Full-Time | Onsite | Downtown St. Louis

Pioneering Innovation Excellence: The Role

T-REX has posted a job opportunity for Executive Director. This role offers a chance to enable innovation, foster global collaboration, and leave a positive mark on the economics of St. Louis. Strategic vision, operational finesse, and a knack for relationships and collaboration are critical qualities.

We seek a visionary leader. The ideal candidate is passionate about driving economic development in St. Louis. This role requires a dynamic individual who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence to guide T-REX through our next phase of impact.

A Global Impact Here in St. Louis: A Trusted Leader to Guide Change

The incoming Executive Director won’t just hold a position; they’ll become a respected and trusted leader guiding the innovation community in downtown St. Louis. The mission is to unite various sectors – public, private, donors, entrepreneurs, academic, and nonprofit – and drive collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. It’s about embodying values and forging partnerships to create win-win situations across the community.

This role demands strategic management expertise to steer the evolution of the innovation center in downtown St. Louis. Adapting to market trends and fostering innovation will be central. The EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR will lead skillful change management, which will be essential for navigating growth phases.

Championing T-REX’s Vision:

The Executive Director will not just lead internally but also be T-REX’s face to the world. Exceptional communication and negotiation skills will enhance our teamwork across the community. By modernizing our priorities, the Executive Director will echo the Board’s vision throughout the organization. The Executive Director should excel in building and capitalizing on diverse networks backed by political insight and regional understanding.

About T-REX:

T-REX is a non-profit innovation and entrepreneur development center dedicated to strengthening St. Louis's economic vitality, one startup at a time. As a coworking space, technology incubator, and entrepreneur resource center, T-REX offers an ecosystem where ideas are conceived, brought to fruition, and given room to grow. Home to a thriving community of over 400 founders, developers, designers, mentors, and educators, T-REX is at the forefront of St. Louis's innovation landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Refresh and implement T-REX's organizational strategy
• Develop and execute a roadmap to keep T-REX & St. Louis at the forefront of innovation
• Balance short-term and long-term funding needs to ensure organizational sustainability
• Act as a catalyst for transformational change within the St. Louis innovation ecosystem

Fundraising Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Lead efforts to diversify revenue streams, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and earned income
• Develop and execute a capital campaign for facility improvements and expansion projects
• Create innovative fundraising programs that align with T-REX's mission and appeal to the tech and innovation community
• o Represent T-REX at fundraising events and speaking engagements to articulate the organization's mission and impact

Financial Management:

• Create long-term financial stability through diverse revenue streams
• Manage and optimize the Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) with government entities
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, partners, and community leaders
• Represent T-REX in the St. Louis business and innovation community
• Implement a comprehensive stakeholder engagement plan

Operational Oversight:

• Manage and develop a high-performing team
• Oversee facility management and improvement initiatives
• Ensure efficient and effective operations across all aspects of T-REX

Program Development:

• Enhance T-REX's programs to attract and support a diverse range of startups
• Institute innovative programs to leverage and increase membership to attract, support, and advance St. Louis-based startups
• Foster collaborations between startups, corporations, and academic institutions

Qualifications:

The executive director search committee seeks individuals who have demonstrated success running successful non-profits and advocating for the St. Louis region.

Candidates must have demonstrated exceptional ability to lead collaboratively and to support other complementary organizations. Candidates must have the communication and interpersonal skills to be a leading ambassador and spokesperson for T-REX.

• Proven leadership experience in startup ecosystem development, incubator management, or related fields
• Strong track record in fundraising, grant writing, and financial management
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Deep understanding of technology trends and innovation ecosystems
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain diverse stakeholder relationships
• MBA or advanced degree in a relevant field preferred
• Passion for economic development and the St. Louis community
• Experience in developing and managing diverse funding portfolios
• Strong skills in relationship-building and donor stewardship
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, trends, and technologies
• Ability to articulate a compelling case for support and inspire others to contribute
• Experience in leading capital campaigns is highly desirable

Expectations

As the Executive Director of the leading entrepreneurial technology organization in the St. Louis region, successful outcomes for this position include:

• Establish T-REX as a recognized leader in emerging technologies.
• Enhance T-REX's impact on the St. Louis innovation ecosystem.
• Strengthen and expand T-REX's network of partners and supporters.
• Secure long-term financial stability for T-REX.
• Improve operational efficiency and effectiveness across all aspects of T-REX.
• Enhance and expand T-REX's program offerings to meet the evolving needs of the startup community.