Startup Innovation Specialist

Startup Innovation Specialist 
Provide critical support to startups, entrepreneurs, and growth stage companies transforming the food system

The Good Food Institute (GFI) is at the forefront of the movement to use food technology and markets to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, from climate change and global hunger to antibiotic resistance and the exploitation of animals. 

How You Will Make a Difference
In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead GFI’s engagement and support operations for startups, entrepreneurs, and growth stage companies in the alternative protein industry. The Startup Innovation Specialist will be responsible for:  

• Serving as the primary point of contact for startups and growth stage companies; liaising with GFI staff and our network as needed to support these companies.
• Analyzing market data, identifying whitespaces and priority innovation areas, and communicating insights to both internal and external GFI stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.
• Maintaining and expanding upon GFI’s library of startup and growth support resources (e.g., Startup Manual, events calendar, Company Database, map of accelerators and incubators, whitespace commercialization opportunities, scaling manual).
• Organizing and facilitating the GFIdeas community for entrepreneurs and the related newsletter; identifying any other community building necessary to further develop the ecosystem.
• Assisting in the evaluation, development, and execution of a possible entrepreneur in residence program. 
• Developing strategic industry partnerships to accelerate the growth of the alternative protein ecosystem, including with top incubators, accelerators, and venture studios.
• Supporting the Investor Engagement Specialist to mobilize capital into the alternative protein sector, including providing pitch deck feedback to fundraising startups. 
• Collaborating on other cross-functional initiatives, such as supporting GFI research grantees as they commercialize their research. 
• Providing consulting/advisory services to startups and growth stage companies to help them succeed at starting and growing their companies, including assistance with business plan development and evaluation, preparing for fundraising, and scaling with suppliers and customers.
• Planning the Good Food Conference’s Innovator’s Showcase pitch competition (or an equivalent alternative) and identifying other opportunities to help increase visibility for alternative protein startups.
• Representing GFI at industry conferences and events to educate alternative protein entrepreneurs, as well as promotion of the industry though drafting blog posts and media interviews.
• Conducting surveys and using other research methods to evaluate GFI’s startup ecosystem  support services and to inform future prioritization.
• Executing any other roles or responsibilities as communicated by your supervisor or department director. 
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For
The Startup Innovation Specialist must have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (MBA or equivalent experience preferred).
• At least two years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated passion and interest in both the startup and alternative protein industry.
• A thorough understanding of fundraising for start-ups.
• Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills.
• A demonstrated strong work ethic, a high degree of self-motivation, and intellectual curiosity.
• Persuasive and engaging interpersonal skills; the ability to build effective working relationships with entrepreneurs, founders, investors, and company executives.
• Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision making, including setting and managing priorities and meeting competing deadlines.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Comfort working remotely and in a rapidly growing and evolving organization.
• Strong support for GFI’s philosophy and mission; demonstrated interest in public health, environmentalism, animal protection, or hunger relief.

An ideal candidate will also have:

• 3+ years of experience working to analyze and make recommendations on investments, startup and entrepreneur engagement, technology transfer, or similar functions within the broader startup ecosystem or investment industry. 
• Deep familiarity with the alternative protein industry (plant-based meat, eggs, and dairy; cultivated meat; and fermentation-derived proteins). 
• Experience successfully managing large cross-functional projects.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritize an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

The Fine Print

• Terms of employment: Full-time, exempt
• Reports to: Zak Weston, Supply Chain Manager
• Location: Remote; must live in the United States
• Travel: Regular travel is required for this role; up to 2 trips per month. During the pandemic, all business is being conducted virtually.
• Benefits: Working from home, full medical coverage, optional dental and vision packages, a 401(k) plan with employer match, flexible holiday and vacation plans, opportunity for advancement, respectful managers, and supportive colleagues.
  
• This is a U.S.-based position: In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• Salary: $50,000-$57,000

Please review our detailed careers brochure (direct download) to learn more about GFI's mission and strategic objectives, our team, the hiring process, and more! 

Application deadline: February 26