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Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
CenterState CEO
Syracuse, NY, USA
Posted on Mar 30, 2026
Job Summary:
The Vice President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, reporting to the Senior Vice President of Inclusive Growth, oversees the CenterState CEO’s innovation, entrepreneurship, and business programming to support founders, early-stage, and growth focused businesses across multiple industry verticals through a variety of accelerators, educational programming, network engagement, and direct client technical assistance. These services are primarily delivered via programming at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub.
The Vice President collaborates directly with CenterState CEO’s Inclusive Growth leadership team to design program strategies that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the organization and the startup, entrepreneurial, and innovation clients it serves. The Vice President also manages collaborations and relationships with strategic partners in Central New York and nationally across a network of incubators, startup accelerators, small business technical assistance providers, and economic development organizations.
All Resumes should be submitted by Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (additional duties may be assigned)
Program Leadership and Strategic Oversight
- Oversee the design, development, delivery, and evaluation of accelerator programs and client services curriculum.
- Ensure alignment of programs with commercialization, tax incentive, and investment initiatives administered by Federal and State agencies, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and CenterState CEO.
- In collaboration with other CenterState CEO staff, develop and manage a portfolio of educational, social, and networking programs for CenterState CEO Network Members, clients, and INSPYRE Innovation Hub participants.
- Monitor accelerator and client metrics to track progress toward program outputs and outcomes.
Client and Partner Engagement
- Provide direct venture development services and technical assistance for CenterState CEO investment portfolio companies.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with regional and national partners, including incubators, accelerators, technical assistance providers, and economic development organizations.
- Secure sustainable funding and develop new partnerships to support innovation & entrepreneurship programming.
- Create meaningful opportunities for Network Members and community stakeholders to engage with and support entrepreneurial clients.
Financial and Program Management
- As part of the Inclusive Growth team at CenterState CEO, oversee program budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management of grants, facility revenue, and program expenses.
- Support special event planning and execution, contributing to the financial sustainability of programs.
- In cooperation with the SVPs of Inclusive Growth and Administration and Human Capital, and the Director of Facilities, ensure a high-quality client and tenant physical plant experience at the INSPYRE Innovation Hub.
- Coordinate with the CenterState CEO Marketing and Communications team to promote relevant programs and events.
Program Metrics & Impact
- Implement performance metrics to track startup growth, investment attraction, and program outcomes.
- Evaluate accelerator performance using data-driven insights to improve outcomes and program effectiveness.
- Measure ecosystem impact through startup formation, capital raised, job creation, and commercialization milestones.
Strategic Planning and Special Projects
- Collaborate on organization-wide strategic planning for key regional programs.
- Lead the development of special projects, briefings, and initiatives that advance the mission of CenterState CEO.
Supervisory Responsibility:
Directly supervises CenterState CEO staff working with small businesses and entrepreneurship clients and programs. Responsible for performance management, professional development, goal setting, and ensuring team accountability toward program and organizational objectives.