Position Summary

The Managing Director, Starts leads Medical Alley’s startup and innovation initiatives, driving ecosystem growth and revenue generation through strategic partnerships, accelerator programs, and corporate engagement. This role oversees the development and execution of programs that connect startups, investors, and corporate partners while expanding Medical Alley’s influence globally.

The Managing Director serves as both a strategic leader and business developer, building high-value relationships, closing partnerships, and ensuring operational excellence across the Starts portfolio. This leader is responsible for shaping program strategy, managing a high-performing team, and delivering measurable impact for startups, partners, and the regional health innovation ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Market Growth

• Drive revenue growth through sponsorships, partnerships, and service agreements with corporate, venture, and startup partners.

• Build and manage a strategic sales pipeline aligned with annual revenue targets (approximately $700K in 2026 with growth toward $3M by 2030).

• Lead the full business development cycle including strategy, pipeline development, pitching, and closing.

• Expand monetized programs such as Innovation Garage, Innovation Showcases, and Corporate Development Series.

• Represent Medical Alley in investor, corporate, and international trade engagements to expand business opportunities and brand visibility.

• Collaborate with the CEO and Board to develop new partnership models and revenue streams.

Program Strategy & Execution

• Oversee the Starts program portfolio including accelerators, innovation showcases, investor matchmaking, and delegation hosting.

• Ensure operational excellence and measurable outcomes through defined scopes of work and program KPIs.

• Guide team execution supporting engagement with more than 2,000 startup companies annually.

• Ensure high data integrity and strategic use of insights to increase partner value and program revenue.

• Collaborate with advisors and organizational leadership to evolve program design and innovation strategy.

Team Leadership & Performance

• Lead and develop a results-driven team including Principals and program specialists.

• Set clear expectations, manage performance, and foster accountability.

• Provide mentorship and structure for team members with varying experience levels.

• Promote professional development, strong communication, and team engagement.

Relationship Management & External Engagement

• Build relationships with venture capital firms, corporate innovation teams, and healthcare organizations.

• Engage with ecosystem partners including organizations such as the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and regional economic development groups.

• Oversee the Starts Advisory Council and leverage members for strategic insights and partnerships.

• Represent Medical Alley at regional, national, and international events as an ambassador for healthcare innovation.

Metrics, Data & Insights

• Lead data-driven decision-making using CRM systems such as HubSpot and program analytics.

• Maintain accurate startup and partner data to support investor engagement and membership development.

• Develop strategies to monetize program and startup data insights.

• Translate program results into reports and insights for sponsors, investors, and the Board.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in business development, corporate partnerships, venture programs, or startup/accelerator ecosystems.

• Demonstrated success leading teams and achieving revenue growth.

• Strong understanding of the medtech sector preferred; biotechnology and digital health experience also valuable.

• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and communication skills.

• Proficiency with CRM systems (HubSpot), data analytics, and Excel.

• Experience developing KPI dashboards and data-driven strategies preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Healthcare Management, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.

Leadership Style & Characteristics

• Vision & Purpose: Ability to articulate a clear vision for innovation and ecosystem growth.

• Collaboration & Influence: Builds trust with diverse stakeholders and navigates complex partnerships.

• Strategic Thinking: Develops innovative ideas that drive measurable value.

• Accountability & Integrity: Demonstrates high ethical standards and commitment to results.

Position Details:

Category: Full-time, Exempt employee.

This position is in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. Hybrid schedule with required in-office days on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Benefits: Competitive benefits package that includes medical, life and disability coverage with many optional programs, 401k, PTO program plus thirteen paid holidays.

Must have reliable transportation. Flexibility to work weekends or evenings, as required.

Organizational Summary: As the Epicenter of Health Innovation and Care®, Medical Alley serves as a world-class growth engine and a leadership collective dedicated to making a measurable impact on the future of healthcare. As a primary driver of industry transformation, we provide the "creative persistence" required to succeed even when the system resists, acting as the central pulse for over 800 global companies and a thriving startup ecosystem.

We foster collaborations and partnerships that move beyond polite conversation to deliver a collective blueprint for the future. Our unique strength lies in uniting the entire health and life sciences continuum, where we elevate the dialogue from a single industry perspective to a broader impact on public health. By shaping policy at state and federal levels and delivering actionable intelligence, we empower leaders to navigate complex shifts while ensuring that trust remains our bedrock. Our mission-driven approach is centered on a simple, powerful truth: progress is defined by our ability to put the patient’s needs at the center of everything we do. At Medical Alley, we remain steadfast advocates for human connection, ensuring care is accessible to all as we bring

innovation to the "last mile". Recognized as a premier workplace by Minnesota Business Magazine and the

Medical Alley is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and any other applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Please note: Medical Alley is not certified with the U.S. Department of Labor for immigration sponsorship.

Submit your cover letter and resume to: jobs@medicalalley.org

Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.