both big vision and operational excellence who can lead the staff, contractors, volunteers, and the Board to work together to continuously enhance ESMT’s name-recognition, reputation, and status as Montana’s leading provider of programs that drive business growth, create jobs, and diversify Montana’s economy.They are responsible for enhancing and implementing ESMT’s programs and initiatives; stewarding ESMT’s financials;fostering positive relationships with key state-wide stakeholders and partners; and leading fundraising efforts for both annual operating budgets and long-term strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Operations & Programmatic:

1.Lead all ESMT staff, contractors, volunteers, and vendor relationships to ensure both short-and long-term goals are met.They are a coach and mentor to all members of the team, helping promote both high levels of productivity and job satisfaction.

2.Execute all ESMT program initiatives and events flawlessly for the benefit of the entrepreneur and mentor communities. Measure and report on the success of those initiatives.

3.Direct the communications programs through public relations, earned media, website, and social media, including developing and maintaining e-mail/contact databases. The Executive Director is also the primary“voice” of the organization as ESMT spokesperson.

4.Develop, foster, and maintain collaborative working relationships with key statewide stakeholders including government agencies and representatives, economic development agencies, local universities, other nonprofit organizations, and tech industry leaders.accelerating tech growth building jobs

5.Manage the organization’s finances and assets, including budget preparation, reporting,and cash management.

6.Prepare regular program reports for the Board of Directors and the National Board of Advisors that detail the current state of affairs and the organizations’ progress against 3-month, 6-month and Long-Term goals.

7.Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and registrations,permits, licenses and other requirements to run ESMT’s daily activities.

8.Manage the agendas and priorities of the Board of Directors, the National Advisory Board and board committees.Development & Fundraising:

1.Be lead coordinator of all fundraising efforts in alignment with ESMT’s overall fundraising strategy including identification, cultivation, gift solicitation, and stewardship of key donor prospects.

2.Direct the researching and writing of grant proposals and other funding applications.Manage the systematic financial reporting to grantors as required.

3.Develop and maintain appropriate data-management systems including a donor/donor prospect base, donor tracking system, and grant management.

4.Direct the efforts of ESMT partners and consultants to identify top donor prospects (corporate, individual and foundation) to secure meetings/calls and establish fundraisers.

5.Build and maintain a low-dollar fundraising program systematically through small events, digital media and other appropriate channels.

6.Develop and pursue a corporate sponsorship strategy designed to expand fundraising efforts by engaging well-aligned corporate donors.In addition to the above-listed responsibilities, the Executive Director will also be responsible for other duties as assigned by ESMT’s Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited four-year college or university, plus a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the duties and requirements listed above, including experience working in the non-profit space, including management responsibilities of both direct (staff) teams and contractors/vendors.

You’ll need to have very strong verbal and written communications skills, familiarity with financial management, and fluency with marketing channels and common cloud-based software tools needed to effectively manage the organizations’ day-to-day needs. Ideally you have a passion for entrepreneurship, economic development, and/or Montana’s emerging tech sector, and a true passion for helping entrepreneurs grow businesses.

Experience in non-profit fundraising is also very attractive.We’re looking for someone who has true leadership capabilities and the ability to infect others with a big vision and coach teams towards operational excellence. You can live anywhere in Montana (or be relocating to Montana).

HOURS & TIME COMMITMENT:This is a full-time position. ESMT strives to promote good work/life balance, allowing reasonable flexibility as to working hours. Remote work is allowed. However, periodically, work will be required at set times, in specific locations, on weekends, and/or in the evening. The ability to travel regularly around the state of Montana (in your own vehicle) as well as occasionally to regional and national events is important.

COMPENSATION: The annual base salary is $70,000 -75,000 depending on skills and experience. There is a performance-based bonus program of up to an additional 20% annually tied to achievement of key goals. Medical and dental coverage are negotiable.  Other benefits have not yet been established.

TO APPLY: Send 1 page cover letter, resume, and three professional references to [email protected]. Applications must be received by February 12, 2020.

EARLY STAGE MONTANA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER