Location: Milwaukee, WI (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time

Are you driven by a passion for cutting-edge science and want to be part of building the ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs moving these discoveries forward? Do you enjoy learning about biotech breakthroughs that lead to new medicines, diagnostics, and therapeutic solutions? Our team collaborates across disciplines to positively impact the success of early-stage biotech startups across the state.

Forward BIOLABS, the launchpad for early-stage biotech companies in Madison, is expanding its impact to Milwaukee, WI, and programming statewide. We're seeking a Director of Innovation Navigation to drive two new, high-impact efforts: a Forward BIOLABS presence in Milwaukee, and the Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline (ICP) program, a statewide initiative to help early-stage biohealth startups navigate the path from discovery to commercialization. This is an incredible opportunity to be a leader within the team that makes these new efforts happen! 

Who We Are
Forward BIOLABS is a non-profit co-working life science laboratory based in Madison, Wisconsin, with a mission to make it easier to start a company. This goal is accomplished by providing early-stage startups with fully equipped and supported labs and offices on an affordable and flexible basis, and a collaborative community of scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. We have one goal: to help startups succeed.  Learn more at forwardbiolabs.org.

What Your Day Looks Like:
Lead Statewide Innovation to Commercialization Pipeline

• Oversee ICP program implementation, including investment committee coordination, startup application cycles, and due diligence processes.

• Support startups to identify and deploy critical services that accelerate growth and capital readiness.

• Manage ICP financials, grant compliance, and contracted services in coordination with partners and vendors.

Lead the Milwaukee Co-working Hub & Ecosystem Development

• Lead operations for Forward BIOLABS’ Milwaukee site, engaging with startup founders, managing the membership process, and ensuring an exceptional member experience.

• Connect member startups with relevant resources—including capital, partners, and service providers.

• Facilitate a local advisory committee composed of key innovation leaders and institutions.

• Contribute to the long-term strategy and sustainability of the Milwaukee site.

Track Impact, Reporting & Representation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin to ensure strategic alignment and long-term impact.

• Develop and maintain reporting systems to track startup success metrics (e.g., jobs created, funding raised).

• Represent Forward BIOLABS at events and collaborate with partners statewide to amplify the organization’s mission and visibility.

Qualifications

Skills you’ll need to excel in this role:

• Proven experience in program and stakeholder management, preferably within the startup or innovation ecosystem.

• Excellent communicator, comfortable engaging with startup founders, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and public agencies.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically and adapt in a dynamic environment.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with a knack for prioritizing and multitasking.

• A collaborative mindset with leadership qualities—motivated to mentor, support others, and build community.

• High level of discretion and professionalism in managing confidential and sensitive information.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM or project management tools is a plus.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MS, PhD) strongly preferred.

• Experience with startups, venture capital, equity fundraising, or innovation ecosystems is highly desirable.

• Industry exposure in biotech, life sciences, healthcare, or engineering is a plus.

• Previous experience managing grants or public-private initiatives is advantageous.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Primarily Onsite Role: Forward BIOLABS is a place-based organization where staff and member companies collaborate frequently. Regular in-person interaction is essential to support startup success. While this role is primarily onsite at our Milwaukee location, a flexible schedule that includes 1–2 remote workdays per week may be considered.

• Work Environment: Duties are performed in a typical office environment.

• Physical Requirements: This role requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform light physical tasks related to managing and maintaining the office space and equipment.

Why join Forward BIOLABS?

• You want meaningful work. The startup companies at Forward BIOLABS are working on big problems – better ways to detect devastating diseases, new medicines, more sustainable ways to grow food, and more. This role will help lead the direction of the Milwaukee site and the ICP program.

• You thrive in a diverse role within a dynamic environment. In this position, particularly within our small entrepreneurial team, you will appreciate the opportunity to interact with a wide range of leaders, including those from startups and various stakeholders. Your responsibilities will be varied and ever-changing in our exciting and evolving organization. 

• You want to further develop your network in a growing industry. There are limitless opportunities for people who are ready to roll up their sleeves and jump in.

• You are excited to grow an organization. At Forward BIOLABS, no day is the same. Our team comes to work ready to learn and overcome new challenges with teamwork and dedication.