Managing Director (Studio Development)

High Alpha Innovation co-creates advantaged startups that solve compelling problems. Part strategy consultancy, part venture builder, our team is a diverse mix of highly-experienced company creators, designers, and strategists who work with world-class entrepreneurs, corporations, and universities to build, invest in and scale venture studios and advantaged startups.

The Managing Director (Studio Development) will focus on the creation of new studio opportunities. The ideal candidate will excel in their ability to align financial outcomes through partnerships and consortium venture studio models. In this role you will showcase your demonstrated ability to raise capital, build, maintain and grow a business development pipeline.

Job Responsibilities

The Managing Director (Studio Development) will make a significant and immediate impact across four primary areas:

Venture Studio Fundraising

• Build strong and trusted relationships with current and prospective Fund investors, develop a pipeline of prospective investors, and support fundraising for future investment opportunities
• Generate and nurture new Limited Partner (LP) relationships for the Fund through 1:1 calls and authorized group meetings/events
• Manage and execute the fundraising process through final close, meeting with prospective LPs
• Provide guidance to teams as needed in the development of proposals and pitches to maximize our competitive positioning and increase our success rate 
• Meet or exceed annual individual performance target 

• Deeply listen to and productively engage around diverse perspectives
• Demonstrate the executive presence necessary to be effective with senior leaders and garner respect within the organization and in the marketplace
• Ensure timely follow through to ensure forward progress of priority business development actions
• Shape value propositions for new partners

Venture Studio Fund Management

• Develop an investment perspective on startups developed and pitched in the Studio and provide recommendations to (1) the Studio regarding which companies to launch and (2) the Fund Investment Committee regarding which companies to fund
• Partner with High Alpha Innovation Finance team on fund financial management (e.g., capital call schedule)
• Oversee Investor Relations for the Fund, including communications with LPs and reporting requirements for private & public investors

Ecosystem Development

• Develop a deep understanding of the local ecosystem in several key markets including their complex business needs and economic development goals
• Influence key stakeholders and studio advisory board members to drive consensus 
• Create advantages for our portfolio companies by developing trusted relationships with entrepreneurs, executives, industry leaders, universities, subject matter experts, and investors that may result in customers, pilots, investments, and/or other collaborations

Program Oversight

• Partner with High Alpha Innovation leadership, investors, and regional hub partners to identify the themes and problems that will be explored through the Build process at the studio
• Lead and nurture relationships with senior executives and partners in the studio and investment team while developing alignment on their complex business needs
• Manage the practice of the studio, including the deployment of tool and methodologies, development of people, and creation of proposals for new programs
• Oversee and manage multiple studios, ensuring their successful execution, on-time and on-budget delivery, and alignment with strategic objectives
• Act as a thought leader, providing guidance and support to program teams, ensuring effective problem-solving and decision-making
• Mentor and coach team members, fostering their professional growth and development
• Guide team on business design methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and effective project management techniques

Skills Needed

• Proven track record of gaining commercial traction quickly; success creating partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and venture community 
• Demonstrated success in raising capital and creating aligned financial interests in a partnership, venture studio or consortium model
• Display top-level networking and business partnering skills, including ability to gain the confidence and respect of senior executives and influence stakeholders 
• Broad network of senior leaders in the F500 and venture community
• Experience with early-stage companies with a demonstrated understanding of how these businesses are built and what makes them successful 
• Creative problem-solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution 

• Strong business acumen and leadership skills
• Executive presence; ability to establish expertise with confidence and humility
• Demonstrated EQ and dynamic communication skills; able to customize communication, positioning and value proposition to different audiences
• Strong mentoring and coaching experience with excellent judgment

Benefits

• Competitive salary plus equity plan
• Medical, dental & vision Insurance with employer HSA contribution
• Company paid STD/LTD and Life Insurance 
• Unlimited PTO plan to encourage a healthy work - life balance 
• 22 paid company holidays 
• 401k with company contribution
• A remote first culture. Work from anywhere in the continental United States 
• Company provided laptop plus a monthly technology stipend to help cover additional working expenses 
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial environment with a proven venture studio playbook
• The opportunity to create, build and grow innovative products with world class founders

WHAT WE VALUE :

WE BUILD

We make decisions with imperfect information and quickly move forward. We take action. We are comfortable with discomfort, and we measure our results in terms of what we build.

WE ARE BOLD

We seek, uncover, and speak truth. We are endlessly curious, we dream big and we lead through vision. Our ideas change the world.

WE CREATE OPPORTUNITY

We aim to create as much opportunity for as many people as possible, and we believe startups are a powerful vehicle for doing so. By creating opportunity, we create joy for ourselves, our loved ones, our corporate partners, and if we’re doing it right -- the world.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

High Alpha Innovation is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity at our company. We do not just accept diverse backgrounds, we celebrate them. Our company, the work we do, and our partners benefit from the value of a diverse team. No team member's value lies alone in their diversity, and because we value diversity so highly, we reiterate that all hiring and employment decisions are made on merit, performance, competence, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.