Director of Engagement

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2010 to support people and businesses through every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. We exist to help make Nashville the best place to start and grow a business by increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs.ABOUT THE ROLEThe Director of Engagement is a vital member of the program team, working closely with the team to support entrepreneurs across various service offerings at the NEC and beyond by leading the NEC’s alumni, advisor, and capital networks. This is a cross-functional, highly relational role that blends community building, systems design, and hands-on founder support to ensure depth of founder outcomes and the continuity of their NEC journey. This multifaceted position requires strong communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.Success measures for this role include:100% accelerator founders matched with advisorsMaintain a network of at least 200 active advisors, with ≥50% activated annually through meetings, workshops, or events.Founder introductions to advisors/capital providers per yearJob ResponsibilitiesPrimary responsibilities include:Advisor NetworkManage the advisor network, including recruitment, training, and retention of qualified advisors across various disciplines, industries, and backgroundsDevelop and maintain relationships with advisors, ensuring they are equipped to provide valuable guidance and support to entrepreneursManage the online advisor platform and promptly address technical issues to maximize use by advisors and entrepreneursDesign and implement advisor–founder matchmaking systems, ensuring 100% of accelerator founders are matched with relevant advisors.Collaborate with the program team to integrate advisors into accelerator curriculum, workshops, and events.Plan and execute initiatives and events to meaningfully engage advisors in the NEC community and retain high-quality advisorsAddress challenges within the advisor network promptly and diplomatically, ensuring a positive and inclusive environment for all advisors and entrepreneurs seeking supportCapital NetworkServe as a liaison between the NEC and the community of capital providersBe the first point of contact between the NEC and prospective capital providers seeking to learn about the local investment and startup marketBe the first point of contact between the NEC and entrepreneurs seeking capitalManage the relationship between the NEC and InvestTNKeep the pulse of the capital community to stay atop of changes based on macroeconomic conditions or other opportunitiesEnhance the NEC’s brand image to maintain a robust pipeline of potential investors interested in looking at deals in the Middle TN regionPartner with the program and membership teams to facilitate content and consultations with program participants seeking capitalManage capital event budgets in alignment with attendance goalsEngage with NEC entrepreneurs to understand their needs and develop paths/relationships to drive them toward successAlumni NetworkDesign and implement a paid alumni offeringDevelop and implement strategies to engage alumni in the NEC’s Alumni Circle, fostering a vibrant, connected communityPlan and execute alumni events, including the annual Alumni HomecomingMaintain regular communication with alumni through newsletters, social platforms, and direct outreachCreate opportunities for alumni to contribute back to the organization (mentorship, speaking, sponsorship, peer support)Track alumni outcomes and impact, maintaining accurate records and using data to modify offerings as neededServe as the primary point of contact for alumni inquiries and relationship-buildingPerform other duties as assignedQualificationsABOUT YOUThe ideal candidate for this position thrives in an agile and innovative environment with demonstrated experience working with a cross-functional team. Qualifications include:Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree or above in a related fieldDemonstrated experience in fast-paced environments with a focus on startups, community engagement, business development, program management, and/or financial managementDeep understanding of the capital landscape available to entrepreneurs, and familiarity with venture/equity, debt, government/non-dilutive grants, and alternative funding sources (e.g., crowdfunding, etc.)Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholdersDemonstrated excellence in building and sustaining high-value relationships across alumni, advisors, and capital providersStrong problem-solving skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsDetail-oriented with the ability to balance big-picture insights and daily operationsHighly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing prioritiesProficiency in using technology and software tools for communication, collaboration, and data management.Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Workspace applicationsAbility to work independently and as part of a teamCommitment to the mission of the NECAdditional InformationADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATIONThis is a full-time exempt position based in Nashville, TN.Salary range is $68,000-$72,000, dependent on experienceComprehensive benefits package, including medical insurance (an employee-only coverage, high-deductible medical plan option available at no cost to employee), company-paid life insurance, an employee assistance program with dental, vision, anddisability options, and a 401(k) matching optionPaid time off, plus 15 annual holidays, including time off between Christmas Eve and New Year’s DayRegular onsite presence is critical to ensure smooth operations and regular interaction with those we serve. A hybrid work schedule can be arranged with approval from the Chief Program OfficerABOUT THE ECOur MissionGrounded by our values, we’re on a mission to help make Nashville the best place to start and grow a business by increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs. We’re proud to be a steward of Nashville’s entrepreneurial legacy by lifting the entrepreneur’s voices and telling stories that celebrate how they make our world better and teach others as they give back – keeping the cycle of entrepreneurship alive.Our CultureWe strive to be as innovative as the founders we support. Our team is highly collaborative and flexible. We take initiative to help each other and our community outside the bounds of department or expertise. Most importantly, we are driven to serve Nashville entrepreneurs, make entrepreneurship accessible to all, and continue our legacy of positive impact.Our ValuesBetter TogetherGrowth MindsetPurposeful Risk-TakingEntrepreneur at the CenterOwn the MissionAt the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, we value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage all genders, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. The NEC is an equal-opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application or interview process should notify an organization representative at hr@ec.co .How to ApplyDetailsDate Posted: November 12, 2025Type: Full-TimeJob Function: Programs and Service Delivery #J-18808-Ljbffr