About NEVCA
The New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) represents over 85 VC member firms which collectively manage more than $300 billion in capital. Operating across four key pillars - Venture Community, Regional Brand, Workforce Development, and Public Policy - our mission is to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and prosperous innovation ecosystem, and make New England the best place in the world to start, grow, and invest in companies.
Management Team
Ari Fine Glantz, Executive Director (outgoing)
For over a decade, Ari Fine Glantz has worked to transform New England's innovation landscape through community building and strategic advocacy.
Ari has guided the New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) through multiple inflection points, doubling its membership and elevating its legislative impact while expanding its role as a convener and consensus builder among stakeholders across the region's innovation ecosystem.
Drawing from his multifaceted background as an entrepreneur, mental health professional, and international athlete, Ari brings a uniquely integrated perspective to his work as an executive, connector, and builder. This diverse foundation enables him to bridge different worlds and create common ground among venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community leaders throughout New England.
Currently, Ari leverages his platform at the NEVCA to advance efforts that strengthen the region's startup ecosystem, foster innovation-driven economic growth, and position New England as a premier destination for venture capital and entrepreneurship. His writing on innovation and regional competitiveness has been featured in the Boston Business Journal and BostInno, and he has appeared as a guest on WBUR and Boston Public Radio to discuss similar topics.
Rachel Leigh Gross, Senior Manager, Platform & Community
Rachel Leigh Gross is the Platform & Community Manager of the New England Venture Capital Association, in which she focuses on supporting and connecting the region’s venture capital leaders. Rachel has operated in the innovation ecosystem for five years, working as program manager for accelerator MassChallenge and as community & events lead for a New York-based startup. She is an active member of the New England business community as a contributing member of Founders & Friends (RI), occasional speaker, and startup cheerleader.
Outside of the NEVCA, Rachel publishes content to The Balance and HomeLight on topics from entrepreneurship and finance to lifestyle and real estate. She swears to get her business (RLG Home) off the ground one day. Rachel is a graduate of Brown University and considers Rhode Island her home.
The Role
Title: Executive Director
Location: Boston, MA
Reports To: NEVCA Board of Directors
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the operational leader of the NEVCA, architect of its mission, and spokesperson for its membership. The ED oversees the organization’s P&L, defines its strategic vision, and enacts its programmatic and legislative agenda. This role requires an executive who can effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including venture capital investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovation ecosystem partners; collaborate across industries; manage a small-but-mighty team; and adapt to the changing trends of markets and technology.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan aligned with the NEVCA's mission and the evolving needs of the venture capital community
Provide leadership to staff, board members, and committee volunteers
Manage the organization's budget, financial operations, and resource allocation
Maximize a high-performing team and maintain a collaborative culture across staff and contractors
Member Relations & Community Building
Cultivate strong relationships with existing member firms and drive new membership growth
Oversee a robust calendar of high-quality events and programs that drive member value
Create opportunities for professional development across the venture landscape
Implement effective member engagement strategies and educational initiatives
Public Policy & Advocacy
Advocate for innovation-friendly public policies that strengthen New England's competitive position
Represent the interests of the VC community to government officials and policymakers
Develop and articulate policy positions that support entrepreneurial growth
Build coalitions with other organizations to advance shared advocacy goals
External Relations & Brand Building
Serve as the primary spokesperson of the NEVCA, and by proxy the region’s venture capital industry
Build strategic partnerships with other organizations in the innovation ecosystem
Oversee communications, marketing, and public relations efforts
Enhance the NEVCA's brand visibility and reputation regionally and nationally
Program Development & Implementation
Oversee the growth and improvement of the NEVCA’s existing portfolio and signature programs (e.g. The NEVY Awards, Unpitch Summit, State of the Regional Market reports)
Develop new initiatives to serve and promote the venture ecosystem
Qualifications
Experience & Skills
7+ years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in venture capital, entrepreneurship, economic development, or a related field
Demonstrated success in organizational management, strategic planning, and program development
Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders
Strong understanding of the venture capital industry, startup ecosystem, and innovation economy
Proven track record in fundraising, revenue generation, and financial management
Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills
Experience with policy advocacy and government relations preferred
Personal Attributes
Visionary leader with entrepreneurial mindset
Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities
Collaborative team builder with excellent interpersonal skills
Passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development
Location
The NEVCA is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and maintains a co-working membership at the CIC. The role is hybrid, with the requirement of frequent in-person meetings and attendance at in-person events.
Time Allocation
Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management (30%)
Building and maintaining relationships with member firms
Recruiting new members and sponsors
Servicing existing sponsors through introductions and collaborations
Meeting with entrepreneurs, startup founders, and other ecosystem players (e.g. accelerators, incubators, university reps, and community orgs)
Program Development and Execution (25%)
Planning for signature Tier 1 events like Unpitch and NEVY Awards
Prep and execution for Tier 2 events like panel discussions and happy hours
Managing initiatives like industry reports and other collaborations
Public Policy and Advocacy (15%)
Learning about and monitoring legislative developments affecting the VC industry
Developing policy positions that support the innovation ecosystem
Meeting with government officials and policymakers
Supporting coalition activities with partner organizations
Writing op-eds or position papers on relevant policy issues
External Communications and Brand Building (15%)
Speaking at industry events and conferences and related prep
Representing NEVCA at external events
Media interviews and press relations
Contributing to articles, newsletters, and reports
Organizational Leadership and Management (15%)
Strategic planning and goal setting
Team management and development
Board relations and stewardship
Financial oversight and budgeting
Operations and administrative functions
These percentages fluctuate throughout the year but generally reflect the multifaceted nature of the role, and need to balance relationship-building, program delivery, advocacy, communications, and organizational leadership.
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