Program Manager - Michigan Founders Fund Pre-accelerator Powered By Gener8tor

Program Manager - Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator Powered by gener8tor

Location: Detroit, MI

Salary: $60,000-$70,000

Description

The Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator is a new program combining gener8tor’s successful gBETA startup programming with Michigan Founders Fund’s network and funding for program participants. This person will work closely with both entities to launch a program that supports early-stage, Michigan-based startup companies led by underrepresented founders. 

Michigan Founders Fund is a network of entrepreneurs and investors who have pledged 1% of equity or carry to support Michigan’s social sector. Michigan Founders Fund aims to grow the presence of successful high-growth ventures and advance civic leadership throughout the state. 

gener8tor runs accelerators and venture capital funds to catalyze community, mentorship, network, conviction, and capital to bridge a community’s genius with opportunity. The gener8tor platform includes pre-accelerators, accelerators, corporate programming, conferences, and fellowships. gener8tor operates across 45 cities, 25 states, and three countries, working with more than 300 startups annually. gBETA is gener8tor’s pre-accelerator program that accelerates the growth of early-stage companies through its network-driven program.

Role Overview

We seek an ambitious community advocate whose hunger to recruit startups and support entrepreneurs, connect with mentors and investors, and strengthen the startup ecosystem has yet to be satiated. This individual will engage all these stakeholders with the ecosystem while operating Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator programs.

The ideal candidate is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by underrepresented founders. Applicants do not need to come with existing startup experience, but rather a passion and commitment to advancing and working with founders on their journey. This person will be a strategic thinker, an excellent communicator, and a proactive problem-solver, able to navigate the complexities of startup ecosystems while maintaining a strong focus on the program’s mission.

This position will be supported by and report directly to the gener8tor management team while working alongside the Michigan Founders Fund team to galvanize Michigan’s entrepreneurial community. This role will involve a variety of close partnership initiatives intended to support the mission of the Michigan Founders Fund.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with stakeholders (mentors, investors, corporate partners) and engage with them across the community.
• Recruit, vet, and select startup participants for Michigan Founders Fund Pre-Accelerator.
• Plan logistics and execute two in-person cohorts per year based in Detroit.
• Assist alumni with ongoing mentor, sponsor, and investor relations following the program with the goal of preparing them for investment.
• Be the #1 cheerleader for the startups and entrepreneurs we support.
• Integrate each cohort across Michigan Founders Fund networks and programming.
• Lead additional efforts with the Michigan Founders Fund team that advance the goals of building a connected, supportive community of founders across the state.

Requirements

• Deep commitment to Michigan and the startup ecosystems in the Southeast region.
• Entrepreneurial spirit.
• Self-starter.
• Organized.
• Commitment to equity across race, place, and gender.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple ongoing projects and responsibilities.
• Rolls up sleeves for all needed jobs.
• Willingness to intensively and rapidly learn a new industry, or dive deeper into the world of startups and venture capital if already familiar.
• Flexibility to work some nights and weekends–our support extends beyond regular hours!
• At least one year of program or product management experience is a plus.
• Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.

At our offices we…

• See genius in every community. Across race, place and gender, we believe we have a chance to accomplish a generational challenge in bridging genius with opportunity.
• Never self-defeat and always have a “play to win” mentality. We revolve everything we do around helping the entrepreneurs in our programs.
• Are curious. We work hard to find hidden gems others overlook.
• Believe no job is beneath us. We wipe down the tables and load up the U-Hauls with enthusiasm if needed after our events. Work as a team to get stuff done!
• Know that the best way to quality is through quantity. We share a commitment to take a bottom-up approach to building strong, personal, 1-1 relationships.

Apply

To apply, please fill out the form below. 

We strongly encourage candidates who are Black, indigenous, people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, those with previous felony convictions and others who identify as being from an underrepresented group to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of the above characteristics or others protected by law.

We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental handicaps or disabilities, marital status, Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity nor any other basis prohibited by law. Any information that you do provide will be recorded and maintained anonymously in a confidential file.