Our team is packed with your kind of people. Just like you, we’re all driven to serve our vibrant, growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Carolina. We’re showing investors what’s happening and what’s possible here, connecting them with companies that are changing the world. Our people know this region inside and out and bring valuable insight to our relationships with startups, investors and our incredible community partners. We’re proud of who we are and what we do. And we can’t wait to meet you.
CORE TEAM
Brennan Barber
Head of Business Development
Elaina Bade
Customer Experience Lead
Hunter Young
Head of Capital
Jay Bigelow
Head of Founder Engagement
JP Maloney
Startup Programs Lead
Kelly Rowell
Chief Executive Officer
Preet Mankad
Startup Programs Lead
Sanjana Bharadwaj
Business Development Lead
Yash Mehta
Connect to Capital Lead
FOUNDERS IN RESIDENCE
George Wildeman
Deeptech Founder in Residence
Giles Shih
Agtech Founder in Residence
Jed Carlson
Saas Founder in Residence
Kelli Luginbuhl
Biotech Founder in Residence
Leah Townsend
MedTech & Commercialization Founder in Residence
Tyson Nargassans
Software & Growth Founder in Residence
ASSOCIATES
Jacob Diebler
App State
Marketing Track
CAREERS
Block grouping
Join our team and inspire entrepreneurship.
As the CED ecosystem develops and grows, so does our need for talented, driven individuals to join our team. Beyond an inspiring, engaging work environment, we offer the opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship, interacting with and learning from some of the most successful entrepreneurs in North Carolina.
Head of Strategic Partnerships
Full-Time Leadership Role | Reports to CEO | Triangle-Based or Hybrid
Mission
Own and grow CED’s partner ecosystem by cultivating multi-year, strategic partnerships with corporations, institutions, and ecosystem leaders. This role drives the revenue model that fuels CED’s programming, events, and marketplace.
Profile Summary
You’re a strategic sales leader who knows how to close deals and build trust. You thrive in fast-paced environments where solutions aren’t one-size-fits-all—and you’re skilled at shaping offerings on the fly to meet partner needs while advancing organizational goals. You understand startups, innovation ecosystems, and the power of aligning business growth with community impact.
In this role, you’ll lead revenue generation by owning the corporate sales strategy, growing multi-year partnerships, and scaling new revenue streams through marketplace products and affiliate programs that deliver mutual value.
You Might Be a Fit If You…
Have a background in corporate partnerships, business development, or strategic sales
Can close 5–6 figure deals by aligning partner priorities with organizational value
Have experience in ecosystem partnerships, sponsorship sales, or innovation-focused business development
Understand the startup economy, even if you haven’t worked in one
Love building partnerships that go beyond “logo slaps”—you co-create value
Are comfortable managing multiple revenue streams and reporting on results
The Center for Entrepreneurial Development is a dynamic and innovative entrepreneurial support organization dedicated to accelerating the growth and success of high-growth startups in North Carolina. We provide a range of programs and services that empower startup founders and operators to thrive in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship. We do this by convening our collective ecosystem of resources, including serial founders, investors, and subject matter experts, to support them.
At CED, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We believe that a diverse team of professionals brings a broader range of perspectives, ideas, and expertise, allowing us to create greater impact for the entrepreneurial community.
If you have an interest in working with our team, we encourage you to fill out the application here.
Meet our Team
I’ve always wanted to work for a startup, but with CED, I get to support 700 at once, amplifying my impact on the Triangle’s innovation scene. It’s about building a community of passionate innovators, making the Triangle a leading innovation hub.
JP Maloney
Startup Programs Lead
After relocating to the Triangle, I was determined to find a space where I could support innovation and build meaningful connections. I found that opportunity at CED, where I get to be part of shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region.
Elaina Bade
Customer Experience Lead
I’m fortunate to work with some of the brightest minds who are dedicated to solving the world's most pressing challenges. Each day brings new opportunities for growth, creativity, and impact. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
Preet Mankad
Startup Program Lead
What I thought would be a short stop between ventures turned into over a decade of joy and purpose I never expected.
Jay Bigelow
Head of Founder Engagement
I feel privileged to lead this incredible team. A team I can learn from and enjoy being around every day.
