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The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by Harvard Business School Professor Michael E. Porter. ICIC identifies market-based growth opportunities through our world- class research, consulting and programs. We believe that market-driven growth leads to sustainable jobs, income and wealth for inner city residents. ICIC changes perceptions and unites corporate and civic leaders to take action. An inner city renaissance is possible, and ICIC is helping to make it a reality.

ICIC advocates a paradigm shift in the approach to inner-city economic development. We seek to replace the traditional focus on urban blight and community deficiencies with a more constructive focus on market opportunities. The concepts behind ICIC were articulated by Professor Porter in his widely disseminated article, “The Competitive Advantage of the Inner City” (May/June 1995 issue of the Harvard Business Review).

The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) is seeking an outstanding candidate with strong project management skills to lead the Inner City Capital Connections Program. This national program provides in-depth exposure to entrepreneurship and private equity investments in America’s urban markets. The right candidate will display the ability to deal directly with decision-makers and business leaders, and have a proven track record on being able to lead programs independently.

Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) is a national program designed to stimulate equity capital flow to inner city businesses. ICCC creates a market for inner city investments by promoting growth financing to inner city entrepreneurs, providing entrepreneurs with an educational opportunity to learn about equity capital financing, and finally providing a networking platform to match inner city entrepreneurs with capital providers. The ICCC Program Manager is expected to identify and build relationships with America’s fastest growing inner city companies and engage them in the process of accessing growth capital. The ICCC Manager is also expected to engage with the financial services sector particularly private equity providers, venture capitalists and angel investors seeking high-growth businesses to invest in, in America’s domestic emerging markets. The ICCC process is a year-long process that culminates in a national event for networking and deal-making between inner city entrepreneurs and capital providers.

The ICCC Manager will be responsible for

I. The execution and development of the ICCC program, including:
1. Developing a project plan and managing the project with external partners including funders, sponsors and training partners.
2. Developing national and regional company outreach program that identifies more than 150 inner city companies a year to participate in the ICCC program
3. Manage and develop all program and event related collateral and content.
4. Manage ICCC’s network of Nominating Partners and build the community of partners to expand the reach of the program across the nation.
5. Build and maintain relationships with capital providers—including private equity funds, angel investors, venture capitalists, fund of funds, public pension funds—to participate in the ICCC program
6. Help coordinate and develop education tools and support for entrepreneurs participating in the ICCC program
7. Contribute to the financial fund raising associated with the program.
8. Measure ICCC impact through longitudinal studies with past ICCC companies and investors.

II. Participate in ICIC’s overall mission delivery by contributing ideas and content to ICIC research, integrating with ICIC programs like the Inner City Economic Forum and the Inner City 100 and contributing to the ICIC newsletter.

The ICCC Manager will be based in Boston and report directly to ICIC’s SVP (Programs).

The right candidate will demonstrate a strong interest and competencies in entrepreneurship and financial services. The candidate must be result oriented, have strong sales skills and proven project management skills. The ICCC Manager should be able to work effectively with a wide range of people at a leadership level and be able to represent ICIC in meetings with business, academics and community leaders. The right candidate will be entrepreneurial and result-oriented.

Required skill sets: BA required, with a graduate degree in business administration, finance, entrepreneurship, or economics preferred. At least three to five years business experience, preferably related to entrepreneurship, financial services or urban economic development. Strong communications skills and business writing skills are essential.

Please email a cover letter and resume to the following contact person. Writing samples would be appreciated.

Manjari Raman
Senior Vice President
The Initiative for a Competitive Inner City
727 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 600
Boston, MA 02111
mraman@icic.org