Director of Programs and Strategy Development

Director of Programs and Strategy Development APPLY NOW

Pendleton, Oregon
Accelerator
125000 - 150000 usd / year
29 Nov 2024
Contractor

Position Overview:

The Director of Programs and Strategy Development is responsible for overseeing the comprehensive 12-week accelerator program, managing a team of expert advisors, and continuously improving the curriculum to meet the evolving needs of UAS startups. This role ensures the seamless integration of all program components and drives the strategic direction of the accelerator's educational offerings.

Detailed Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the 12-week accelerator program, including:
  • Pitch Preparation Course
  • Supplementary Business Courses
  • Grant Funding Elective
  • Technical Mentorship Program
  • Manage and coordinate the team of senior advisors
  • Ensure curriculum relevance and alignment with UAS industry needs across all program components
  • Collaborate with the CMIO and Director of Business Development to integrate program offerings with marketing and partnership strategies
  • Oversee the organization of the three-day Pitch Camp at the end of the program
  • Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for the accelerator program and individual course components
  • Stay abreast of UAS industry trends and work with senior advisors to incorporate them into the program curriculum
  • Develop and manage partnerships with universities, research institutions, and industry leaders for curriculum enhancement and mentorship opportunities
  • Coordinate with the Program Coordinator to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the accelerator program
  • Lead strategic planning efforts for program expansion and improvement

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in program development, preferably in a startup accelerator or tech education environment
  • Proven track record of developing and implementing successful educational programs
  • Experience in managing cross-functional teams of subject matter experts
  • Strong understanding of the UAS industry and emerging technologies
  • Excellent project management and problem-solving skills
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities

Desired Skills and Attributes:

  • Experience with curriculum development and instructional design
  • Familiarity with grant writing and fundraising strategies
  • Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
  • Adaptability and comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced environment
  • Strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable plans
  • Proficiency in Google Workspace, Monday CRM, PowerPoint, and data analysis tools
  • Ability to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into the curriculum

Reporting Structure:

This position reports directly to the Executive Director, with oversight from the Chief of Staff.

Key Performance Indicators:

  • Overall quality and relevance of the accelerator program curriculum
  • Cohesion and integration of various program components
  • Number and quality of startups recruited and graduated from the program
  • Improvement in program participant success metrics (funding raised, revenue growth, etc.)
  • Participant satisfaction ratings across all program components
  • Success of major events, including the three-day Pitch Camp
  • Effectiveness of the senior advisor team in delivering their respective components
  • Number and quality of partnerships developed to enhance the program
  • Adaptability of the program to emerging trends and technologies in the UAS industry
  • Successful implementation of program improvements based on feedback and industry trends

Expected Work Hours:

Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate occasional evening and weekend events.

In-person / Virtual Requirements:

This role requires physical presence in Pendleton, Oregon, with occasional travel for industry events and partnership development.

Note: This position will initially be a contractor role without benefits, transitioning to a full-time salaried position with comprehensive benefits in 6-9 months.

Office Skills:

  • Advanced proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for curriculum development, collaborative work, and program management
  • Expertise in project management tools, particularly Monday CRM, for coordinating multiple program components and tracking progress
  • Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools for measuring and reporting program outcomes
  • Advanced skills in PowerPoint for creating and refining pitch decks and presentation materials
  • Familiarity with Canva for developing marketing materials and visual aids for the program
  • Experience with video conferencing platforms for conducting virtual mentoring sessions and workshops
  • Proficiency in financial modeling software for teaching and evaluating startup financial projections
  • Familiarity with grant management software to support the grant writing component of the program
  • Basic understanding of Shopify or similar e-commerce platforms to support startups in the program
  • Ability to use and teach various UAS industry-specific software tools relevant to the technical mentorship component

Communication Skills:

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities
  • Experience in public speaking and presenting to diverse audiences
  • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into accessible language
  • Ability to effectively communicate program outcomes and impact to stakeholders

Networking Skills:

  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with industry leaders, investors, and partners
  • Experience in organizing and facilitating networking events
  • Strong presence on professional social media platforms, particularly LinkedIn

Team-building Skills:

  • Demonstrated leadership in building and managing high-performing teams
  • Experience in mentoring and developing talent
  • Ability to foster a collaborative and innovative work environment

Why Pendleton?

Experience the unique blend of rural charm and cutting-edge technology in Pendleton. Home to the world-famous Pendleton Round-Up, Pendleton Woolen Mills, and our state-of-the-art UAS test range, Pendleton offers an unparalleled quality of life and the opportunity to be at the forefront of aerospace innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

As our organization expands, this role offers significant potential for professional growth and the opportunity to shape the future of UAS innovation in Oregon. You'll have the chance to build a world-class program, expand our reach nationally and internationally, and potentially develop new initiatives within the organization.

About The Oregon UAS Accelerator:

The Oregon UAS Accelerator is at the forefront of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) innovation, positioning Pendleton as a premier hub for UAS, UAV, and URS development. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs, drive technological advancements, and foster a collaborative ecosystem that propels Oregon to global leadership in the UAS industry.

Join us in shaping the future of UAS innovation and education. If you're passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and making a lasting impact on an emerging industry, we want to hear from you!



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