Director, NYS Innovation Venture Capital Fund

*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered. 

*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.

*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Director will be integrally involved in all aspects of investment and portfolio management activities for the New York State Innovation Venture Capital Fund (NYSIVCF), a program of NY Ventures, with a primary focus in upstate New York. The Director’s primary activities include identification of potential investment opportunities, due diligence, and post-investment support and monitoring activities.     

WORK PERFORMED:

The NYS Innovation Venture Capital Fund (NYSIVCF), part of New York Ventures, is a $135M venture capital fund that is part of the economic development agency of New York State, Empire State Development.   NYSIVCF invests in innovative start-up companies with high growth potential across New York State helping to close gaps in access to venture capital due to location, industry or background. We invest in exceptional founders from diverse backgrounds who solve large-scale problems using innovative technologies in the following sectors: climate tech, health tech and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and social impact technologies. https://esd.ny.gov/new-york-state-innovation-venture-capital-fund. NY Ventures is the venture capital group under the Small Business & Technology Development Division at Empire State Development (ESD). The team at NY Ventures manages over $300M of funds for its direct investment and fund of funds programs. New York Ventures supports the innovation ecosystem with investments in diverse entrepreneurs and their high growth companies across the state to contribute to a healthy, sustainable and economically vibrant future for all New Yorkers.  https://esd.ny.gov/venture-capital

Work Performed: The Director will primarily be responsible for providing support to the NYSIVCF leadership and senior staff in all aspects of executing the fund’s investment strategy. The Director will also collaborate with and support other programs managed by NY Ventures based on priorities.    Job responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Participating in all aspects of the investment due diligence process for fund investments including technical due diligence, market sizing and mapping, competitive market identification, financials review, and industry research.
• Developing and maintaining financial models related to VC financings, investment deal and company restructurings, valuation analyses, and liquidity events.
• Preparing new investment deal review and presentation materials for the NYSIVCF Investment Advisory Committee and the ESD Board of Directors.
• Supporting and initiating active deal flow sourcing of new investments including participating in meetings with founders and entrepreneurs, attending relevant conferences and networking events, and maintaining deal pipeline records.
• Represent ESD and/or NY Ventures at conferences and meetings, make presentations and participate in panel discussions regarding building and scaling startup companies with a goal of making people aware of our programs at NY Ventures.
• Cultivate relationships with other investors (angel, institutional and/or strategic), and with other ESD/NYS programs including incubators, universities and other assets as well as with NYS employees involved in supporting start-up and growth companies for increasing awareness of our programs and for pipeline development.
• Oversight of investment companies as may be assigned including serving as board observer when appropriate, maintaining a strong relationship with CEO and/or other executive management members, tracking progress of the company and supporting the company in its growth, development and financing strategies.
• Maintaining the NYSIVCF assigned portfolio companies – including collecting and reviewing quarterly financial information, maintaining investment data, preparing company updates, and constructing professional presentation materials.
• Assist in the evaluation of applications and other support activities for other programs managed by NY Ventures 
• This position requires travel, primarily in state.
• Other special projects as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education level required: Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, science, economics, or related field required. Advanced degree preferred.

Equivalent Experience Knowledge Required:  

• 3 years of investment related experience at a PE/VC firm, or in the alternative three or more years of investment banking, start-up, or strategy consulting experience. 
• Strong knowledge and passion for entrepreneurship with solid writing and financial analysis capabilities. 
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills with proven ability to develop and maintain effective business relationships.
• Analytical skill and ability to interpret data and provide relevant conclusions/recommendations. Excellent computer and organizational skills
• Ability to work with limited supervision and to collaborate with a variety of partners and stakeholders. 
• Must be able to articulate ideas in a group setting and contribute thoughtfully and constructively.