Overview of the Director of Entrepreneurial Programs and Partnerships
Programming at Gradient is structured around three core pillars: CONNECT, START, and SCALE. Together, these pillars create a comprehensive ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs, remote workers, small businesses, and startups at every stage of their journey.
The Director of Programs and Partnerships is a key leader at Gradient, responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and management of programs and partnerships that drive the success of our members. This role is critical to positioning Gradient as a global benchmark for entrepreneurship support, with a particular emphasis on the success of its world-class tech incubator and a diverse range of community-focused initiatives.
By managing Gradient’s START, SCALE, and CONNECT pillars, the Director ensures the organization delivers innovative programming and builds strategic partnerships that fuel economic development in Tulsa and beyond.
Responsibilities of the Director of Entrepreneurial Programs and Partnerships
Program Development and Management
- Design and lead pillar programs with programs team:
- Connect: Community-driven programs fostering networking, collaboration, and personal/professional growth for remote workers, creatives, and those exploring entrepreneurship.
- Start: these are our foundational programs for early-stage entrepreneurs, focusing on skill-building, ideation, and business model validation.
- Scale: Anchored by our tech incubator, our scale programs accelerate growth for established startups, emphasizing fundraising, scaling operations, and market expansion.
- Tech Incubator focus:
- Lead Gradient’s world-class tech incubator, supporting startups with mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to critical resources.
- Build a robust pipeline of startups and post-acceleration companies, ensuring the incubator serves as a launchpad for innovative tech ventures.
- Establish measurable success metrics for incubator companies, tracking growth, impact, and investment readiness.
- Integration and innovation:
- Ensure alignment across START, SCALE, and CONNECT programming, fostering cross-collaboration and a unified approach to entrepreneurial support.
- Data-driven optimization:
- Regularly evaluate program performance across all pillars, leveraging data and feedback to enhance effectiveness and participant experience.
- Prepare and present comprehensive program reports to stakeholders - highlight successes, opportunities, and strategic recommendations.
Partnership Development
- Identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships with corporations, educational institutions, government agencies, ecosystem affiliates, and more, to enhance Gradient’s resources and expand program offerings
- Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, ensuring mutual benefits and alignment with Gradient’s objectives
Resource Development
- Identify and secure funding opportunities, including sponsorships and grants, to support program initiatives.
- Create compelling pitch materials, sponsorship packages, and grant proposals tailored to potential funders' interests and objectives
- Ensure the development and maintenance of relationships with funders and sponsors
Community Engagement
- Represent Gradient at industry events, conferences, and meetings to promote programs and forge new collaborations.
- Act as the primary liaison - with the programs team - between Gradient and the entrepreneurial community, ensuring programs address community needs and drive ecosystem growth.
- Organize and participate in events, workshops, and seminars to promote Gradient’s mission and programs.
Team Leadership and Data Management
- Lead and mentor our amazing programs team, and foster a collaborative and high-performance culture
- Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional development opportunities for team members.
- Manage budgets related to programs and partnerships and ensure financial sustainability and accountability
This role reports to the Chief of Staff
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in program management and partnership development, preferably within the entrepreneurial or tech sectors.
- Proven track record in developing and managing successful programs and partnerships that drive organizational growth.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Strong leadership abilities, with experience in team management and development.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Familiarity with entrepreneurial ecosystems and the specific needs of startups and small businesses.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Benefits:
- Great Insurance: A top-tier insurance plan where the company pays for 100% of your health, vision and dental plan.
- 401k Match: We’ll match your 100% of your 401k contributions up to the first 4% of your pay after 6 months
- Parental Leave: Competitive 12-week maternity and paternity leave for new parents.
- Term Life Insurance: We pay for $50,000 in term life insurance coverage
- Time Off: We have a generous PTO policy, paid time off for all major holidays, and you get your birthday off every year.
- End of Year Recharge: We shut down the office every year from Christmas Eve through New Year's Day for you to enjoy time with your family or friends.
- Job Costs: We pay 100% of the costs for the hardware/software you need to do your job.
- Parking: We pay for your downtown parking pass.
- Cell Phone: We provide you $50 per month for your cell phone.
- Personal Health Reimbursement: We provide you $50 per month for your gym membership, yoga studio membership, massage, or whatever activity you do to stay feeling awesome.
Location:
Our team is exclusively based in Tulsa, OK, and you either need to be in Tulsa already or move to Tulsa to join us in person. We love our team culture and the tight-knit feel that office life enables.
Compensation:
$80,000-$90,000 annual salary (depending on experience)
Equal Opportunity Employment:
36°N is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. 36°N is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including any job seeker with a disability. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to ops@36n.co
When applying for this role, please upload a PDF that contains BOTH your resume and cover letter when you are prompted to upload resume/CV.
