Job Description

About Fedsprout:

Fedsprout helps innovators access and manage federal and state funding to grow their ventures without giving up equity. We work across the U.S. innovation ecosystem to build grant readiness, expand workforce capacity, and unlock strategic capital for climate tech, biotech, AI, and advanced manufacturing startups. We’re equity-centered, data-driven, and founder-first.

Role Overview:

You will be the local lead for Fedsprout’s non-dilutive funding initiatives, working directly with founders, partners, and funders to help scale state innovation economies. This is a highly cross-functional role involving program delivery, grant strategy advising, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem building.

Key Responsibilities:1. Program Implementation & Advising

• Lead delivery of Fedsprout’s Non-Dilutive Funding Accelerator.
• Provide 1:1 coaching for startups on non-dilutive grants.
• Co-develop personalized funding strategy roadmaps for cohort participants.
• Host in-person sessions (as needed) and virtual follow-ups.

2. Ecosystem Leadership

• Represent Fedsprout at roundtables with University, non-profit, local government, and other key partners.
• Cultivate warm referral pipelines to technical assistance providers, reviewers, and commercialization partners.
• Help identify and nurture high-potential applicants for future cohorts.

3. Strategic Support for Funding Access

• Guide companies through FOA/RFP interpretation, LOI drafting, and budget alignment.
• Assist with milestone planning, budget templates, and compliance checklists.
• Track participant metrics (e.g. submissions, awards, jobs created) for impact reporting.

Ideal Qualifications:

• Deep knowledge of federal non-dilutive funding programs (SBIR/STTR, NIH, DOE, State and local programs, foundations, etc.).
• At least 5+ years working in grant writing, funding strategy, or government innovation programs.
• Strong presence in the Connecticut startup or research ecosystem a plus.
• Experience advising startups on commercialization and go-to-market strategies.
• Comfortable facilitating workshops and engaging a diverse cohort of founders.
• Bonus: Experience with workforce development or equity-centered grant initiatives.

Mindset We Look For:

• Strategic but hands-on: You see the big picture but roll up your sleeves to get things done.
• Inclusive and collaborative: You can navigate a complex ecosystem and build trust.
• Systems thinker: You can design for scale, equity, and sustainability.

Location:

Preferably based in Connecticut (Greater New Haven area preferred); remote applicants will be considered if willing to travel periodically to CT.

Job Tags

Local area,

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