Tulsa Innovation Labs LLC (TIL) is a tech-led economic and workforce development organization headquartered in Tulsa, OK, and pioneered by George Kaiser Family Foundation. This new venture will develop a strategic plan and deploy capital to catalyze inclusive economic growth in four emerging tech industries - virtual health, energy, advanced aerial mobility, and cyber. Through public-private-partnerships, the company will support the new company formation, foster academic innovation, and build talent programs to advance Tulsa's economic development.

TIL values diversity - in backgrounds and in experiences. We are deliberate and self-reflective about the team and culture we are building and seek candidates that are not only strong in their own aptitudes but care deeply about supporting each other's growth.

For more information, visit: www.tulsainnovationlabs.com

Role Overview

Tulsa Innovation Lab’s (TIL) Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) team is responsible for guiding investments in Tulsa’s Advanced Air Mobility & Uncrewed Aerial Systems ecosystem. This most often takes the form of investments in workforce development, academic innovation and support for the commercialization of lab science and technology, and startup support. Our vision is to build on Tulsa’s unique expertise and assets in the AAM industry to drive the creation of new technologies, create prosperous and resilient career opportunities for all Tulsans, and promote the growth of Tulsa as an innovation hub in the heartland. The AAM team recently won the prestigious Build Back Better Regional Challenge from the US Economic Development Administration, resulting in ~$70 million in federal and private capital to execute on this vision.

The Advanced Air Mobility Senior Associate (AAM – Senior Associate) would report to the Advanced Air Mobility Portfolio Manager (AAM– Manager), and would in turn manage one or more fellows and interns. TIL is looking for a dynamic candidate who wants to diversify the technology workforce and see innovation thrive in the heartland. This person might come from a social (or for profit) venture background, have their roots in workforce and economic development or be transitioning from Federal/State government or the military. Ideally, they will have exposure to either the UAS/AAM, aerospace, or broader emerging tech industry, and the ability to build diverse coalitions spanning academia, community focused organizations, the private sector, and national thought leaders in urban economic development. Tulsa is consciously building in the shadow of Black Wall Street and historic Greenwood and this candidate must be committed above all to making Tulsa one of the most inclusive tech hubs in America. This person will work on a tight knit, 12-15 person team. This is a place where big ideas are welcome and resources are available to execute them.

Relationships

As a member of the TIL team, the Senior Associate will report to the Manager, Advanced Air Mobility. However, this person will also be in close contact with all members of the TIL team working on portfolio initiatives, for the purposes of ecosystem collaboration, coalition building, and community engagement.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Project Management & Support (50%)

• Take primary responsibility for one or more flagship initiatives; solving problems while keeping the AAM Manager, program funders, and other key partners appraised of progress and obstacles. This might include ideation, program design, project management, making critical hires, or project oversight.
• Incubate new initiatives and build coalitions of relevant stakeholders to refine programmatic concepts and build a compelling case for funders.
• Manage the implementation of grant-funded initiatives, including overseeing sub-awardees, tracking disbursements, corresponding with funders, and working with partners as necessary to ensure success.
• Assist in the planning and execution of portfolio- and organization-wide activities, including include event support, coalition convenings and meetings, thought-leadership pieces, and supporting external partners as necessary to advance shared goals/projects.
• Maintain relevant AAM portfolio project management tools, such as Asana and Salesforce as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Partner Engagement and External Relations (30%)

• Develop and execute a strategic relationship plan to identify, build, influence and enhance partnerships with key stakeholders surrounding major initiatives. Stakeholders include, among others: community, economic development, non-profit and philanthropic leaders; workforce development agencies; higher education organizations; and others.
• Represent Tulsa at industry and other key conferences and events, including promoting specific initiatives and building relationships with prospective partners.
• Contribute to the successful implementation of marketing and public relations strategies on behalf of TIL and AAM portfolio initiatives
• Contribute to the planning and execution of an annual convening of industry experts, including overseeing event logistics, ideating on programing, and coordinating outreach to partners.
• Support Manager in critical partner meetings including the development of presentations, preparation materials, agendas, etc. providing research and analytical support in addition to administrative support.
• Lead meetings and own certain key relationships, as necessary.

Research & Analysis (20%)

• Continually refine knowledge and understanding of best practices for tech-led economic development, including forecasting program impact and sourcing program concepts from successful ecosystems.
• Engage in public thought leadership – by yourself or in collaboration with partners and other stakeholders—that showcases Tulsa’s unique operating environment and sector specific assets. This includes providing content for TIL and broader Tulsa marketing and PR campaigns
• Carefully support grants and policy team in aligning policy and public funding strategies with overall portfolio initiatives.

Requirements & Qualifications

Core Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or other highly compelling educational or professional experience
• Understanding and commitment to core principals of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Experience or interest in analyzing innovation ecosystems and emerging tech fields
• 3-5 years of experience in economic development, venture creation, and/or innovation support. 1-2 years of quality project management experience

Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in UAS/AAM, aerospace, or emerging tech industries in government, startup, social, or other sector
• Advanced Degree in STEM, Economics, Business, Public Policy, or other related field

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Successful candidates will understand the components of an innovation ecosystem, including familiarity with venture capital, start-up formation, and the types of programs that support startup success.
• Knowledge of and/or connections to the UAS/AAM or aerospace industry a plus
• Ability to look at challenges strategically and formulate creative solutions
• Quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills
• Written communication skills, including developing concise memos and PowerPoint decks
• Oral communication skills, including public speaking and formal and informal presentations
• Project management skills, including demonstrated ability to support complex projects against narrow timelines, to prioritize among competing needs, and to manage multiple tasks with little supervision
• Partnership building skills, including ability to engage stakeholders in a professional manner and build diverse coalitions
• Demonstrated leader with an instinct for taking the initiative
• Proven team player with an ability to work cross-functionally
• Ability to balance having fun while getting top results at work

Other Skills and Requirements:

• Proficient in MS Office Suite
• Familiar with social media
• Must be able to work remotely
• Occasional travel for meetings, conferences, and events
• Ability to lift 15-pounds for purposes of setting up equipment
• Prolonged periods of computer use
• This position is located in Tulsa, OK. It will require inter-city travel and will allow for hybrid work with both remote and in office presence

Hours and Location

• Work primarily happens between the hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility between office presence and remote work
• The role is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Reliable transportation required
• It will require inter-city travel

Application Requirements and Process

• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis
• Submit a 1-page resume only
• Cover letter requested
• Portfolio of work may be submitted prior to initial interview, if scheduled