1871 - Director of Innovation Labs and Growth Programs

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Innovation Labs and Growth Programs

🔹 Company: 1871

🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Technology, Information and Internet

🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote & On-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the strategy, design, and execution of Innovation Labs, Growth Programs, and Corporate Innovation Programs.
• Building and managing relationships with startups, corporate innovators, investors, and industry experts.
• Developing high-impact programs, events, and resources to maximize engagement and growth.
• Representing 1871 at industry events, panels, and conferences, positioning the organization as a leader in startup acceleration and corporate innovation.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong event planning skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute strategic frameworks for engaging startups, corporate innovators, and investors through various program formats.

✅ Oversee the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of all events and resource development.

✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with participants, ensuring clear guidance, ongoing support, and follow-up opportunities.

✅ Act as the face of the programs, representing them internally and externally, and cultivating strategic partnerships.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of event planning, stakeholder management, and strategic program development.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Experience: 4+ years of experience in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, venture building, or program leadership.

Required Skills:

• 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.

Preferred Skills:

• 4+ years of experience in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, venture building, or program leadership.
• Strong background in community engagement, event strategy, and program management.

ASSUMPTION: Given the role's focus on program leadership, event management, and stakeholder engagement, relevant experience in these areas is crucial.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in Chicago)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k plan
• Unlimited PTO
• Opportunities to participate in workshops and events

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), Hybrid (Remote & On-site)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in Chicago. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and other factors.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: 1871 is a nonprofit global innovation hub focused on inspiring, equipping, and supporting early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses.

Company Size: 11-50 employees (According to LinkedIn)

Founded: 2012

Company Description:

• Home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates.
• Supported by an entire community focused on accelerating growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area.
• Offers virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more.

Company Specialties:

• Innovation
• Startups
• Corporate Innovation
• Growth stage companies
• Technology
• Entrepreneurship
• Nonprofit
• Training programs
• Leadership programs
• Startup roadmap
• Pitch competitions
• Innovation Labs
• Innovation Summits
• Mentorship
• Business curriculum
• Member experience
• Networking
• Late stage business
• Founder programming
• Innovation community

Company Website: http://www.1871.com

ASSUMPTION: 1871 is a well-established organization with a strong focus on fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the Chicago area.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to Senior, depending on experience

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Chief of Staff and works closely with various teams, including Programs, Events, and Marketing.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote & On-site) - 2-3 days per week on-site at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Programs team or broader organization.
• Opportunities to work with and learn from a diverse range of startups, corporate innovators, and industry experts.
• Chance to contribute to the growth and success of 1871 and its member companies.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader innovation ecosystem.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Co-working space with a focus on collaboration and innovation

Office Location(s): 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, 12th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654, US

Geographic Context:

• Chicago is a major hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with a thriving startup ecosystem.
• The Merchandise Mart is a historic building located in the River North neighborhood, offering easy access to public transportation and various amenities.
• Chicago has a diverse and vibrant culture, with numerous attractions, museums, and entertainment options.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely 2-3 days per week

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at 1871 is dynamic, collaborative, and focused on driving innovation and growth within the startup ecosystem.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the Chief of Staff
• In-depth interview with the Programs team and other stakeholders
• Final interview with the CEO or another senior leader
• Background check and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Program design and execution skills
• Event planning and management experience
• Relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and public speaking skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, and program leadership.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences related to the key responsibilities and required qualifications.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your ability to manage events, build relationships, and develop strategic programs.

ATS Keywords: Startup acceleration, corporate innovation, program leadership, event planning, stakeholder management, strategic program development

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at 1871 is designed to assess the candidate's skills and fit for the role, with a focus on program design, event management, and stakeholder engagement.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Event management platforms (e.g., Eventbrite, Bizzabo)
• CRM software (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for event planning, project management, and communication within a professional organization.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Inclusion
• Excellence
• Community

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focused on driving growth and innovation
• Adaptable and responsive to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment focused on driving innovation and growth?
• Are you an effective communicator and relationship builder, able to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders?
• Do you have a proven track record of designing and executing high-impact events and programs?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with 1871's values and work style, and who possess strong event planning, stakeholder management, and strategic program development skills, will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple concurrent programs and events
• Balancing the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholder groups (startups, corporate innovators, investors)
• Adapting to a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Maintaining a strong work-life balance while working remotely and on-site

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique to 1871, as it combines program leadership, event management, and stakeholder engagement specific to the startup and corporate innovation ecosystem.
• Similar roles in other organizations may focus more narrowly on event planning, program development, or stakeholder management.
• Career progression in this role could lead to leadership positions within the Programs team or broader organization, or to similar roles in other innovation hubs or startup accelerators.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of startup acceleration, corporate innovation, and event management within a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic framework for engaging startups, corporate innovators, and investors through a mix of events, community-building initiatives, and asynchronous resources.
• Planning and executing a high-impulse investor showcase, featuring startup pitches, curated networking opportunities, and expert-led panel discussions.
• Designing and implementing a mentorship program that connects growth-stage startups with experienced corporate innovators and industry experts.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, event planning, and stakeholder management aspects of the role, as well as the opportunity to create meaningful impact within the startup and corporate innovation ecosystem.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical timeline and process for planning and executing a major event or program at 1871?
• How does 1871 support the growth and success of its member companies, and how does this role contribute to that mission?
• What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within this role and the broader organization?
• How does 1871 foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and how does this role contribute to that culture?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, the organization, and the opportunity for professional growth and impact.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, and program leadership.
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your ability to manage events, build relationships, and develop strategic programs.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.