Startup Programs Manager

Are you passionate about the innovation ecosystem and helping early-stage, mission-driven startups succeed? Do you want to put your excellent program management, relationship building and communication skills to work with a company that accelerates the clean economy? 

GreenBiz Group is currently seeking a full-time Startup Programs Manager to join our collaborative and committed team. The Startup Programs Manager will be responsible for evolving the overall strategy for GreenBiz Group’s work in the innovation ecosystem and executing on key programs designed to serve entrepreneurs, investors and the incubator/accelerator community.

This position will report to the Vice President & Executive Director, VERGE, with a dotted line to the Director of Circular Economy.

Overarching Objectives:

• Position the GreenBiz, VERGE and Circularity brands as central platforms for the emerging climate tech and circular economy innovation communities
• Grow VERGE and Circularity into must-attend events for clean economy and circular economy startups and investors
• Develop a holistic strategy and set of programs to create value for startups, investors, corporates and incubators/accelerators who participate
• Nurture existing relationships and help forge new ones across the innovation ecosystem that support the above objectives 

Primary Deliverables:

• Grow the Accelerate program at both VERGE and Circularity, including:
  • Manage the strategy, process and timeline for Accelerate to increase participation from and value for startups and investors
  • Collaborate closely with other members of the GreenBiz team on key program components, including partner outreach and recruitment, operations and logistics, sponsor obligations, and editorial coverage 
  • Manage the process for reviewing and selecting participating startups and industry experts
  • Serve as the external-facing representative for the program, fielding inquiries and spearheading communications with finalists and industry experts
• Develop and manage additional programming to create value for the innovation ecosystem through GreenBiz events and online platforms, including:
  • Design speed dating / match-making programs that connect startups with potential investors and corporate partners
  • Build sessions designed for and about startups and investors as integrated components of the VERGE and Circularity event programs
  • Collaborate with the GreenBiz editorial team to expand our profiling and coverage of startups, including the potential to do interviews and writing if of interest
  • Deepen partnerships with aligned organizations (incubators, accelerators and others) to deliver the above or additional offerings
  • Organize and manage GreenBiz’s internal database of innovation ecosystem stakeholders
• Be a willing and enthusiastic team member, ready to take on additional small tasks as needed to support the VERGE content and operations teams

Requirements:

• Excellent communicator with strong writing and interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail with exceptional time management, organizational and multitasking skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance, demonstrating initiative, accountability, and ownership of assigned tasks
• Ability to work internally with colleagues across teams, including sales and marketing, and externally with customers and partners outside of GreenBiz
• An ambitious, creative personality, with a positive and enthusiastic attitude
• Quick thinking, learning and problem-solving capability
• Flexibility in a constantly evolving environment
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel and Google Apps (Drive, Sites, etc.)
• Experience working within the climate tech / cleantech innovation space
• A proven professional or personal commitment to sustainability
• Knowledge of GreenBiz and familiarity with our website, www.greenbiz.com