Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Join Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's dynamic global community of changemaker including some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity.

Scale.Rensselaer, Inc. is a startup accelerator based in downtown Troy, NY, headquartered in the historic Quackenbush Building. Our mission is to drive regional innovation by equipping local startups with the resources, mentorship, and funding access they need to grow. We focus on launching high-potential ventures, strengthening the local economy, and forging strategic partnerships with industry leaders, investors, and academic institutions.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The Director of SCALE.Rensselaer will play a pivotal role in launching and operating an accelerator dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to tackle the world’s toughest problems. The Director is responsible for strategic planning, program development, and community engagement to support entrepreneurs across various disciplines. The Director will lead initiatives that promote innovation, business development, and entrepreneurial education, ensuring alignment with SCALE.Rensselaer’s goals and objectives. By fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the Capital Region and beyond, the Director will drive transformative solutions and advancements in technology.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible management and/or executive positions, including;
  • Proven experience in entrepreneurship, startup development, or accelerator management
  • Strong technical background with the ability to understand and evaluate complex technologies
  • Experience in securing funding and managing budgets

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a technical field
• Ten years of responsible management and executive positions 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledgeable of the full range of issues related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including companies, community organizations, and investment firms
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Excellent leadership skills to work with entrepreneurs in the development of new ventures
• Skilled in strategic planning, organizing, and effective time management skills
• Exceptional presentation skills to a wide variety of professional and executive audiences
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial and other data
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Ability to anticipate and solve problems
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including companies, community organizations, and investment firms

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $150,000 - $175,000

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).