Wexford Science & Technology, the leading developer of university-centric real estate strategies and solutions is seeking a Knowledge Community Director for its Baltimore, Maryland Knowledge Community, which is part of the University of Maryland (UM) BioPark.

In this position, you will be responsible for conceiving, planning, and executing signature programs, both led by Wexford and in partnership with colleagues from the UM BioPark and University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB); cultivating engagement across the district among our university partners, tenants, community members, and Baltimore’s ecosystem leaders from industry and government; and amplifying the programming and quality-of-life in the BioPark through regular and targeted communications to support the Wexford and BioPark brands. You will also work collaboratively with the Baltimore development team to support select leasing, marketing, and economic development activities.

This position requires both intellectual curiosity and strategic execution with demonstrated communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders; knowledge of university research and institutional advancement; a proven ability to design and implement impactful programs, events, and initiatives; and a passion for building collaborative communities of innovators and creators.

Background

Wexford Science & Technology, LLC, is a real estate company exclusively focused on partnering with universities, academic medical centers, and research institutions to develop vibrant, mixed-use, amenity-rich innovation districts, that we call “Knowledge Communities.”  These highly collaborative, programmed, and amenitized environments are built on a foundation of discovery, innovation, entrepreneurial activity, corporate engagement, and community inclusion. Wexford targets strategic opportunities with top-tier research universities that are directly on or contiguous to dense, urban campuses. Presently Wexford has developed seventeen Knowledge Communities across the United States. For more information, please visit www.wexfordscitech.com.

The UM BioPark, a cornerstone of Baltimore’s life science industry, is located on the campus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), a thriving academic health center combining renowned biomedical research and exceptional patient care. The BioPark encourages collaboration between private technology companies and leading research institutes, creating productive partnerships that advance discoveries and life science innovation. The innovative, entrepreneurial environment is home to several dozen industry-leading global firms, university spinouts, distinguished research organizations, cutting edge clinical care, and contemporary workforce training programs. The UM BioPark is partnering with Wexford to expand its offerings and meet the needs of next-generation technology companies. These new offerings, part of Wexford’s Knowledge Community concept, will include Connect Labs, a flexible lab suite managed by CIC, and programmed convening space. For more information, please visit www.umbiopark.org.

Job Title

Knowledge Community Director

Job Status

This is a full-time, in-person role based in Wexford’s UM BioPark office in Baltimore. Some travel will be expected.  Compensation will be commensurate with experience.  The position will officially report to the Senior Vice President and Chief Community Officer. Additionally, the Knowledge Community Director will report to a management committee comprised of representatives from Wexford and the University of Maryland BioPark.

Job Description and Responsibilities

This position is responsible for leading and overseeing the development and management of Wexford’s Innovation Elements within our Knowledge Community at the UM BioPark; particularly the elements of university engagement, ecosystem development, and programming.  The position will also work collaboratively with our southeast region development team to support select marketing and economic development activities.  The position will also work in collaboration with the BioPark team in building relationships and executing programs and initiatives that drive Wexford’s Knowledge Community brand and value proposition in the Baltimore community.

Responsibilities:

Ecosystem Leadership and Strategy

  • Serve as Wexford’s innovation curator and super connector in the market; driving the development and execution of Wexford’s Innovation Elements within the Knowledge Community at the UM BioPark

  • Develop a comprehensive strategy that strengthens the Wexford-University relationship and creates alignment and engagement among anchor institutions, tenants, intermediaries, and community members

  • Collaborate with Wexford and the UM BioPark to ensure consistency, quality, and collaboration in outreach, engagement, and economic development activities

Knowledge Community Activation, Engagement, and Programming

  • Curate outdoor activations that enhance the community experience and showcase the UM BioParks’s unique offerings

  • Develop and manage the Innovation Programming Calendar, producing and coordinating weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual events and activities that align with the community’s needs and objectives

  • Design and implement community-focused initiatives, including experiential marketing programs, to engage internal and external stakeholders within the BioPark

Community and Economic Development

  • Partner with the Market Executive and local General Contractor to drive inclusive workforce development, contracting, and procurement practices within the Knowledge Community

  • Collaborate with external organizations, industry experts, and local stakeholders to foster partnerships that enhance community engagement and support the Knowledge Community’s objectives

  • Oversee the successful execution of Innovation Elements, programming, and community inclusion initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget

Administration

  • Maintain a room reservation system as well as an external-facing event calendar

  • Create and maintain marketing content related to events (including website, email marketing, social media, etc.)

  • Manage and coordinate facilities staff for events, including room set up, tech/AV, janitorial, etc.

    Be physically present/on-site for events

  • Work with Wexford’s team to produce quotes and invoices and manage billing

These are the essential functions of the position; other duties may be assigned.  Incumbents may be required to follow any additional related instructions, acquire job-related skills, and perform other work as required.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or demonstrated experience in a relevant field (e.g., university administration, community development, corporate engagement, communications)

  • Experience working within a university or innovation district organization a plus, but not a requirement

    Proven experience in events and programming, community engagement, project management, or a related role

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels

    Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute innovative initiatives

  • A self-starter with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and balance multiple priorities

    Knowledge of current trends and best practices in community design, experiential marketing, and inclusion a plus

  • Understanding of workforce development, contracting, and procurement practices is a plus

Wexford offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and 401(k) matching.

Submit Your Resume

Interested candidates should email in a single PDF a cover letter, resume, and any work samples that illustrate your best work consistent with our objectives for this position to: [email protected] or complete the form below. Please name the file: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_KCD_BALT.PDF.