Entrepreneur-in-Residence
COMPANY: FORGE INSTITUTE
POSITION: Entrepreneur-in-Residence
DESCRIPTION: Organize, conduct, plan, and promote various initiatives within the program, including startup events, mentor training sessions, and the delivery of a pre-accelerator curriculum.
About Forge Institute:
Forge Institute is the Nation’s leader in advancing cyber operations, innovation, professional development and STEM capabilities through innovative partnerships across the public and private sectors. Our mantra, “Forever One Step Ahead,” is our reminder to remain vigilant, updated, and innovative against an enemy that seeks nothing less than the permanent disruption of our way of life. Empowering the future workforce in IT & Cyber that are ready to face the unique challenges of tomorrow is key to advancing and securing the future.
Position Description:
Forge Institute seeks a dynamic, innovative, and entrepreneurial-minded individual to join our team as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR). This unique position is designed for a seasoned entrepreneur or business leader with a track record of success in starting, growing, and mentoring businesses, particularly in the energy sector. The EIR will play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the energy community, engaging with college and high school students, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and other stakeholders through a series of ideation, startup generation activities, startup weekends, hackathons, and other community engagement methods.
This role reports directly to the Chief Innovation Officer and involves working closely with the Division Leader to organize, conduct, plan, and promote various initiatives within the program, including startup events, mentor training sessions, and the delivery of a pre-accelerator curriculum. The ideal candidate will have a passion for innovation in the energy sector, strong leadership skills, and experience in mentorship and training.
Key Responsibilities:
Startup Ecosystem Engagement: Spearhead the generation of innovative startup ideas in the energy sector, using technology and innovation to tackle existing challenges and seize new opportunities.
Comprehensive Community Outreach: Craft and execute an all-encompassing community outreach strategy aimed at igniting interest in energy innovation and entrepreneurship among college and high school students, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others.
Event Leadership: Plan, organize, and lead a variety of events, including startup weekends, hackathons, workshops, pitch events, and speaking engagements, designed to nurture innovation, facilitate collaboration, and support the development of viable energy sector startups.
Mentorship Program Direction: Develop and manage a mentorship program, offering guidance, support, and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs and startups, assisting them in refining their business strategies, securing funding, and overcoming the hurdles of initiating and expanding a business.
Educational Workshops and Coaching: Lead educational workshops and act as a mentor, teacher, advisor, and coach to participants, sharing expertise and insights to foster their professional growth and development.
Partnership and Relationship Building: Establish and maintain fruitful partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, government bodies, and other stakeholders to bolster the program's goals and enrich the energy innovation ecosystem.
Program Development and Implementation: Participate in the crafting and implementation of program policies, procedures, and goals, ensuring alignment with the Department of Energy's strategic directives.
Impact Assessment and Reporting: Oversee the evaluation of the program's impact, delivering regular reports on progress, challenges, and achievements to stakeholders and partners.
This position may involve some travel within the State of Arkansas, and occasionally could involve travel outside the State of Arkansas. Furthermore, you must adhere to internal security policies and requirements.
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience
Proven experience of a minimum of 2-5 years in event planning, marketing or operations
Be a Google Workspace (gmail, calendar, drive, slides, spreadsheets) whiz
Understand and regularly use Generative AI/LLMs to improve speed and efficiency
Maintain high-level of discretion, confidentiality and trust
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, partners, customers & users
Demonstrated integrity
Proactive and self-starter mentality
Very detailed oriented (ie. won’t let something out the door that isn’t ready)
Takes direction well
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in entrepreneurship, business development, or a leadership role within the energy sector.
Demonstrated success in starting, growing, and mentoring businesses, with a strong understanding of the startup ecosystem.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Passion for innovation, sustainability, and the energy sector.
Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Strong project management skills, with experience in organizing and leading large-scale events and initiatives.
Knowledge of the energy sector's current trends, challenges, and opportunities, with a passion for innovation and sustainable development.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a proactive and problem-solving approach to challenges.
Benefits:
401(k) with matching program
Health insurance coverage
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Awesome work environment
Amazing colleagues
Incredible mission
& so much more!
Forge Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer that empowers our people—no matter their race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status—to fearlessly drive positive change.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of relevant work experience demonstrating their qualifications for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
How to Apply:
