Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship

About the Role

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) is seeking a dynamic Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship to help advance our mission of establishing Metro Atlanta as a globally leading innovation hub. This role is instrumental in connecting, growing, and promoting the region's robust innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships and programs.

The Director will collaborate across MAC departments including Economic Development, Marketing, Communications, Investor Relations, and Economic Research, while engaging extensively with Atlanta's startup, corporate innovation, creative, and higher education communities.

Key Responsibilities

Atlanta Growth Collective Facilitation and Management

- Lead and manage this private network of high-growth companies, including content development, program communications, and member engagement

- Drive program execution through cross-functional collaboration with MAC departments

- Partner with the Chief Innovation & Marketing Officer on strategic program development and relationship management

Innovation Ecosystem Development

- Collaborate on development and execution of regional innovation branding and marketing initiatives

- Support management of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Advisory Board

- Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key ecosystem partners including incubators, accelerators, corporate innovation centers, and academic institutions

- Represent MAC at strategic innovation and entrepreneurship forums, events, and conferences

Strategic Development and Project Management

- Identify and assess regional innovation and entrepreneurship needs, particularly in areas of capital access and commercialization

- Align ecosystem priorities with MAC's strategic objectives

- Lead strategic initiatives as needed

Qualifications

Required Experience & Education

- 7 years of business experience, ideally in the innovation ecosystem or in program management

- Bachelor's degree or higher

- Proven track record of managing executive-level coalitions or organizations

Essential Skills & Attributes

- Strong business acumen with exceptional discernment capabilities

- Outstanding project management capabilities

- Superior relationship-building skills, with proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders

- Excellence in both written and verbal communication

- Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team objectives

- Strong attention to detail and analytical capabilities

- Experience building and managing multi-stakeholder coalitions

- Ability to motivate and manage high-level volunteers and executives

About MAC

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant metro Atlanta. To advance economic growth and improve our quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing, and recruiting companies to our 29-county region. We’re also focused on growing our innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion as economic imperatives, and telling Atlanta’s story.

Our Purpose, Principles, and Core Values

MAC’s purpose is to UNLEASH ATLANTA’S AMBITION, and in doing so we embody the following principles:

Sit Down Together, Stand Up to Act

Knock Down Walls, Open Doors

Take the Lead, Share the Credit

Sharpen the Focus, Expand the Reach

At MAC we naturally exhibit an unwavering commitment to three core values: to be relentless, smart, and all-in. This means every team member is:

• Relentless. MAC employees take pride in being relentless with an unwavering focus. Our partners trust us to deliver on our commitments. There isn’t room for cutting corners, being aimless, or rejecting change. We are bold and persistent and execute with innovation and edge. 

• Smart. Team members at MAC know that intense curiosity allows us to grow. We leverage instinct, integrity, and data to drive our strategy and achieve our purpose. As problem-solving idea generators, we have a natural advantage in any challenge.   

• All-In. We’re a greater force when we rally together. It doesn’t matter what our title or position is: we trust each other and work as one to multiply our collective impact and achieve ambitious goals.