What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Director, NYS Venture Capital Fund position at Empire State?
BASIC FUNCTION:
The Senior Director will lead or contribute to all aspects of investments and portfolio management activities for the NYSIVC, including the identification of potential investments, due diligence related to those investments, and post-investment activities related to the investment portfolio. The Senior Director is also responsible for providing support to the NYSIVC Fund's Managing Director and senior staff in all aspects of the venture capital investment process including program development.
WORK PERFORMED:
- Leading and 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.
- Continue to build and amplify a diverse innovation ecosystem in New York State to bridge diverse founders and funders across all regions of the state with funding needs.
- 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 NYSIVC Fund Investment Advisory Committee and the ESD Board of Directors.
- Supporting active deal flow by sourcing new investments including participating in meetings with founders and entrepreneurs, attending relevant conferences and networking events, and maintaining deal pipeline records. This includes outreach to NYS incubators, universities and other assets for deal sourcing and partnering.
- Represent ESD and/or NY Ventures at conferences and meetings, make presentations and participate in panel discussions regarding building and scaling startup companies.
- Cultivate and build a network of relationships with other investors (angel, institutional and/or strategic), and with other ESD and NYS employees involved in supporting start-up and growth companies.
- Oversight of investments 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 NYSIVC company portfolio – including collecting and reviewing quarterly financial information, maintaining investment data, preparing company updates, and constructing professional presentation materials.
- Assist in the development of other related programs for NY Ventures.
- Working effectively with other colleagues within ESD and NYS to further the development of the work of NYSIVC and the Small Business and Technology Division including developing new programs that support startup companies.
- Others special projects as assigned.
Position expected to work onsite and/or remote consistent with NYS and ESD guidelines and needs.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education Level required: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. Graduate degree in finance, technology/engineering, accounting, public administration, public policy, urban planning, business administration, or related field strongly preferred.
Equivalent Experience required: 5 years’ experience working in finance, technology business management, venture, venture law, angel investment, investment, contract law, economic development, small business support, community development, or public policy.
Knowledge required: Excellent program management, writing, researching, and presentation skills. Strong understanding of business development and growth, start-up business financing, small business support programs, and network development and engagement. Understanding of venture capital industry, economic development issues and policy. Understanding of common innovation small business challenges.
