Founder Catalyst Operations Associate, Techstars Cardano

Operations Associate, Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst Program
Contract Duration: Early June 2025 - January 2025
Location: Remote / US based

Type: Full-time Contract Position

As an Operations Associate with the Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst Program, you will help contribute to the growth and development of the next amazing batch of early-stage, global, Web 3 companies. As an Operations Associate, you will play a vital role in sourcing program applicants, supporting the program lead, and managing the operational success of the Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator program as our participants evolve into thriving companies. Your network will expand to include community builders, entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, giving you unparalleled exposure to a thriving startup ecosystem. You will actively engage with different ecosystem stakeholders, and contribute to the dynamic Techstars community through a range of events and initiatives.

This role centers around sourcing startups to apply for our fall 2025 program in collaboration with the Cardano community, operational excellence, and administrative support throughout the duration of our Founder Catalyst program which will include speaking sessions, mentor connections, pitch reviews, and our final pitch showcase. This role is customer-facing and requires the ability to organize information, capture and report data, organize events, and execute tasks quickly and with precision. Candidates with a working knowledge of startups and familiar with the Web 3 / blockchain industry will be given preference.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Locate, research, and recruit early-stage companies to apply to our upcoming fall Founder Catalyst program focused on founders building on the Cardano blockchain or Cardano adjacent projects. Organize data on potential applicants for the purpose of outreach and follow-up. Support applicants through the program application process by answering questions, making sure they have the information they need to apply, and supporting them along the way. 
• Assist the Program Lead with the evaluation of program applications and take the administrative lead on running our virtual Selection Committee Interviews.
• Create and manage program resources for founders and program stakeholders such as program Slack channels, program or event hubs, event recordings, and email communication, enabling program participants to be well-informed and connected.
• Assist with the coordination of scheduling speakers and supporting founder, mentor, and partner communication before, during, and after the program, ensuring these stakeholders have the information and resources they need. 
• Create weekly update briefs for our partner on key aspects of the program in collaboration with the Program Lead during the 10-week program. Create support decks in collaboration with the Program Lead for founder curriculum sessions which take place twice a week.
• Play a critical role in planning and executing virtual curriculum sessions including masterclasses, pitch practice sessions, and or workshops.
• Play a key role in planning, organizing, and promoting our End of Program Showcase pitch event for our program participants and community stakeholders.
• Take the lead role in tracking program data, managing participant information as well as feedback from founders, partners, and key stakeholders. 
• Play a vital role in the creation of a final program report or other key reporting material.
• Act as the right hand of the Program Lead.
• Represent Techstars in different entrepreneurial and Web 3 ecosystems, both actively and passively.

Required Qualifications, Skills, Abilities & Values:

• 1-3 years in fast-paced operations, a project or program management focused position, logistics or administrative role
• Working knowledge of general Web 3, blockchain, and crypto vocabulary and concepts 
• English speaking is critical
• Experience in or skillset to excel at virtual event planning, operations, and logistics 
• Tech savvy with the ability to learn unfamiliar program tools and or platforms quickly
• Strong interest in the discourse around technology, startups, and entrepreneurship
• Proven attention to detail through prior work or life experience
• Desire to support their team, partners, and founders well
• Comfortable with ambiguity and solutions driven
• Prior experience evaluating and or supporting founders is a plus
• Experience or familiarity with the following is a plus: Slack, Google Meet, LinkedIn, Notion, Airtable, Google Suite, Discord, and Telegram, X (previously Twitter)
• Fits the Techstars culture (people-oriented, adaptable, supportive, creative, resourceful, independent, #givefirst)

Compensation Range: $4000-5000 Monthly Contract
*Compensation is commensurate with knowledge base, skill set, and experience.

Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

About Techstars

Techstars is the most active pre-seed investor in the world having invested through its accelerators in more than 3,700 companies. Founded in 2006, Techstars believes that entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to invest in an unprecedented number of startups per year enabling more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs around the world. We do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. www.techstars.com

Techstars is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does 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.

Techstars uses E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires.  For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

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