Executive Director

You will launch and lead a regional innovation hub in Bentonville. You will execute its strategic plan, recruit and manage a local team, build partnerships across government, academia, and industry, and connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, customers, and partners. You will deliver entrepreneurial programs and events, raise funding for startups and operations, attract businesses to the region, and expand regional visibility.

Responsibilities

• Execute the strategic plan to position Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas as a hub for dual-use, manufacturing, and supply chain innovation.
• Recruit and lead a local team.
• Build partnerships across government, academia, industry, startups, investors, and innovators.
• Facilitate mentorship and expertise for local entrepreneurs.
• Connect entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, customers, and partners.
• Deliver programs tailored to the Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurial community.
• Raise investment for Northwest Arkansas startups.
• Attract businesses to establish or expand a local presence.
• Raise funding to support long-term operations and growth.
• Increase strategic partnerships, investor participation, and regional media visibility.

Requirements

• Build and execute innovation initiatives across technology, defense, and manufacturing sectors.
• Develop partnerships across government, academia, and industry.
• Secure funding and mobilize resources.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders and investors.
• Work evenings and weekends for events and tight deadlines.
• Have reliable transportation.
• Maintain a quiet remote workspace with fast internet.
• Follow security practices, including using device passcodes and a password manager.
• Use Google productivity tools, including Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
• Be available to work during SXSW, DREAMCON, and Austin Tech Week.

Benefits

• 4 weeks of paid time off, including one week between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance paid 100% by STATION NWA.
• 401k program with 50% company matching.
• Life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Parental leave: 10 weeks paid leave for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents.
• $1,000 personal innovation budget at the first-year anniversary and an additional $500 each subsequent anniversary.
• Coworking membership with a garage parking space, metro pass, or rideshare credits.
• Access to an onsite gym.