WHO WE ARE

20Fathoms is the technology hub and startup incubator of Northern Michigan. Our mission is to be the region’s home for technology and entrepreneurship by cultivating a thriving and connected ecosystem for early-stage companies.

With emphasis on a team-first, energetic culture, we provide a space conducive for creativity and innovation, where high-potential entrepreneurs and innovation experts convene, learn, create, launch, and grow. 20Fathoms is here to support and accelerate the success of hard-working founders, taking their “fathom” from concept, to market, to scale and beyond. Not to be mistaken for a simple “coworking space,” we provide advanced educational programming, invaluable networking opportunities, access to startup capital, and helpful business coaches and mentors to continually boost startup companies through their next stages of growth.

WHO YOU ARE

As the Executive Director of 20Fathoms, you are ultimately responsible for all aspects of 20Fathoms’ Vision, Mission, Values, and execution. You are the public face of the organization. Youi develop and lead your team with clear alignment to objectives and ensure future sustainability of the organization. You care deeply about the success of startups in the region and place a significant priority on the region’s development and growth. You seek feedback from, collaborate with, and report to the Board of Directors.

Organizational Vision and Strategy Creator. You have an executive presence. You are responsible for the 5+ year organizational vision and its operational execution.
Execution Strategist. You are responsible for the day-to-day execution of the organizational vision and strategy. This includes everything from facility management to Annual Operating Plan development to allocation of funding expenditures.
Financial Viability Guru. You have significant financial acumen. You are responsible for making sure 20Fathoms meets all near-term expense requirements as well as future multi-year planning. You are also responsible for ensuring adequate income – across donor, sponsor, grant, and program income as well as appropriate governance and internal controls, ensuring all compliance requirements are met. You understand Federal and State Grant management and compliance. You collaborate with the CFO to manage the affairs of the organization with frugality, never losing sight of appropriate stewardship of our funding.
Organizational Management and Ecosystem Leader: You are responsible for the hiring, development, and management of a team of 12-18 individuals aligned with the objectives of the organization. You have a passion for supporting entrepreneurs and founders across the ecosystem with the end-goal of creating highly skilled jobs in the NW Region of Michigan.
Chief Spokesperson. You develop and maintain crucial relationships with other community, regional, and state-wide supporters and influencers. You are frequently called upon to speak publicly about the mission and progress of 20Fathoms. You maintain and grow the strength of the 20Fathoms’ brand. You are the go-to person for technology-based startup and entrepreneurship topics from around the region and state.
Entrepreneur at Heart. You have experience as a founder or entrepreneur. You have a passion for leadership and autonomy, enjoying ultimate accountability. You are biased to action with a sense of urgency.
Team and People Developer. You see the strengths and weaknesses in individuals and the team and work to improve the collective through development and management of your team.
Fundraiser in Chief. You enjoy working with donors and sponsors to achieve the best outcome for all parties. You believe that philanthropy is essential to a thriving ecosystem.
Excellent Communicator. You excel in verbal and written communication. You are organized and analytical, while able to maintain interpersonal relationships.·
Visionary. You appreciate where an organization has been, where it currently is, and what it could become. You can see the path ahead and determine a path to get there.
Community centric. The ecosystem is our community and 20Fathoms does not exist without the community. You are adept at networking and understand the essential nature of being present and truly listening. You are willing to put entrepreneurs and members first to ensure their success.
Adaptable. You know how to quickly adapt to different situations, styles, and stakeholders.
Legally minded. You are comfortable reviewing legal documents.
Positive Attitude. You have a can-do, positive attitude. You are willing to take on new challenges and never stop learning.
Team Player. You are willing to do almost anything to ensure the success of the community and its members. You are willing to scrub the floor and whatever else may be necessary to successfully deliver on the mission.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Visionary Leadership. You are the public face of the 20 Fathoms mission as the principal exponent of its mission. You are an energetic, aspirational leader to your professional staff. You articulate and deliver the organization’s growth and path forward.
Entrepreneurship Programming. You develop and deliver the right entrepreneurial programming at the right time to the right audience. Ensure alignment across the organization towards big picture objectives and committed metrics and deliverables. You serve our constituents at the highest possible level, meeting them where they are in the startup process.
Set Priorities. You determine appropriate organization-wide priorities and maintain alignment across various teams and contributors.
Community Collaboration. You communicate and collaborate with key partners throughout the region and state. You build and maintain those critical relationships, ensuring effective partnerships and the reputation of 20Fathoms. You constantly solicit feedback and input across partnerships to ensure alignment.
Fundraising. You are responsible for all aspects of income, from individual donor development to corporate sponsorships to current and future grant income.
Communications and Reporting. You prepare and present clear and concise briefing materials and presentations for the Board of Directors and work collaboratively with the Board to execute on the organization’s Vision and Mission.
Financial Viability and Reporting. You are responsible for the financial viability of the organization – ensuring cash flow health at all times, managing the budget, and accurately projecting future needs and expectations – all while maintaining transparent, compliant, and auditable financial records. You ensure all appropriate grant compliance reporting takes place accurately and on time.
Organization Compliance. You are accountable for all organization-wide leadership of nonprofit and grant program compliance. This includes, but is not limited to, maintaining systems access for government and grant agency systems, ensuring organization-wide grant compliance objectives are met, reporting compliance in alignment with government and grant specifications on time, and ensuring all state and federal nonprofit and solicitation registrations are maintained and up to date - leveraging appropriate financial controls.

BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE

BA/BS minimum, preferably a graduate degree, in a relevant technology or business discipline or equivalent experience with a technical background
Experience leading a business or business unit with at least 5 full time employees and commensurate annual budget
Knowledge of tech and/or startup sector
Relationships, particularly local/regional relationships, that allow you to appropriately network, advocate, and influence on behalf of the region
Public speaking proficiency
Experience managing commercial business relationships, including ongoing procedures and leases, contracts, and agreements
Proficient with CRM software applications (HubSpot preferred) helpful
Knowledge of and/or experience with nonprofit organizations and grant compliance helpful

WORKING CONDITIONS

Compensation. This is a full-time exempt position, salaried at $120,000-$150,000 per year.
Benefits. Health, dental and vision insurance premiums are fully paid by 20Fathoms for the employee, eligible for coverage 1st of the month following hire. Employees may purchase coverage for eligible family members via payroll deduction. Retirement plan includes options for 401k and/or Roth, eligible to participate after 1 month of service. Customary paid holidays and generous paid time off (PTO) policy. On-site fitness center use included.
On-site presence. Predominant work location will be at the 20Fathoms main office location in Traverse City, MI – presence at the main office is critical.
Event attendance. Evening event attendance at main site and with community partners is required from time to time.
Travel. Some planned travel for meetings and/or conferences.

20Fathoms Executive Director