JOB DESCRIPTION

**IN-PERSON POSITION. NO REMOTE APPLICANTS PLEASE**

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city's economy in an inclusive manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents.

BDC is committed to a more equitable economy by supporting minority and women-owned businesses and promoting investment in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by institutional racism and/or generational poverty. We develop strategies and facilitate collaboration among our partners to intentionally create an inclusive and equitable economy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is seeking a Senior Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer positions Baltimore as a national hub for technology entrepreneurship from historically underserved communities while leading critical science and technology sectors. SVP/CIO provides management and oversight of the Innovation Team. Primarily reporting to and working with the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the SVP/CIO role develops comprehensive strategies supporting participation in technology and innovation sectors while ensuring digital equity and sector leadership. As head of the Emerging Technology Center, the SVP/CIO also has a dotted line to the President and CEO who serves as the chair of the ETC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Emerging Technology Center (ETC)

• Oversee ETC operations with enhanced focus on entrepreneurship from historically underserved communities.
• Develop new Venture Studio model for scaling Baltimore's start-ups.
• Develop a catalyst Venture Fund to invest in promising high growth ventures.
• Develop mentorship networks connecting established and emerging tech entrepreneurs.
• Create programming that addresses barriers facing historically underserved tech entrepreneurs.

Life Sciences & Biotech Sector Development

• Lead Baltimore's life sciences and biotechnology sector development with focus on inclusion of historically underserved entrepreneurs.
• Develop strategies increasing participation from historically underserved communities in life sciences sector.
• Create pathways for entrepreneurs from historically underserved backgrounds to access wet lab space and research partnerships.
• Coordinate with Johns Hopkins, University of Maryland, and other research institutions on inclusive participation initiatives.

Technology and Cybersecurity

• Develop Baltimore's technology and cybersecurity sector with emphasis on historically underserved entrepreneur participation.
• Create tech entrepreneurship programs specifically for historically underserved communities.
• Establish connections between diverse tech founders and venture capital, angel investors, and corporate partners.
• Build cybersecurity workforce development programs targeting historically underserved populations.

Emerging and New Industries Support

• Identify and develop support for emerging industries that create opportunities for historically underserved entrepreneurs.
• Create innovation challenges and competitions specifically for entrepreneurs from historically underserved backgrounds.
• Establish Baltimore as a testbed for technologies addressing challenges in majority-minority cities
• Develop sector-specific programming for new and emerging technology sectors.

Logistics & Manufacturing Technology Integration

• Support technology integration in logistics and manufacturing sectors
• Develop smart manufacturing and logistics technology initiatives
• Create opportunities for historically underserved entrepreneurs in tech-enabled logistics and manufacturing
• Coordinate with port and transportation partners on technology advancement

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point
• Knowledge of Hubspot or similar CRM platforms.
• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas and possess a healthy sense of intellectual curiosity.
• Collaborative approach to cross-functional work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Lifesciences, Computer Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; PhD preferred.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in technology sector development, innovation ecosystem building, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in diversity and inclusion in technology or supporting minority entrepreneurs in tech sector.
• Strong understanding of venture capital, startup ecosystems, and technology commercialization.
• Experience with life sciences, or cybersecurity sector development.
• Understanding of barriers facing entrepreneurs from historically underserved communities in technology.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Workplace Setting: The position requires presence in an office setting, employees are scheduled to work a 7.5-hour workday Monday through Friday, providing a total of 37.5 hours per work week. The BDC 7.5-hour workday plus one hour for lunch, begins between 7:00 am – 9:00 am and ends between 3:30 pm– 5:30 pm. Flexibility for occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required.
• Equipment Use: Proficiency in using standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and telecommunication devices is essential.
• Rare evening and weekend work for special events and Board meetings.
• Some travel within Baltimore metropolitan area for community events and stakeholder meetings.
• BDC's offices are located at 36 S. Charles on the 21st & 20th floors and are accessed via elevators and emergency stairs.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, stand, and walk, including occasionally moving between different locations within the office and offsite.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, handle documents, and perform data entry.
• Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Vision and Hearing: Adequate vision and hearing are necessary for reading documents, using a computer, and communicating with others in person and via telecommunication devices.

Dress Code Requirements

• Professional Attire: The candidate is expected to adhere to a professional dress code that reflects the organization's standards and presents a neat, clean, and business-like appearance.
• Meetings and Events: For meetings with public officials, community leaders, or external partners, business formal attire may be required.
• Casual Days: On designated casual days, business casual attire is acceptable, provided it maintains a professional and respectful appearance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

BDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a more equitable economy through employment, supporting minority and women-owned businesses and promoting investment in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by institutional racism and/or generational poverty. We develop strategies and facilitate collaboration among our partners to intentionally create an inclusive and equitable economy. BDC does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. BDC also offers a full package of benefits including paid sick, personal, and vacation leave; subsidized medical/dental with Health Savings Account; 403(b) retirement with employer matching; parking/transit subsidy; mobile phone reimbursement; and other benefits.