OUR TEAM

Grid110's team includes established and connected leaders across entrepreneurship, venture capital, community development, product, education, and social impact. We support a diverse community of startups and entrepreneurs through free access to programs, community and critical resources. Our mission is to make the entrepreneurial path more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. We have supported 300+ companies through our programs (70% women founders, 77% founders of color) across a variety of different business verticals and stages.


For nearly a decade, Grid110 has been fueling early-stage entrepreneurs through resources, mentorship, and economic empowerment in creating sustainable businesses in Los Angeles and beyond.

Grid110 is seeking a qualified and dynamic Executive Director (ED) to champion the organization into the next 10 years. The ED will shape the future of Grid110—leading strategy, driving funding efforts, and ensuring that Grid110 continues to empower early-stage founders, and make entrepreneurship more equitable, inclusive, and accessible. The ED will work alongside a dedicated team, an active board, and a community of entrepreneurs, investors, and funders. This role is perfect for an individual with prior executive level or senior leadership experience who is ready to step into the position of leading an organization poised for its next phase of growth and impact.  

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal ED candidate is a bold, visionary leader and dynamic communicator, capable of engaging key individuals and funders to expand the organization’s mission. They have a proven track record in financial oversight and strong connections to funding sources, corporate partners, and potential key stakeholders. They are adept at team leadership and execution, and committed to ensuring Grid110’s long-term growth and impact. They are deeply passionate about making the entrepreneurial path more equitable, inclusive and accessible, supporting early-stage founders and driving economic development, with relevant ties to the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The ED of Grid110 is responsible for overall leadership and will oversee all aspects of the organization, working closely with the Board of Directors to strategize the organizational vision. The ED will develop financial strategies to advance the mission of Grid110 through identifying, cultivating, and renewing all forms of financial support. The ED will work closely with the team to ensure successful day-to-day operations of the organization, and lead both full-time and part-time team members (including, Director of Operations, Program & Community Manager, Program Associate, and Marketing Lead, as well as Program Mentors in Residence and other Contractors).

Key Responsibilities:

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & VISION (10%)

  • Work closely with the Board to develop and execute a compelling vision for Grid110’s future.

  • Develop, monitor and communicate Grid110’s goals, objectives and key results. 

  • Present progress, success and growth plans quarterly. 

  • Attend board meetings and prepare annual reports.

FUNDRAISING & PARTNERSHIPS (40%)

  • Cultivate and secure funding from institutional funders, government agencies, high net worth individuals and corporate partners..

  • Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including government partners such as the City of Los Angeles (EWDD, Mayor’s Office, etc) and nonprofit partners including Future Communities Institute. 

  • Maintain existing relationships with funding partners and explore any opportunities for expansion.

  • Apply for relevant grant opportunities and oversee the preparation of compelling grant proposals and reports.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS (20%)

  • Manage and inspire the team, ensuring seamless program execution and organizational success.

  • Work with the team to determine program initiatives, goals, metrics and oversee execution to ensure program experience and outcomes are in line with Grid110’s mission.

  • Work with the Director of Operations to communicate regularly with the internal team regarding Grid110’s day-to-day goals and on-going strategy and to ensure successful day-to-day operations of the organization, 

  • Work alongside the Program & Community Manager in engaging CEOs, VCs, entrepreneurs, and business professionals in Grid110’s mission as partners, speakers, participants, volunteers.

  • Oversee program staff and/or selection committee in sourcing, vetting and selecting program participants. 

  • Work with the Marketing Lead on communications strategies, including promotional materials, development and outreach resources, and reports for the organization's activities.

  • Support the recruitment, training and retention of staff.

  • Supervise, direct and evaluate the performance of the organization’s staff, paid contractors and vendors.

  • Ensure impact and founder success beyond the programs by working with the team and network-at-large to provide introductions, office hours, relevant to media/PR opportunities, hiring and operations support, and connections to capital. 

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (10%)

  • Serve as Grid110’s primary advocate and spokesperson to the community and external constituencies, including city government leadership, community groups and the media.

  • Continue to raise Grid110’s profile through speaking engagements, and one-on-one networking with key stakeholders, media outlets and the general public to engage partners, donors, founders, and tech talent.

FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT (20%)

  • Develop and manage financial strategies that support sustainable growth.

  • Oversee management of assets and disbursements including developing and monitoring budgets, payroll processing, banking and investment relationships, and tax preparation.

  • Oversee any funding or grant requirements (including proper invoicing, compliance, documentation, and reporting.)

  • Ensure compliance with any federal, state and local non-profit reporting and registration requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Passion for economic empowerment, and making entrepreneurship accessible but not limited to women, people of color and low-income communities. 

  • Leadership experience and demonstrated success in developing and implementing business strategies.

  • Ability to think strategically and identify new opportunities. Forward and future thinking.

  • Proven track record for raising and securing capital, be it venture funds, grants, major gifts and/or prior experience in business development, and/or sales etc.

  • Strong people management skills to oversee multiple direct reports and external partners.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and experience with P&Ls.

  • Must be located in the Greater Los Angeles area. 

BENEFITS:

Medical, Dental, Vision with employer contributions, Generous PTO & Paid Holidays, Retirement Plan with employer matching, Professional Development, Wellness Stipend.


MEET THE TEAM

We are community leaders, strategists, entrepreneurs, operators, educators, and catalysts for change.

 
 
 

ALI ZAFIRIS
Director of Operations

JUAN YOUNG
Program & Community Manager

ESTELLE POTDEVIN Program & Community Associate

MICHELLE SANTA ANA
Executive Assistant

 
 
 
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AVERY POLLICK
Entrepreneur in Residence

TREVOR WILKINS
Entrepreneur in Residence

JOE MAGEE
Entrepreneur in Residence

BOMANI MINTZ-JOHNSON
Entrepreneur in Residence

 
 

JAMAILA HOLDER Mentor in Residence

AMBER JACKSON Mentor in Residence

JORESA BLOUNT Mentor in Residence

LAURYN NWANKPA Mentor in Residence

 
 

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 
 

MEGAN SETTE
Board Chair

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JADE TURNER-BOND
Board Member

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JARED GOODNER
Board Member

ROHIT GUPTA
Board Member

 
 
 
 

EMMA MAYERSON
Board Member

MIKI REYNOLDS
Board Member

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PRASHANT SAMANT
Board Member

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STEPHEN KANE
Emeritus

 
 
 

 
 

FOUNDING TEAM

Founding Chairman: Stephen Kane

Co-Founders: Jared Goodner, Miki Reynolds, Prashant Samant, Megan Sette, and Justin Wolske