VC Manager @ Creative Destruction Lab in Seattle, WA

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is an objectives-based program for massively scalable, seed-stage science and technology-based companies. The program’s objective-setting process enhances the performance of technical founders who learn from the insights of experienced entrepreneurs, increasing their probability of success. CDL is run as a partnership between CDL Global (based at the University of Toronto) and the business schools of twelve leading universities. The universities act as a convener of talent, bringing together mentors, world-class scientists, and economists to accelerate and enable investment. CDL is a unique not-for-profit program. It does not charge participating entrepreneurs and takes no equity in their companies. CDL-Seattle has launched at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington and will accept 40 deep-tech and science companies from within and outside UW for the 2023/2024 Computational Health and Advanced Manufacturing streams.

The Advanced Manufacturing stream will specialize in companies operating on the frontier of robotics, automation, industrial IoT, and other digitally transformative technologies. The Computational Health cohort specializes in startups that are using computing to change the future of health and medicine, from therapeutics to bioinformatics.Companies that have advanced beyond the concept state apply (at no cost to them) to participate in CDL. Once companies are selected for participation, they participate in a 9-month long program, with 5 intensive full-day sessions with CDL mentors every eight weeks. At each session, they assess progress and set new short-term objectives. Mentors are typically successful entrepreneurs from the local region or broader CDL community.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Recruitment & Selection: 25%

• Identifies and builds relationships with centers of innovation in the local ecosystem in robotics and automation; including Universities, venture capital funds, incubators & accelerators, and tech associations to build a strong pipeline of CDL venture applicants
• Executes outreach strategy for the recruitment of the incoming cohort
• Builds a pipeline of CDL prospects and works within Salesforce system to monitor and convert leads to applications
• Assesses fit for early-stage science and engineering-based ventures that apply for the CDL program
• Interviews companies in robotics and automation and makes recommendations about who should be admitted to the program

Venture Management 50%

• Acts as coordinator between ventures, scientists, and students
• Supports ongoing communication with CDL founders
• Develops documentation to support CDL programming
• Manages documentation workflow (Venture Summaries, Venture updates, Meeting Schedules, etc.)

CDL Operations: 25%

• Provides ad hoc event planning support to CDL Events Manager/Project Manager
• Supports CDL event logistics as required, including conferences and CDL “Super Session”
• Supports CDL administrative functions as required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, or similar and a minimum of 3 years’ progressive experience with operations and project management, planning and delivering large, complex projects and events.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work experience working with start-ups, technology companies, or venture capital is an asset
• Strong analytical ability and understanding of business models and drivers of success in start-ups across several verticals
• Ability to analyze and systematically evaluate ventures – proficiency with financial modeling, conducting market analysis, and strategic planning is an asset
• Experience and confidence working with high performing teams and multiple stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial and highly motivated with a strong interest in start-ups and venture capital
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion to consistently meet or exceed performance objectives
• Strong, team-oriented work ethic with a willingness to work independently and autonomously
• Highly organized with strong project management experience
• Work independently and strong ability to figure out what needs to be done next, forward thinking and project management
• Proven ability to manage event teams; including staff and volunteers
• Demonstrated flexibility/adaptability to a wide variety of tasks
• Proven ability to monitor and uphold a high standard of quality in all aspects of work
• Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills
• Proven problem-solving ability with solid analytical skills
• Calm under pressure
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Highly organized

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s Degree

Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your “My Jobs” page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.