The premier innovation leader for the San Diego region
We catalyze life science and technology companies throughout their entire growth journey with our expertly curated programs and events. This is critical because our economic future depends on continuous cultivation of a strong and inclusive innovation ecosystem.
With 40 years of experience and an unrivaled network, we are uniquely positioned to connect businesses with the capital, education, and advisors they need to succeed. By relentlessly fueling a strong innovation engine, we help ensure that current and future generations can learn, grow, and thrive in San Diego.
To ignite our local economy and strengthen San Diego's reputation as a global innovation hub
To build the best innovation ecosystem on the planet
Connect is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
This lean team translates our mission and vision to reality. They bring the leadership, quality, and passion that fuels the impact our organization creates for the region.
Connect is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven, and highly accountable leader to serve as Head of Partnerships & Growth. This role is central to Connect’s next chapter and will help strengthen the organization’s external revenue base, deepen board and partner relationships, and bring discipline to the stewardship systems that support long-term growth.
Connect is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping innovation economy companies grow through access to capital, expert advisors, community-driven programs, and strategic connections. With more than 40 years of impact in San Diego, Connect serves as a trusted front door to the region’s innovation ecosystem and plays an essential role in helping that ecosystem behave more like an ecosystem. As Connect continues to evolve around the pillars of Pathways, Proof, and Platform, this role will help convert relationships, visibility, and momentum into durable institutional support.
The Marketing & Events Coordinator plays a central role in carrying Connect’s marketing, communications, and event execution into action.
This role sits at the intersection of strategy and execution, supporting the Chief Brand and Engagement Officer while owning day to day coordination across marketing channels, events, and stakeholder engagement. The position also works closely with interns and cross-functional team members to ensure high-quality, consistent delivery across all touchpoints.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, and execution focused, with the ability to manage multiple projects while contributing to a strong and consistent brand presence.
Connect is an innovation instigator established to cultivate San Diego’s life science and tech communities. A trusted partner for 40 years, we propel our region’s entrepreneurs and talent as they create and scale companies – from first-time founders or scientists to seasoned executives. Connect launched one of the nation’s first startup accelerators, founded in 1985 by the University of California San Diego. UCSD, in partnership with business organizations and private sector businesses, recognized the opportunity to establish an organization to transform San Diego’s growing research capabilities into an economic driver to increase the prosperity of the region.
Our founders are the titans of San Diego’s innovation story- David Hale, Irwin Jacobs, Mary Walshok, Buzz Woolley. Since our merger with San Diego Venture Group in 2019, we add to our founder network relationships with hundreds of venture capitalists that come to San Diego and to whom we source deal flow.
We have served as a source of data resources for the innovation community and a place where innovation leaders have been highlighted, through our past programs like the Connect Hall of Fame and Most Innovation New Product (MIP) Awards. Our history is our unique springboard into achieving the collective future we know San Diego is capable of realizing.
