Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager (Venture Catalyst Challenge)

About the roleThe Innovation & Entrepreneurship Manager for the Imperial Enterprise Lab’s Venture Catalyst Challenge programme is responsible for delivering this flagship entrepreneurship programme, specifically designed to support the most promising entrepreneurs at Imperial.As Innovation & Entrepreneurship Manager you will be responsible for supporting the delivery of Imperial Enterprise Lab’s activities including one-off events, workshops and programmes for our community of enterprising students, recent alumni, and post docs. This includes leading on our well-known flagship initiative the Venture Catalyst Challenge, a 3-month long programme for Imperial affiliated startups.You will be part of an energetic and passionate team who support the growth of new entrepreneurial ideas from our talented science, engineering, medicine and business students and post docs. This role will allow you to take the lead on a range of activities to support the development of early-stage ideas and their acceleration into commercial ventures.

Now in its 14th year, the VCC has supported nearly 300 startups to raise in excess of 250M in investment and grant funding. The post holder will play a pivotal part in designing and delivering the programme, securing partners and funders.What you would be doingManage the operational delivery of Imperial’s entrepreneurial programme, VCC Innovate and engage with stakeholders to ensure its successful delivery.Develop and deliver communications plans to ensure engagement and participation and attract support from internal & external experts and to launch a network of alumni.Identify and engage expert suppliers to deliver complex intellectual content and eventsSupport the Head of the Enterprise Lab in securing funding and partnerships for the VCC programme and beyondAnalyse and report progress or challenges to key internal & external stakeholders.What we are looking forExperience of working in the area of innovation and entrepreneurship support at a level suitable to facilitate credibility and positive relations with staff, post docs, students, alumni and external partnersProject management experience at a level conducive to delivering a high-quality education and professional development programme in a world-class institutional settingAbility to conceive, plan and own operational delivery strategies over multiple years to deliver near, mid- and longer-term College objectives.Important noteDiverse teams really are the best teams. We know that candidates (especially women research tells us) may be put off applying for a job unless they can tick every box.

So if you are excited about working with us and think you can do much of what we are looking for but aren’t sure if you are 100% there yet… why not give it a whirl?What we can offer youTraining, learning, and personal development opportunitiesThe opportunity to work with groundbreaking young entrepreneursA kind, fun, and supportive team and team cultureThe opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institutionSector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year)Further informationThis is a full time, open-ended position based at South Kensington campus (hybrid).Please do make the most of the opportunity to provide a supporting statement to demonstrate how your experience and aspirations make you a strong candidate for the role.If you require any further details on the role, or would like to have an informal and confidential discussion please contact:  Chantelle Young c.young@imperial.ac.uk