State Program Director - Ecosystem Catalyst

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, youll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, youll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI):

The Office of Entrepreneurship works to strengthen Indiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem and support business creation, growth, and succession across the state. OEI collaborates with entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized businesses, support organizations, universities, and state agencies to advance entrepreneurship as a core economic development strategy-particularly for Main Street businesses and communities.

Role Overview:

The Statewide Ecosystem Catalyst serves as Indiana's primary connector and facilitator for the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem, strengthening relationships among entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs), founders, community leaders, universities, investors, coworking spaces, and economic development partners. Focused on accelerating entrepreneurship statewide, the Catalyst fosters collaboration, shares best practices, identifies ecosystem gaps, and helps communities build stronger support systems for entrepreneurs. Acting as a convener, translator, and amplifier, this role ensures entrepreneurs can access the right resources, that communities learn from one another, and that ecosystem leaders work together to build a more cohesive network. Additionally, the Catalyst supports the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation's strategy by leveraging ecosystem data, stakeholder insights, and statewide engagement to inform programs, policy initiatives, and investment decisions. Success in this role is reflected in increased statewide alignment, deeper insight generation, and enhanced ecosystem enablement, though the position does not provide direct founder services or own programs.

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Plan, organize, direct, monitor, and participate in ongoing comprehensive development and implementation of specialized programs and development within the agency.
• Determine, analyze, identify and implement long-range objectives and specifying the strategies, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.
• Analyze operations to evaluate performance of the specific program or its staff in meeting objectives or to determine areas of potential cost reduction, program improvement, or policy change.
• Interpret and explain in-depth and complex policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.
• Develop and implement corrective action plans to solve organizational or departmental problems.
• Prepare and present reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services to executive leadership.
• Develop and oversee program financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency.
• Develop and monitor program requirements to ensure it meets federal and state policies and grants compliance.
• Develop and supervise training of employees and consultants on program requirements and usage.
• Develop, coordinator, and deliver communication plans and communications.
• Preside over, or serve on, boards of directors, management committees, or other governing boards.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.
• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What Youll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of a broad area of training and education, including texts and materials developed in the field.
• Thorough knowledge of the agency or institution's functions, operations, and purpose.
• Considerable knowledge of experiential learning techniques.
• Practical knowledge of laws, rules, and regulations governing mandated training within the agency.
• Ability to develop, monitor and evaluate broad training programs.
• Ability to plan and conduct seminars, workshops, and training sessions.
• Ability to assemble training materials, including writing comprehensive manuals and assembling texts, films, slides, and characters.
• Ability to establish effective and cooperative working relationships with trainees, other instructors, and the entire agency staff.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to keep current on new trends, philosophies, and available materials regarding adult education.
• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.
• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skill sets.

A degree is not required. However, at least 12 + years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered. Completion of relevant education degree(s) may substitute for equivalent years of experience.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.