VC Manager @ State of Kansas in Shawnee County, Kansas

An application, cover letter and résumé must be submitted to be considered for this position. The Department of Commerce participates in the E-Verify program.Position DescriptionAgency: Department of CommerceAs the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States.The Kansas Department of Commerce administers the KANSASWORKS workforce system, which links businesses, job seekers, educational institutions and training providers to ensure the state’s workforce is equipped to meet industry needs.Learn more at kansascommerce.govAbout the Position:Who can apply: Open to all who meet the minimum requirementsClassified/Unclassified Service: UnclassifiedFull-Time/Part-Time: Full-TimeWork Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00a – 5:00pEligible to Receive Benefits: YesVeterans’ Preference Eligible: YesApplication Deadline: December 2, 2024Compensation: $65,000.00 to $75,000.00 annuallyPosition Summary & Responsibilities:Position Summary:The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a qualified and motivated professional to fill the role of Venture and Investments Manager in the Office of Innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the venture capital and investment ecosystem for startups. The Manager will oversee key programs, manage relationships with entrepreneurs and investors, and collaborate with key ecosystem stakeholders—including private sector partners, incubators, accelerators, government entities, and others—to position Kansas as a leader in innovation-driven economic development. Additionally, the Manager will identify, evaluate, and execute strategic investment opportunities aimed at supporting startups within Kansas’s innovation ecosystem.Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:• Manages and administers all venture and investment programs such as the Kansas Angel Investor Tax Credit (KAITC) Program and provide information to the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer and Legislature as requested.• Monitors and assists with the management of the KTEC Inc. portfolio and serve on the KTEC Inc. Board of Directors• Manages the application, review, and funding processes for startups and businesses seeking investment through programs administered by the Office of Innovation.• Works with the Sector Development Specialist to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including ecosystem partners, venture capital firms, angel investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, to foster collaboration and attract private investment to Kansas companies.• Collaborates with the Innovation team to design and implement investment strategies that align with the state’s economic development goals, particularly in target sectors as outlined in the Kansas Framework For Growth.• Develops frameworks for evaluating the investment performance and innovation potential of programs.• Assists the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer in developing policies and frameworks that govern the administration of venture capital and investment programs. Ensures all programs comply with legal, regulatory, and financial standards, including state reporting requirements and transparency in funding processes.Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications: Licensing & Certification:• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field.• Minimum three (3) years program management experience.• Minimum two (2) years of experience in a venture/investment capital ecosystem, with an understanding of the challenges faced by startups and how to support their growth.• Valid driver’s licenseContact Information:Name: Angie KraheEmail: angie.krahe@ks.govPhone: 785.291.3568Mailing Address: 1000 SW Jackson; Suite 100, Topeka, KS 66612Required Documents for this Application to be Complete:On your Careers – My Job Applications page, verify these documents are present and valid. Upload or delete and replace if needed:• DD FM 214 (if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference)Inside this job’s Job Application, upload these documents:• RésuméEmployment Benefits:• Comprehensive medical, mental, dental, vision, and additional coverage• Sick & vacation leave• Work-life balance programs: parental leave, military leave, jury leave, funeral leave• Paid state holidays (designated by the Governor annually)• Employee discounts with the STAR Program• Retirement and deferred compensation programsVisit the Employee Benefits page for more information…Job Application Process:• Sign into your existing account or Register for a new account.• Review and complete your contact information on the My Contact Information page.• Upload documents listed in the Required Documents section of this job posting to the appropriate location.• Complete and Submit your application.• Check your email and My Job Notifications for written communications from the Recruiter.• Email – the email listed on the Careers>My Contact Information page.• Notifications – view the Careers>My Job Notifications pageHow to Claim Veterans PreferenceVeterans’ Preference Eligible (VPE): Former military personnel or their spouse that have been verified as a “veteran”; under K.S.A. 73-201 will receive an interview if they meet the minimum competency factors of the position. The veterans’ preference laws do not guarantee the veteran a job. Positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determine by the hiring manager.Learn more about claiming Veteran’s PreferenceHow to Claim Disability Hiring PreferenceApplicants that have physical, cognitive and/or mental disabilities may claim an employment preference when applying for positions. If they are qualified to meet the performance standards of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation, they will receive an interview for the position. The preference does not guarantee an applicant the job, as positions are filled with the best qualified candidate as determined by the hiring manager.Learn more about claiming Disability Hiring PreferencePLEASE NOTE: The documentation verifying a person’s eligibility for use of this preference should not be sent along with other application materials to the hiring agency but should be sent directly to OPS. These documents should be sent either by fax to (785)296-7712, scanned and emailed to Gustavo.Victoriano@ks.gov, or can be mailed/delivered in person to:ATTN: Disability Hiring Preference CoordinatorOffice of Personnel ServicesLandon State Office Building900 SW Jackson, Rm 401Topeka, KS 66612Equal Employment OpportunityThe State of Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.If you wish to identify yourself as a qualified person with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to request an accommodation, please address the request to the agency recruiter.