Ofakim Innovation Center Manager

Job Description: Ofakim Innovation Center Manager

Location: South of Israel, Ofakim and surrounding areas

About the Role:

The Ofakim Innovation Center is seeking an experienced and dynamic manager to lead our Ofakim startup acceleration program and develop the center as a profitable hub for innovation in the region. This role involves supporting startup growth, building and managing a profit center, building a thriving ecosystem, managing the innovation center’s co-working space and maintaining fruitful working relationships with the city and regional partners.

Key Responsibilities:

●      Innovation Center Development: Drive the growth and development of the Innovation Center into a profitable operation. Develop revenue generating activities and provide continuous paid-for value to the center's customers and partners.

●      Manage Startup Acceleration Program: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the startup acceleration program, ensuring startups receive the support and resources they need to succeed.

●      Ecosystem Building: Develop and nurture a robust network of mentors, corporate partners, and investors to support the startups in the program.

●      Sponsorship Acquisition: Identify and secure sponsors to support the program’s activities and initiatives, bringing additional revenue streams to support the operation.

●      Co-working Space Management: Ensure the co-working space is fully rented and oversee its day-to-day operations, manage a community manager and ensure the center provides a productive environment for all members, while maximizing occupancy and rental income. 

●      Innovation Center Management: Manage the innovation center as a profitable business and a leading hub for innovation, attracting talent and fostering collaboration among startups, corporates, investors, academic centers, kibbutzim and Ecosystem members. Organize events in the center and host communities. 

●      Point of Contact: Serve as the primary liaison with the Center's partners and relevant authorities, ensuring compliance, presenting annual budgets and fostering beneficial relationships.

●      Reporting to Management: Meet revenue and satisfaction targets and regularly report to Management. 

Requirements:

●      Live in the south of Israel, Ofakim and surrounding areas.

●      Have previously managed and run a startup acceleration program (2+ years requirement).

●      Have previously managed a P&L center or a profitable stand-alone business unit.

●      Strong sales and business development skills, experience in closing sponsorships and running a financially stable business.

●      High Level of English

●      Previous experience working with governmental entities – plus 

About the Ofakim Innovation Center:

The Ofakim Innovation Center, is located in the rapidly growing city of Ofakim and managed by Sarona Partners, Hamitbach, and the Ofakim City. The Innovation Center offers an exceptional environment for innovation and growth. We believe in remarkable teams and are dedicated to helping our members, startup founders and customers achieve their goals. 

About Sarona Partners:

Sarona Partners is a global VC and Tech Ecosystem, proving startup companies with the resources, network and know-how to scale-up their venture globally. Managing and operating acceleration and scale-up programs, a boutique chain of co-working hubs and innovation centers, a venture capital fund and beyond. Bringing the Israeli and the global tech ecosystem together.