Chief Executive Officer

ClimateHaven is a community of climate tech entrepreneurs and the passionate people that support them. Based in New Haven, Connecticut and with an intention to build a strong network throughout the New York and New England region, ClimateHaven provides incubation space, accelerator programming and valuable partners for startups that will deliver the solutions we need to propel us towards carbon neutrality and create a healthy planet for all. Learn more about us here.

Since our incorporation in March 2023 ClimateHaven has achieved significant traction, including:

• Secured and fit out space at 770 Chapel Street, leading to a soft opening in summer 2023 and grand opening in November,
• Built a fantastic team and board of directors,
• Secured 501(c)3 non-profit status,
• Raised nearly $5m from Federal and State grants, Yale University, the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, corporate sponsors, and private philanthropists,
• 25 innovative startup companies have become members and based all or part of their office and prototyping operations at ClimateHaven,
• ClimateHaven has become the home for the CT climate community, hosting “Green Drinks” meetups,announcements, educational programming and more, and
• Established strong connections with climate venture investors, in particular Connecticut Innovations’ $100M Climate Tech Fund, assisting member companies with support and connections to sources of capital.

The Role:

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization, driving the vision and development of the incubator. The CEO will report to the board of directors.

Initial priorities for this role include:

• Provide inspirational leadership for the Connecticut climate innovation ecosystem as the leader of the hub of activity for climate startups, education, and community. This will include continuing to develop ClimateHaven as an incubator, accelerator, and community but also regular public speaking and evangelism to increase support and enthusiasm for the importance of climate innovation and Connecticut’s emerging role as a hub.
• Lead fundraising efforts, with the support of ClimateHaven’s board of directors, to establish a reliable stream of $2–$2.5 million in annual revenue to support ClimateHaven operations based on a diverse and robust mix of funding from Federal, State and Local public sources, corporate and university partnerships, foundations, private philanthropy, and membership fees.
• Continue to develop and execute programs, classes, and accelerators that provide differentiated value to climate founders.
• Identifying and engaging external partners to develop sponsorships, partnerships, and collaboration with players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Maintain a committed, enthusiastic, and caring team to deliver on ClimateHaven’s mission, providing support to member startups that makes them feel like we are an extension of their founding team, committed to their success and there to support them through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
• With support of our part-time controller, lead financial strategy, budgeting, and capital planning as the de-facto CFO.
• Lead buildout of back half of 3rd floor at 770 Chapel St to provide additional prototyping space.
• Forge additional collaborations with community programs that help connect students and underrepresented populations to climate innovation.
• Expand relationships with the investor community to help connect ClimateHaven members with sources of capital. Continue to leverage strong partnership with Connecticut Innovations’ $100 million ClimateTech fund.
• Other duties as necessary.

Note: In doing so, this person will directly contribute towards the development of New Haven as a center for climate technology, which will drive sustainability solutions in the private sector and accelerate progress towards a cleaner future.‍

The Right Person:

• You are a curious, motivated, and flexible person with an interest in working in avery entrepreneurial environment (re: a growing organization that is designed to support inspiring entrepreneurs). Ideal qualifications and experience will include:
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience as an entrepreneur, in related program leadership roles and/or in climate-related projects.
• Fast-paced business experience, preferably in a business development capacity.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and/or convincing funders to financially support a mission-based organization.
• Entrepreneurial approach, eager to build, create value, and solve problems.  
• Self-starter with a growth mindset who is comfortable with a minimal amount of direction.
• Expertise to interact successfully with a diverse array of technical, scientific, legal, political, and public entities.
• The ability to communicate effectively in a full range of forums such as meetings, presentations, and written expression. Demonstrates remarkable persuasion skills and excellent ability to build trust.
• A demonstrated systems thinker, who can develop and implement plans to efficiently build an organization through project conception, planning, budgeting, funding, change management, and implementation cycles.
• Degrees are welcome but not required. Show us what you’ve done and what you can do beyond what you’ve learned in school.

In addition, five attributes and skills are very useful:

• Capacity to proficiently use and deftly navigate between technology tools,
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills,
• Experience managing talented people and complex systems,
• Ability to receive, prioritize and act on information with minimal oversight, and
• Commitment to customer service across the entrepreneurs and stakeholders we serve.‍

The Benefits:

• ClimateHaven strives to create an environment where its team members enjoy the hard work. Beyond a positive environment, we offer:
• Competitive salary and annual incentive bonus,
• 401k program with a company match up to 4% of your eligible salary,
• Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays, and
• Insurance benefits, including many employer paid options from which to choose.‍

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email your resume and cover letter to bo.bradstreet@ctinnovations.com. Applications will be accepted through June 14, 2024. Early submissions are encouraged.

Equal Opportunity:

ClimateHaven is an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class. We actively encourage candidates from broad, diverse backgrounds to apply.