Accelerator Operations Lead - Innovation Works-Reports to Director of Accelerator Programs

About the Role:

The Accelerator Operations Lead role is highly visible within the startup community and will have the opportunity to shape AlphaLab's next stage of growth. This is a new role, and the person in this position will lead efforts to ensure an excellent experience for AlphaLab founders during the program. This role provides an operational and customer success layer across Innovation Works’ accelerator program AlphaLab and its 4 tracks, including AlphaLab Software, AlphaLab Gear, AlphaLab Health, and the Robotics Factory Accelerate program, where we launch 20+ startups per year. The Accelerator Operations Lead will build relationships within the Pittsburgh startup community and beyond through our extended network and involvement in Morrow, a global network of accelerator programs.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate has prior experience managing and executing entrepreneurial programs that help startups grow. They should be actively involved in the startup and business community and comfortable working with a diverse team at a startup pace. Outstanding leadership, communication, and collaborative interpersonal skills are essential. This position requires strong organizational skills, the ability to drive results both individually and collaboratively, and comfort in communicating transparently and empathetically.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Operations:

• Organize and lead events, including programming, founder/mentor/investor networking events, and partner and community events that support software companies.
• Consistently utilize CRM (Salesforce) and related tools to track value-added offerings to our customers.
• Manage a budget focused on customer experience and alumni engagement, including planning, vendor selection, and budget tracking.

Company Engagement:

• Engage with companies throughout the AlphaLab program to ensure a world-class experience.
• Leverage domain expertise and functional skills to assist companies as applicable.
• Continue to support accelerator companies post-program as part of alumni engagement efforts.

Partner and Network Relationships:

• Support efforts to build networks (corporate, mentor, alumni/entrepreneur) for Innovation Works by nurturing strategic individual and partner relationships defined by the accelerator team.
• Represent Innovation Works/AlphaLab at community and partner events through attendance, participation, and speaking engagements.

Application Process and Management:

• Support the AlphaLab application process and work with the Accelerator Team to reach decisions and get companies under contract.
• Lead accelerator application recruitment and selection processes, including application office hours, review of applications, interviews, follow-up, and support company selection.

Internal Collaboration:

• Collaborate with the Accelerator Team to create a foundational experience across AlphaLab's tracks (AlphaLab Software, AlphaLab Gear, AlphaLab Health, Robotics Factory).
• Collaborate with internal partners (e.g., Marketing, Platform, Investment Team) to manage cross-sector team engagement with founders during the accelerator program and communicate available resources.
• Work with the Platform Manager and Program Managers to deliver cohesive offerings for AlphaLab companies based on evolving needs and define a platform of accelerator services that complement the core accelerator curriculum.
• Deliver against team and individual performance KPIs around network development, company engagement, and NPS score.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5-10 years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and time-sensitive issues for various stakeholders with attention to detail, deadlines, and overall quality.
• Ability to execute program operations individually while working with the accelerator team.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-moving environment.
• Strategic thinking and tactical execution capabilities.
• Proficiency with productivity tools such as Google Apps, Slack, Calendly, and Salesforce.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with substance in a direct, transparent, and empathetic manner.
• Ability to drive operational decisions and lead projects independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Exemplify core values of integrity, innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and service.

Innovation Works, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.