ABOUT STARTERSTUDIOⓇ

StarterStudio (Starter Studio FL Inc) is a Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the number, quality, and viability of Central Florida tech startups so they can start, scale, and stay in the region as contributors to higher wage jobs and sustainable quality of life.

StarterStudio is based in Orlando, Florida where it has served as an economic development tool for the region for over a dozen years. StarterStudio has offered three distinct accelerator programs for the past several years: Idea Stage, Build Stage and Pre-Seed stage, collectively providing support for founders of tech startups through the early phases of development of their businesses from problem validation, through building critical infrastructure, driving early revenue and preparing for informed conversations and due diligence process with investors. Details of each program can be found on the StarterStudio website: starterstudio.org.

StarterStudio has multiple strategic partnerships with universities and other entrepreneur support organizations, including University of Florida/UF innovate; Embry-Riddle Aeronautics University/Micaplex; University of Central Florida/UCF Business Incubation Program; Florida High Tech Corridor/Cenfluence.

Over the past 12 months, StarterStudio has developed two new accelerator programs: the L2M (Lab-to-Market) designed specifically for deep-tech founders who are looking to commercialize their research, and the Founder-Led Sales program to help drive early revenue and build an iterative sales process. Both of these programs continue to build on the business acumen required to successfully launch and grow a sustainable, scalable and investable venture.

JOB DESCRIPTION

StarterStudio is now looking for an Executive Director to lead the organization through a next stage of growth to build on success of its programs and the sustainability of the organization. The Executive Director will be responsible for the implementation of a strategic plan that will set the focus areas of StarterStudio for 2027 and beyond.

The successful Executive Director will have a well-developed network both inside and outside of Orlando and the Central Florida region, enabling them to connect companies with solid contacts, strong mentors, and capital resources.  

The Executive Director will be responsible for securing additional funding to supplement existing grants through federal and state government opportunities, corporate support, national and regional foundation grants and activating an alumni donor program.  In addition, the Executive Director will provide direction and support for the StarterStudio staff to ensure that they are focused on the most important programs for accomplishing StarterStudio’s mission. 

Finally, the StarterStudio Executive Director will need to be able to maintain and build strategic partnerships throughout Orlando and regionally across Florida to recruit a talented and diverse set of entrepreneurs, staff, and broader funding sources. 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Leadership 

Lead and participate with the Board of Directors in finalizing a strategic plan for 2027 and beyond.

Act as the spokesperson for and key representative of the organization throughout the tech, innovation and entrepreneurial community.

Act as a community participant to enhance StarterStudio’s presence and influence.

Strengthen existing and grow new strategic partnerships with other Entrepreneur Support Organizations and Universities to broaden the reach of SS accelerator programs.

Strengthen existing teamwork between the Board and the Executive Director and staff.

Operational Planning and Management 

Oversee effective day-to-day operations.

Implement operational plan improvements as required to support StarterStudio’s strategic goals and objectives.

Ensure StarterStudio meets the expectations of its clients, board members and funders.

Ensure donors, staff, and entrepreneurs’ privacy/confidentiality is maintained.

Arrange quarterly board meetings, executive committee meetings and provide detailed agenda and supporting materials for each.

Provide monthly/quarterly financial reports to the Board Chair and Executive Committee.

Program Planning and Management 

Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of StarterStudio programs and services.

Ensure programs and services contribute to the organization’s mission and strategic plan.

Monitor delivery of programs and services to maintain or improve quality.

Continue to work with the Board and Investment Committee to raise funds for and manage StarterStudio’s Evergreen Pre-Seed Fund and its portfolio of companies.

Human Resources Planning and Management 

Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.

Oversee HR policies, procedures, and practices for all staff.

Recruit, interview & select staff with capabilities that help further StarterStudio mission.

Coach and mentor staff to optimal performance.

Manage bi-weekly payroll and contractor payments.

Create succession plans for all key leadership positions.

Financial Planning and Management 

Work with staff and the Board to prepare an annual comprehensive budget.

Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for StarterStudio’s operations.

Research new funding sources and donors.

Develop of comprehensive fundraising plans

Lead the writing of funding proposals to meet budgeted goals

Direct grant reporting processes and activities.

Lead and participate in fundraising activities as the face of the organization.

Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.

Ensure that sound bookkeeping, and accounting procedures are followed by our accounting services.

Administer funds to budget and monitor monthly cash flow.

Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on StarterStudio’s revenues and expenditures.

Ensure that StarterStudio complies with all regulatory, licensing and tax guidelines.

Ensure StarterStudio’s insurance coverages are current and comply with all audit requirements.

Oversee the completion of the annual Form 990 completion and submission.

Oversee the completion of the minimal audit process required by Orange County as part of the funding criteria.

Community Relations/Advocacy 

Communicate with private sector and government stakeholders to keep them abreast of the organization’s work.

Establish solid working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, elected officials, and other organizations to help achieve StarterStudio’s strategic goals.

Assure that StarterStudio retains and increases its visibility as a key community resource for starting a tech company.

QUALIFICATIONS 

A strong understanding of tech entrepreneurship and resourcing requirements; personal experience with starting and growing a business a plus!

Contacts and familiarity across the local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem

Experience leading a non-profit organization centered on program offerings

Experience in successful fund-raising from business, government, and nonprofit/foundation sectors

Ability to translate strategy into implementation plans and execute initiatives to achieve goals and objectives

Leadership experience with small, dynamic and high-performing teams where staff are mostly remote

Understanding of and capabilities related to grant proposals, awards, and management

Excellent written and verbal communications and comfortable delivering public presentations

Undergraduate degree or equivalent entrepreneurial success background, preferably in technology companies, startups, or capital markets

Passion for economic development and community building!

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time, exempt position. We offer a competitive compensation package.

Please send your resume and introduction letter to Info@starterstudio.org

We look forward to hearing from you!