Rural Urban Business Innovation Initiative (RUBII) Mentor (Central MD) - PT Hybrid in Columbia, MD

• Part time contract - This contract position requires a minimum of 16 hours/week and a maximum of 26 hours/week.  
• 2 days/week required in the Columbia, MD office, the rest will be remote.

• Minimum 5 years of experience working with technology-based startups.
• Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible business experience.
• Strong mentoring and advisory skills with a deep understanding of startup challenges and growth strategies.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in: 
  • Microsoft 365 Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Virtual meeting tools (Teams, Zoom, Google Meet).
  • Salesforce CRM (highly desired).

Seeking a RUBII Mentor to support Central Maryland. This contractual position requires a minimum of 16 hours per week and a maximum of 26 hours per week on average. The RUBII Mentor will work closely with regional economic development offices, ecosystem partners, and startup founders to identify, mentor, and support technology-based companies outside client’s portfolio. The role focuses on expanding client’s reach, strengthening the innovation ecosystem, and guiding early-stage companies toward available funding and resources.

Essential Responsibilities

• Identify and mentor technology-based startups headquartered in Maryland’s Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel Counties and Washington D.C..
• Meet with companies to assess their progress, identify developmental gaps, provide mentorship, and refer them to appropriate client or local resources.
• Engage with local ecosystem stakeholders, including economic development offices and innovation hubs, to strengthen regional partnerships and expand client’s presence.
• Represent client at industry events, workshops, and meetings, as directed, to promote RUBII and client initiatives.
• Plan and organize outreach efforts, including regional conferences, workshops, and open forums to showcase client’s funding programs and recruit new companies.
• Support entrepreneurs and vendors by assisting companies through client grant-funded projects.
• Ensure timely and accurate tracking of all mentoring and outreach activities in Salesforce CRM.
• Work closely with the Ecosystem Director, VP of Venture Development, and client staff on special projects as needed.
• Travel as required within the designated region, with occasional travel to client headquarters in Columbia, MD, for quarterly or annual meetings (travel expenses reimbursed).