Strategy and Operations Associate Job Listing at Rockefeller University in New York, NY (Job ID 1688)

Description

Organization Overview

Consistent with our scientific mission, The Rockefeller University has established the Ford Center Incubator (FCI) to support and help grow biotechnology start-ups. The Ford Center Incubator is located in the newly renovated space in the Bronk Laboratory on the university campus on the Upper East Side of New York City. Providing laboratory and office spaces, shared equipment and meeting spaces, resources, and services, the incubator offers an environment where biotech entrepreneurs can develop their ideas and products collaboratively and cost-effectively to advance their life science ventures.
Overview

Reporting to the Director of Ford Center Incubator, the Strategy and Operations Associate is a full-time role that will assist the Director in ensuring both smooth and effective operation of the non-laboratory aspects of the incubator, including but not limited to management of the office workplace amenities and services, licensee selection process, tracking and reporting of operational KPIs, strategic partnership development and compliance, managing internal and external stakeholder relationships, managing external communication channels, and informing the growth strategy for the incubator's programs and infrastructural offerings. The role is expected to be a proactive contributor to a high standard for client experience from onboarding to graduation from the incubator.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Conceive and execute on community-building programming for the incubator, e.g. panel discussions, guest speakers, and grow an extended community of supporters that are strategic to the success of current and potential FCI licensees, e.g. venture capitalists;
• Represent FCI at industry events and actively engage with the global life sciences community to maintain a high-quality pipeline of competitive applicants for space;
• Conduct due diligence on applicant companies and contribute to the reporting thereof to university leadership and FCI advisors, and produce regular market and competitive analysis reports to inform leadership on funding trends, emerging technologies, start-up creation, and growth opportunities;
• Manage the incubator application process, including the provision of guidance to FCI applicants and potential applicants throughout the application process, and timely exchange of information with key advisors;
• Oversee the maintenance and delivery of a variety of services provided to FCI licensees, including but not limited to room reservation systems, AV systems, hospitality, and custodial services;
• Enhance the office environment of FCI through capital investment and/or procurement of new services and ensure the office space – including pantry area, conference/phone rooms, and reception area – are kept clean, organized, and restocked;
• Support on accounting and contracting-related responsibilities, including invoicing, track payment compliance, budget development, and supporting the preparation of financial projections;
• Lead the generation and management of website copy, marketing collateral, social media posts, and other related digital assets and platforms, e.g. Eventbrite/Luma, some of which will require engagement with internal and external creative design and engineering consultants who assist with the creation and maintenance of marketing assets;
• Identify and execute on marketing and cross-promotional opportunities, e.g. trade conferences, sponsorships, networking events, and coordinate with the Communications and Public Affairs department of the university to build and maintain the brand of FCI.

**(Internal candidate has been identified)**

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, communications, business administration, economics, or finance is required.
• At least 1-2 years of operations experience in an academic or commercial setting, or equivalent experience, including internships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including good oral and written communication abilities, appropriate for highprofile stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with interdepartmental colleagues, incubator tenants, and third-party partners.
• Excellent organizational and record keeping skills, with respect but not limited the storage and secure handling of sensitive hardcopy and digital material.
• High attention to detail, common sense, and the ability to exercise authority with incubator visitors and residents. Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the biotechnology industry, especially early-stage companies and their science.

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in the physical sciences, communications, business administration, economics, or finance is required.
• At least 1-2 years of operations experience in an academic or commercial setting, or equivalent experience, including internships.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including good oral and written communication abilities, appropriate for highprofile stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with interdepartmental colleagues, incubator tenants, and third-party partners.
• Excellent organizational and record keeping skills, with respect but not limited the storage and secure handling of sensitive hardcopy and digital material.
• High attention to detail, common sense, and the ability to exercise authority with incubator visitors and residents. Proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the biotechnology industry, especially early-stage companies and their science.

The Rockefeller University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the characteristics listed above.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Conceive and execute on community-building programming for the incubator, e.g. panel discussions, guest speakers, and grow an extended community of supporters that are strategic to the success of current and potential FCI licensees, e.g. venture capitalists;
• Represent FCI at industry events and actively engage with the global life sciences community to maintain a high-quality pipeline of competitive applicants for space;
• Conduct due diligence on applicant companies and contribute to the reporting thereof to university leadership and FCI advisors, and produce regular market and competitive analysis reports to inform leadership on funding trends, emerging technologies, start-up creation, and growth opportunities;
• Manage the incubator application process, including the provision of guidance to FCI applicants and potential applicants throughout the application process, and timely exchange of information with key advisors;
• Oversee the maintenance and delivery of a variety of services provided to FCI licensees, including but not limited to room reservation systems, AV systems, hospitality, and custodial services;
• Enhance the office environment of FCI through capital investment and/or procurement of new services and ensure the office space – including pantry area, conference/phone rooms, and reception area – are kept clean, organized, and restocked;
• Support on accounting and contracting-related responsibilities, including invoicing, track payment compliance, budget development, and supporting the preparation of financial projections;
• Lead the generation and management of website copy, marketing collateral, social media posts, and other related digital assets and platforms, e.g. Eventbrite/Luma, some of which will require engagement with internal and external creative design and engineering consultants who assist with the creation and maintenance of marketing assets;
• Identify and execute on marketing and cross-promotional opportunities, e.g. trade conferences, sponsorships, networking events, and coordinate with the Communications and Public Affairs department of the university to build and maintain the brand of FCI.

**(Internal candidate has been identified)**