1871 - Director of Innovation Labs and Growth Programs

ABOUT 1871

The story of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 isn’t really about the fire. It’s about what happened next: A remarkable moment when the most brilliant engineers, architects, and inventors came together to build a new city. Their innovations—born of passion and practical ingenuity—shaped not just Chicago, but the modern world. What started 140 years ago continues to this day.

1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support founders and innovators in building great businesses. We deliver unfair advantages at scale. The team supports ~420 early-stage companies, 200+ growth-stage members, and 100+ partners made up of Chicago’s brightest digital designers, engineers, and leaders shaping new technologies, disrupting old business models, and resetting the boundaries of what’s possible.

ABOUT INNOVATION LABS

The Innovation Labs at 1871 are designed to bring together growth-stage startups, corporate innovators, investors, and industry practitioners to connect, collaborate, and solve challenges together.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Innovation Labs & Growth Programs will lead the strategy, design, and execution of three core initiatives that fuel the success of startups, corporate innovators, and industry leaders:

• Innovation Labs – Sector-focused programs designed to bring together startups, corporate innovators, investors, and industry experts to tackle the industry’s biggest challenges.
  
• Growth Programs – Initiatives that accelerate the scaling of high-potential startups through mentorship, peer networks, investor/corporate connections, and tailored resources.
  
• Corporate Innovation Programs – A dynamic community and series of initiatives designed to inspire and support corporate innovation leaders within large enterprises.
  

The ideal candidate is an ecosystem builder and program leader with a deep understanding of startup acceleration, corporate innovation, and venture growth strategies. They will be responsible for developing high-impact programs, forging key partnerships, and creating a collaborative environment where startups and corporations can innovate together.

• Develop a strategic framework for engaging each target segment (startups, corporate innovators, investors) through a mix of events, community-building initiatives, and asynchronous resources.
  
• Determine the most effective program formats (e.g., pitch showcases, workshops, curated peer groups, digital toolkits) to maximize impact.
  
• Ensure offerings evolve based on participant feedback, market trends, and program effectiveness metrics.
  

2. Program Execution & Event Oversight

• Oversee the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all events and resource development.
  
• Lead speaker and participant recruitment, ensuring high-quality experiences for startups, investors, and corporate innovators.
  
• Work with Program Managers and the Events team to coordinate logistics, speaker prep, and day-of execution.
  
• Manage operational efficiency across multiple concurrent programs.
  

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Build strong relationships and communicate regularly with participants across various program experiences (e.g., startups pitching at investor showcases, corporates engaging in deal flow).
  
• Ensure program participants receive clear guidance, ongoing support, and follow-up opportunities to maximize engagement.
  
• Gather feedback from participants to continuously refine program effectiveness.
  

4. Public Representation & Thought Leadership

• Act as the face of the programs, representing them both internally (to members, stakeholders, and leadership) and externally (at events, in media, and within the broader innovation ecosystem).
  
• Speak at industry events, panels, and conferences, positioning the organization as a leader in startup acceleration and corporate innovation.
  
• Cultivate partnerships with corporate leaders, investors, ecosystem builders, and government organizations to expand program reach and impact.

You are a fit for this role if you are…

• A natural event operator, able to flawlessly execute large and small-scale events.
• A relationship builder, excited to engage with founders, executives, and investors.
• A detail-oriented planner, ensuring every aspect of an event runs smoothly.
• A proactive and resourceful problem solver, able to think quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• A confident communicator, comfortable coordinating speakers, moderating discussions, and facilitating networking.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, venture building, or program leadership.
• Strong background in community engagement, event strategy, and program management.
• Proven ability to design and execute high-impact events, peer groups, and resource programs for startups and corporate leaders.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, with experience engaging entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent programs at a high level.
• Ability to manage teams and collaborate cross-functionally across event production, marketing, and ecosystem development.

Target salary for this role will be $90,000 - $100,000.

1871 offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, 401k, unlimited PTO, opportunities to participate in workshops and events, and more!

In addition to our impressive benefits, there are other fun reasons to work with us.

• Work at the center of Chicago tech innovation.
• Unparalleled access to opportunities and networking with some of the biggest players in tech.
• Casual environment and dress code
• Work as part of a diverse team
• Remote work opportunities [This role has a hybrid format]

1871/CEC is an equal employment opportunity employer with a strong focus on crafting an inclusive and diverse environment. We encourage individuals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds to apply for this position.