IMPORTANT: Use this link to apply, not via LinkedIn: https://foundersboost.notion.site/Program-Co-Director-FoundersBoost-LA-Accelerator-2d2a781bd80c80bb81c1c15cccfde1d6?source=copy_link
Company Overview:
FoundersBoost is dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within local startup ecosystems, focusing on high-growth startups in the early traction phase. Our commitment to giving first and maintaining a high-quality, well-structured program enables us to empower early-stage startups to achieve Acceleration, Investment, and Revenue. Over our 8 year history, we’ve supported over 600 startups, 80% with underrepresented founders, across 3 continents and led them to raise over $400M in funding.
Our LA chapter hosts our flagship program. LA alumni have continued in the journey at top accelerators such as Techstars and Y Combinator, and have secured an additional $100M in funding post-program.
Position Summary:
The co-Director will co-lead with one other director and share overall ownership of the outcomes of the 6-week accelerator. In this role, you will serve as the primary representative of our organization within the ecosystem, leveraging your passion and deep understanding of the community to foster growth and innovation.
This is a part-time position requiring a consistent 6-8 hour per week time commitment, depending on the cohort program cycle. Candidate must be available to work these hours predominantly in-person in Los Angeles (west-side).
Key Responsibilities:
• Program Execution: Lead all phases of the accelerator cohort, including recruiting, in-program sessions, and post-programming support. FoundersBoost maintains a robust back-end admin portal and application management system to aid in operational tasks.
• Team Leadership: Manage a small support team including a Program Manager and Associate and liaise with HQ. Deepen community partnerships and leverage startup ecosystem leaders such as mentors, investors, and other seed-stage accelerators. Represent FoundersBoost at industry events.
• Application Process Oversight: Help in sourcing startup teams within the local community. Decision-making responsibility for selecting 8 startup teams from a pool of applicants.
• Entrepreneurial Support: Act as the Lead Mentor for cohort founders. Provide guidance to entrepreneurs on business model refinement, market strategy, partnerships, and pitch preparation.
• Weekly Sessions: Host 3-hour, in-person, weekly sessions. Source potential mentors, guest speakers, and industry experts to participate in the weekly sessions.
• Partnership Development: Find and work with ecosystem partners and sponsors to help further the capacity of the program.
• Demo Day Preparation: Guide participants in preparing for demo day, ensuring they effectively showcase their progress and potential to investors and stakeholders.
• Demo Day Event Logistics: Oversee, coordinate, and delegate tasks for our exclusive in-person Demo Day event.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
• Strong operational expertise, with a track record of pro-actively managing projects and teams effectively.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide participants and team members.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Comfortable speaking to audiences in excess of 50 people.
• Experience in pre-investment stages of startups, including fundraising and investor relations, is highly desirable.
• Strong local network of startup leaders, exited founders, and other professionals with deep, early-scale experience, to serve as mentors and speakers.
• Passion for supporting local startup ecosystems and a commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Compensation:
This is a volunteer position with the possibility of sponsorship commission. However, this position has many non-monetary benefits, such as: enhancing your personal brand, expanding your professional network, and shaping the future of your local startup ecosystem.
Application Process:
Applications will be accepted until January 30th.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application.
