Introduction
The program is a District-funded initiative designed to support entrepreneurs and strengthen Washington, DC’s technology ecosystem. The initiative will provide programming, events, and support services to help early-stage technology companies establish, develop, and grow within the District. Activities may include cohort-based programming, training, and ecosystem convenings, as well as engagement with investors, industry stakeholders, and partner organizations to expand access to resources and opportunities for participating companies. The program aims to foster collaboration, increase access to capital and support services, and contribute to the continued growth of high-potential technology sectors in Washington, DC. This program is part of a proposal opportunity.
Chemonics seeks a director, ecosystem partnerships and capital formation for the proposed technology ecosystem initiative in Washington, DC. The program will support the growth of early-stage technology companies and strengthen the district’s innovation ecosystem through partnerships, convenings, and access to resources. The director will lead partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and resource mobilization efforts to support program delivery and long-term sustainability. Working closely with program leadership, this role will build and manage relationships with private-sector partners, investors, financial institutions, and local ecosystem organizations to expand opportunities for participating companies and strengthen collaboration across the DC technology ecosystem. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people in the Washington, D.C. community.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead development and execution of partnership and stakeholder engagement strategies to support program activities
- Build and manage relationships with private-sector partners, investors, and ecosystem organizations
- Secure in-kind and cash sponsorships
- Engage corporate partners and investors to expand opportunities for participating startups and entrepreneurs
- Collaborate with program leadership to align partnerships with program activities, including cohort-based programming and convenings
- Support development of events, workshops, and ecosystem activities by coordinating partners and stakeholders
- Track and manage partner contributions, engagement, and outcomes related to program objectives
- Facilitate collaboration across ecosystem partners to strengthen connectivity and resource-sharing within the district
- Contribute to development of strategies that support program sustainability and ongoing ecosystem engagement
- Support reporting on partnership activities and contributions as part of overall program performance monitoring
Qualifications:
- Advanced business or technical degree required
- Significant professional experience (5+ years) in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, or ecosystem development
- Demonstrated experience building and managing partnerships across private-sector, nonprofit, or innovation ecosystem organizations
- Experience working with startups, entrepreneurs, or innovation-focused programs in deep tech required
- Familiarity with venture capital, corporate partnerships, or startup support ecosystems preferred
- Experience supporting fundraising, sponsorship development, or resource mobilization initiatives preferred
- Experience working within or alongside Washington, DC–based ecosystems preferred
- Demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including private sector, investors, and community partners
- Strong organizational and relationship management skills with ability to manage multiple partnerships simultaneously
- Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
Application instructions:
To apply, please submit a CV and application through this link. This application will close on 06/01/2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible, finalists will be notified.
Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.
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