Sr. Director of Entrepreneurship

**Job Description Summary**The Patterson Family Foundation, based in Kansas City, Missouri, is a family-led foundation that extends the legacy of Neal and Jeanne Patterson. The Foundation’s mission, “Working together to help rural communities thrive,” is carried forward through strategic grantmaking and other collaborative initiatives that serve rural counties across Kansas and western Missouri.**Job Description**The Senior Director of Entrepreneurship reports to the President & CEO and oversees the Foundation’s entrepreneurial efforts. The Senior Director plays a crucial role in the Patterson Family Foundation’s mission to help entrepreneurs succeed and scale their startups to solve real problems for rural communities in the Foundation’s catchment.This position requires a deep understanding of the startup ecosystem, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative environment. The Senior Director of Entrepreneurship is responsible for:* Managing the Patterson Fellows Program: Overseeing the Fellowship program, including recruitment, Fellow development, and network advancement.* Building the entrepreneurial network: Creating and maintaining a powerful network of entrepreneurs, mentors, consultants, partners, and investors.* Mentorship and Support: Providing mentorship and support to startups and entrepreneurs.* Grantee Development: Implementing strategic plans regarding economic development and entrepreneurship to achieve the Foundation's goals.* Community Engagement: Building and maintaining a thriving startup community and engaging with the Thriving Rural network.This role is pivotal in supporting founders' success and shaping the strategic direction of the Thriving Rural Innovation programs. As the Senior Director of Entrepreneurship, you will serve as a coach, connector, and curator for founders, as well as a thought leader and brand ambassador.**Responsibilities*** Drive the pipeline and recruitment of new companies. Identify and choose competent and motivated founders that will solve real problems for rural communities.* Support founders by understanding their business and advising them.* Identify, analyze, and problem solve issues or barriers. Help close gaps by connecting founders with relevant mentors and partners and providing coaching and advice.* Curate a strong network of entrepreneurs, mentors, consultants, partners, and investors to connect to founders.* Serve as a thought leader and brand ambassador in the external community.* Bring external knowledge of market insights and future trends to benefit the Fellows.* Lead the Patterson Fellows and manage partnerships.* Work closely with the Economic Opportunity Program Officer to ensure alignment with programs and grants.* Work with grantees to develop entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic opportunity.* Travel to areas within the catchment and conferences as appropriate.* Model the Foundation’s Commitments: lead, communicate openly, avoid surprises, focus on solutions, stay curious, follow through, and lead with gratitude.**Qualifications*** Demonstrated experience building a business and/or function within an existing business.* Fundraising experience, including venture capital and investing.* Experience scaling organizations from 0-1 and 1-10.* Extensive experience in fast-paced environments within technology, startups, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.* Robust personal network in Kansas, Missouri, and the national communities.* The ability to represent the Foundation publicly through speaking engagements and professional events.* Empathy and EQ - able to put themselves in others’/founders’ shoes to understand their perspective and listen well.* Can influence effectively in all directions and collaborate well with others.* Able to inspire, develop, and engage people and teams.* Develop leaders - can attract high-quality talent and help Fellows build high-performing teams and organizations.* Analytical mindset and financial acumen.* Strong investor mental model and demonstrative results of your investment decisions, good and bad.* Expertise in term sheets, negotiations, and fundraising.
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