VC Director @ World Business Chicago in Chicago, IL

World Business Chicago (WBC) is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicagoland as a leading global metropolitan area. Our mission is to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, support businesses, and promote Chicago as the leading global city to help our existing companies expand and attract new companies. Our vision is to make Chicago the most business-friendly city in the world by becoming a role model for truly inclusive economic growth, ensuring that all Chicagoans prosper through equitable economic development.

Position Overview

The Innovation and Venture Director will support WBC’s innovation and venture programs, focusing on developing, managing, and coordinating the Chicago Venture Summit series, venture events, and other growth-capital focused programming. The director will report to the Vice President of Innovation and Venture Strategy and collaborate with WBC leadership, board members, and partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Events Production (33%)

• Lead planning, logistics, and execution of flagship WBC events and associated events, ensuring world-class experiences for startups, investors, and corporate partners.
• Manage vendor relationships, event budgets, and on-site/in-person coordination.
• Collaborate with startups, venture capital firms, corporate partners, and innovation hubs to showcase emerging talent and opportunities.
• Oversee event marketing and promotional strategies in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

2. Program Strategy (33%)

• Develop and refine strategic goals for WBC’s Startup Chicago program and its integration within the Chicago Venture Summit.
• Design programming that aligns with the needs of Chicago’s innovation ecosystem. This includes workshops, panels, and networking activities, leveraging the working clinics in the Tech Equity Working Group.
• Drive the inclusion of underrepresented founders and diverse talent in all programming initiatives.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support the mission and goals

3. Fundraising & Partner Development (33%)

• Build and nurture relationships with corporate sponsors, foundations, and other key stakeholders to secure financial support for events and initiatives.
• Engage with WBC board members, council leaders, and strategic partners to identify opportunities for collaboration and funding.
• Develop sponsorship packages and pitch decks to communicate WBC’s value proposition to potential investors and partners.
• Collaborate with local and national organizations to promote Chicago as a global hub for venture investment.

Desired Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Event Leadership: Proven ability to plan and execute large-scale, high-profile events, focusing on audience engagement and operational excellence.
• Strategic Vision: Experience developing and managing innovation programs, with a deep understanding of Chicago’s tech ecosystem.
• Partnership Building: Strong track record of cultivating relationships with corporate sponsors, investors, and stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to represent WBC externally to diverse audiences.
• Project Management: Adept at balancing competing priorities and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced environments with evolving priorities.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in event production, program management, and/or partnership development, ideally in the tech or innovation sector.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in a related field.
• Familiarity with Chicago’s tech ecosystem and venture capital community is highly preferred.
• Proficiency in project management tools, event platforms, and standard office software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace).
• Ability to travel for events as needed.

WBC is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, we encourage you to let us know. We will work with you to meet your needs in a respectful and confidential manner.