HudsonAlpha - Entrepreneur Program Specialist

Institute Overview

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology (www.hudsonalpha.org) is a non-profit organization with the mission to use biotechnology and basic biological research to make important discoveries, improve human health, stimulate economic development, inspire young people to seek careers in science and teach members of the public the importance of science in their everyday lives. Located in Cummings Research Park in Huntsville, Alabama, one of the world's leading science and technology parks, HudsonAlpha's campus contains state-of-the-art laboratories for biological research and development, as well as education, in the areas of genomics, genetics and personalized medicine.

Department Overview

The Economic Development department's mission is to foster an environment conducive to successful start-ups and the transition of products and services to the market. This department is responsible for the recruitment, relocation, and expansion of start-up, early stage, and established biotech companies.

The Economic Development department focuses its work externally on government affairs (local, regional, and national), economic affairs, community relations, and special events that will promote growth of the synergistic cluster of biotechnology talent on the HudsonAlpha Biotech Campus and in North Alabama.

Job Summary

The Entrepreneur Program Specialist (EPS) is responsible for leading initiatives that promote entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth. This role focuses on building and managing programs that support entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative ecosystem, and connecting startups with the resources needed to succeed. The EPS works closely with community stakeholders, business leaders, and policymakers to create a thriving environment for entrepreneurial innovation and development.

Position Summary

This EPS will report to the Economic Development Manager of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass and work closely with the Director of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass to advance the work of this mission area and the Institute as a whole.

This position is located in Dothan, Alabama as part of HudsonAlpha Wiregrass.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Development and Management:
• Develop and implement programs that support entrepreneurial growth and small business development.
• Organize workshops, networking events, and mentorship opportunities tailored to entrepreneurs.
• Monitor program performance and recommend improvements based on participant feedback.
• Ecosystem Building:
• Foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and community organizations.
• Act as a connector between entrepreneurs and available resources, including incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with local, regional, and national organizations to enhance entrepreneurial support.
• Community Engagement:
• Build relationships with entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community stakeholders.
• Facilitate connections between entrepreneurs and key partners, such as industry experts, mentors, and investors.
• Represent the organization in the community, advocating for entrepreneurship and economic development.
• Marketing and Outreach:
• Collaborate with HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Operations Assistant to promote entrepreneurship programs through marketing channels such as social media, newsletters, and local events.
• Develop outreach strategies to engage diverse entrepreneurial audiences.
• Represent the program at industry conferences, forums, and trade shows to attract participation and investment.
• Resource Coordination:
• Help entrepreneurs navigate available resources, including funding, training, and legal assistance.
• Maintain an up-to-date directory of entrepreneurial resources and tools.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practices and success stories within the community.
• Data Tracking and Reporting:
• Collect and analyze data on program outcomes, tracking success metrics such as business launches, job creation, and funding secured.
• Prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders and leadership teams.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, economics, or a related field
• 1-3 years of experience in program management, entrepreneurship support, or economic development.
• Strong knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems and economic development principles.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Key Competencies

• Passion for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Strategic planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with startups, small businesses, or innovation-focused organizations.
• Familiarity with economic development tools and incentives.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.
  
  

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors/Mental Functions

ADA Requirements - The physical demands, work environment factors, and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer - All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sit or stand) for prolonged periods (50% of the time).
• Constant moving during hosted events.
• Frequently position self (e.g. stoop, crouch, crawl, bend) and pull and push to maintain computers and audio/visual equipment in the classroom/laboratory.
• Must be able to transport materials required for various experiences. This includes lifting and moving up to 25 pounds of materials (e.g. small stacks of textbooks or media equipment) between classrooms/laboratories and to and from parking lots and buildings.
• Frequent operation of common office equipment (e.g. computers, mobile devices, calculators, copiers, scanners).
• Frequently move around a classroom or HudsonAlpha campus to monitor guests of HudsonAlpha.
• Vision abilities - close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust/focus.
• Occasional air/car travel for meetings, conferences, or other activities which may require overnight stay(s).
  
  

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise level (i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Workspace is generally an indoor office setting and in other common areas throughout HudsonAlpha with controlled temperature conditions.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor environment during portions of the workday including extreme cold or hot temperatures, or inclement weather conditions.
• Prolonged and irregular working hours, which include early morning and/or evening hours, as business dictates
  
  

Mental Functions

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the English language.