Manager, Ray of Hope Accelerator

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Oversee the execution of the annual Ray of Hope Accelerator, ensuring alignment with the organizational strategy and program goals.

• Manage the entire participant lifecycle, which includes recruitment, eligibility assessment, conflict of interest mitigation, selection processes, candidate evaluations, onboarding, program implementation, and alumni relations.

• Continuously enhance the program curriculum, content, and participant experience by incorporating feedback from cohorts, addressing emerging industry demands, and analyzing program outcomes.

• Organize both virtual and in-person accelerator events, including retreats, workshops, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and Demo Day activities.

• Maintain and strive to improve program systems, processes, tools, and documentation.

• Ensure a remarkable participant experience across all stages of the accelerator program.

• Conduct annual impact assessments of the accelerator to report on effectiveness using established protocols.

• Work collaboratively with the Communication and Impact team to effectively narrate the experiences and achievements of Ray of Hope participants, the program, and alumni.

• Lead annual recruitment initiatives for startups to cultivate a robust, diverse, and mission-driven applicant pool.

• Form an annual selection committee for the accelerator.

• Oversee the application review process, due diligence activities, and engagement of the Selection Committee.

• Foster relationships with startup pipeline partners, ecosystem organizations, universities, accelerators, and innovation networks.

• Stay informed on trends in biomimicry, climate innovation, regenerative design, and nature-inspired entrepreneurship to enhance recruitment strategies.

• Maintain robust systems, processes, reporting, budgeting, and stakeholder coordination to ensure effective program delivery and participant success.

• Develop and nurture productive relationships with mentors, speakers, reviewers, investors, volunteers, partners, and other stakeholders to enhance program quality and impact.

• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration and resource allocation among staff, contractors, volunteers, and organizational teams to ensure cohesive execution and visibility of program priorities.

• Track program performance, participant satisfaction, and operational efficiency, identifying and applying improvements that boost productivity, impact, and scalability.

• Assist in developing an alumni engagement program as part of the accelerator initiative.

• Manage continuous engagement with accelerator alumni.

• Provide support to alumni through community-building initiatives, introductions, resource sharing, and storytelling efforts.

• Gather and maintain data on participant and alumni business performance, funding, adoption rates, and environmental impact metrics.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required.

• At least 5 years of project management experience, encompassing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in entrepreneurship support, non-profit accelerators, innovation ecosystems, venture development, or related fields.

• Proven experience in coordinating and facilitating multi-day on-site retreats, cohort-based programs, or educational experiences.

• Understanding of impact assessment protocols relevant to climate change, water conservation, biodiversity, and waste management.

• Familiarity with biomimicry, demonstrated through a degree, certificate, or course completion.

• Outstanding project management and organizational abilities.

• Strong skills in relationship-building and stakeholder management.

• Capability to balance strategic thought with detailed execution.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Comfortable working independently while also collaborating within a remote team and accelerator network.

• Interest in biomimicry, climate solutions, regenerative systems, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

• Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools such as Asana, Google Workspace, Zoom, Airtable, and similar platforms.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Enjoy 100% coverage for employees for medical/dental/vision provided by Biomimicry Institute. (Please note, employees are responsible for coverage for spouses and/or dependents.)

• Retirement Plan: Begin your retirement savings after just 6 months of employment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO): Benefit from our generous PTO policy, allowing you to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Paid Holidays: Take advantage of paid holidays as outlined in our Employee Handbook.

• Home Office Stipend: Receive a monthly stipend to help support your home office setup.