Think you have what it takes to run a leading startup body? Startup Victoria is on the hunt for a new CEO

Victoria’s peak representative body for startups is on the hunt for a new CEO to help grow its 10,000 strong community of founders, entrepreneurs and investors.

Startup Victoria is responsible for running a range of conferences including Above All Human, as well as community events and consultations with the government on all things innovation and startups.

Current acting CEO Scott Handsaker says it’s a rare opportunity for the right candidate.

“Very few jobs come with the ability to truly have an impact. This one has it in spades,” Handsaker tells StartupSmart.

“You will be the leader of the number one organisation for startup entrepreneurs in Victoria at a point where all levels of government and business are coming together to help make Victoria a success over the next decade.

“You will be presented with unparalleled opportunities to meet and work with the best founders in Melbourne.”

He says the time is now for someone new to step in and accelerate the organisation’s growth.

“We have spent the last two years getting Startup Victoria to a position of stability in order to support future growth and expansion,” Handsaker says.

“It is now time for the right person to take charge and make a tremendous impact on the Melbourne startup ecosystem.

“It really feels like we are at the start of a decade of tremendous cultural and economic change and Startup Victoria is perfectly placed to play a crucial role.”
Startup Victoria co-founder Leni Mayo says he wants the organisation to expand its offering.

“Startup Victoria has what startup people describe as product/market fit,” Mayo says.

“It’s time to ‘professionalise’ and to capitalise on the opportunities that abound. There’s so much to do, so many areas we could be contributing, but it’s one step at a time.”

The role will involve a mixture of people management, sales, marketing and finances, and the CEO will have to manage relationships with founders, government, the board and investment communities.

The right candidate needs to have experience in a startup, have previously managed staff and the “ability to work across all levels, from grass-roots to corporates to government”, Handsaker says.

“We are looking for a candidate who is mission-driven,” he says.

“Get us excited about the mission you will take us on.”

If you think you have what it takes, you can find the job ad here.

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