mHUB is looking for a Program Associate/Manager to lead the execution of programs underneath the organization's broad incubator. Reporting to the Director of Programs and Engagement, this position will drive the strategy and execution of startup member engagement and new business development acceleration initiatives. Focusing on business growth and startup journey mapping for early-stage hardtech startups, this person will be the primary liaison to help startups navigate mHUB broad technical and entrepreneurial resources that help startups grow more rapidly. This role is critical in supporting the development and acceleration of more than 280+ active hardtech startup companies. As the main point of contact, advocacy, and navigation for the community’s entrepreneurs, this person will be on the front lines of physical product innovation.

This is the perfect opportunity to contribute to Chicago’s thriving tech ecosystem as we look to rebuild the local economy post pandemic. This role will help shape first-hand the future of mHUB’s resources and services that impact the growth of our diverse community of entrepreneurs and innovators.  

We are looking for a business-minded self-starter and creative thinker with excellent interpersonal skills who is motivated, enjoys the fast pace of an entrepreneurial environment and is passionate about the technology world. The ideal candidate should be eager to take initiative, learn new technologies and have the ability to work independently as well as within a team. 

This position is open immediately.

Description of Responsibilities

The Startup Incubation Associate is a full-time position that reports to the Director of Programs and Engagement with primary responsibilities including the following:

Venture Acceleration and Engagement

• Designs and executes strategies to support benchmarking milestones in new business incubation – meeting members where they are and helping them move through the early business life stages of discovery, delivery, launch and growth.
• Harness new startup member momentum by scaling a case (account) management model of programmatic support and navigation of resources available and mHUB and in larger ecosystem.
• Work closely with Entrepreneurs/Manufacturers/Engineers in Residence, mentors, regional manufacturers, and industry experts that are part of the broader mHUB ecosystem supporting our innovators
• Drive the member engagement activities and strategies that bring the community together in informal and formal ways.
• Lead the mHUB member corporate discount program
• Oversee mHUB supplier network database, creating strategy for member usage.
• Support the development of capital access program for mHUB member startups, helping close the gap in fundraising for hardtech startups with SPV/investor syndicate, etc.

Organizational/Operational Support

• Act as the main point of contact for daily member questions and support.
• Lead annual impact data collection through member survey feedback and data analysis.
• Lead Public Tours of facility to prospective members or other stakeholders
• Attend ecosystem events to evangelize mHUB with prospective members and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

Candidates interested in applying should meet the following qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience developing, overseeing, and executing projects and associated deliverables required
  
• Entrepreneurship or business degree preferred
• Experience working in a startup or VC space a plus
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Experience in external-facing position with varying constituents preferred
• Experience working with or managing a CRM database preferred
• A passion for civic engagement that provides impact and growth for the region
• Strong strategic leadership and project management skills
• Intimate knowledge and relationships with the Chicagoland technology, innovation, and venture capital ecosystem
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with various leadership/staff levels and industry expertise

mHUB is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: mHUB is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at mHUB are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. mHUB will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. mHUB encourages applicants of all ages.

Salary and Duration

Salary will be commensurate with experience - range between $55-65k. Competitive benefits package.

Interested?

Please apply here by April 28, 2023