Rowan Grant

Community Manager

Professional Overview

Rowan Grant is a seasoned community management professional with extensive experience in the medical technology and innovation sectors. As the Community Manager at Nexus Leeds, Rowan is responsible for cultivating a vibrant and engaged community of stakeholders, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful initiatives that support the growth and development of the local innovation ecosystem.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Rowan has been serving as the Community Manager at Nexus Leeds since November 2022. In this role, they are responsible for:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive community engagement strategies to connect and support a diverse network of startups, SMEs, and industry partners

• Organizing and facilitating community events, workshops, and networking opportunities to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing

• Leveraging data and analytics to identify community needs and trends, and tailoring initiatives to drive meaningful impact

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance the overall member experience and maximize the value proposition of the Nexus Leeds community

Career Progression

Prior to joining Nexus Leeds, Rowan held several progressive roles at the University of Leeds, including National Outreach and Engagement Manager for Medical Technologies, Business Development Officer, and Project Officer. In these positions, Rowan:

• Spearheaded the development and implementation of national outreach and engagement programs, resulting in a 25% increase in stakeholder participation and awareness

• Managed a portfolio of collaborative projects with industry partners, securing over £1.2 million in external funding to support innovation and commercialization initiatives

• Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including startups, SMEs, and multinational corporations, to drive collaborative innovation

Rowan's early career also includes roles in marketing communications, evaluation, and education, providing a diverse background that informs their holistic approach to community management.

Academic Background

Rowan holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Leeds, with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovation.

Areas of Expertise

• Community engagement and stakeholder management

• Event planning and facilitation

• Data-driven decision making and analytics

• Collaboration and partnership development

• Innovation ecosystem building and program management

Professional Impact

Throughout their career, Rowan has demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering collaborative innovation and driving positive change within the medical technology and innovation sectors. Notable achievements include:

• Spearheading the launch of a successful startup accelerator program, which has supported over 50 early-stage companies and resulted in the creation of 85 new jobs

• Developing and delivering a series of industry-leading workshops and training programs that have upskilled over 500 professionals in areas such as design thinking, product development, and commercialization

• Serving as a key contributor to several industry working groups and advisory boards, providing strategic insights and contributing to the development of best practices

Conclusion

With a diverse background in community management, stakeholder engagement, and innovation, Rowan Grant is poised to drive meaningful impact as the Community Manager at Nexus Leeds. By leveraging their expertise and passion for fostering collaborative innovation, Rowan is committed to cultivating a thriving ecosystem that supports the growth and success of local startups, SMEs, and industry partners.