The Engine, built by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a nonprofit Tough Tech incubator and accelerator supporting startups building solutions in areas like climate, human health, advanced computation, and industrial transformation.
Our infrastructure, programming, and network help startups move breakthrough technologies from the lab into scalable companies with real-world impact. In addition to supporting resident startups, The Engine hosts hundreds of events each year that bring together founders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.
Position SummaryWe are looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Events & Operations Associate to manage and execute a wide range of events and programs at The Engine. This role reports to the Program Manager and collaborates closely with teams across programs, marketing, operations, and leadership.
This role sits at the intersection of hospitality, operations, project management, and community experience. You will oversee events hosted in The Engine’s conference and gathering spaces from initial inquiry through execution, while also supporting internal programming and cross-functional initiatives for our startup community.
The right person for this role thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly and professionally, and loves bringing structure and calm to complex logistics. You should be comfortable managing multiple timelines, working across stakeholders, and ensuring details do not fall through the cracks.
This is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA and requires regular on-site event support, including support outside of regular business hours (e.g., early mornings and evenings).
Key Responsibilities
Manage inbound event inquiries and lead planning from intake through execution
Develop proposals, timelines, run-of-shows, and cope planning documents
Coordinate logistics including room setup, AV coordination, catering, signage, staffing, security, and vendor management
Provide basic AV support, including microphones, presentations, and event visuals; partner with AV vendors on maintenance and troubleshooting
Conduct tours for prospective and confirmed event groups
Serve as the on-site point person during events to ensure smooth execution and a high-quality guest experience
Manage event calendars, scheduling, budgets, invoices, and operational details across multiple concurrent events
Lead post-event follow-up, reporting, and continuous process improvement
Internal Programs & Community SupportPartner with cross-functional teams to execute startup and community programming
Support workshops, speaker events, CEO gatherings, investor events, and ecosystem convenings, including flagship programs such as Blueprint, Whiteboard, and Tough Tech Week
Provide front desk and on-the-ground support during high-traffic events and as needed
Strengthen systems and processes that improve coordination and operational excellence
Contribute to a welcoming, professional, and mission-driven experience for residents and guests
Operations & CoordinationBuild and maintain organized project management systems, tools, and documentation
Coordinate across stakeholders while proactively identifying risks, gaps, and timeline dependencies
Communicate clearly and professionally with founders, partners, vendors, sponsors, and guests
Drive consistency and strong execution standards across all events and programs
Qualifications
2–5 years of experience in event management, operations, hospitality, project management, or related fields
Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Comfortable operating in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment
Strong sense of ownership and consistent follow-through
Experience with event operations, venue coordination, or hospitality is strongly preferred
Experience with project management or CRM tools (e.g.,Monday.com, HubSpot) is a plus; familiarity with AI tools is a bonus
Skills Required
- 2-5 years of experience in event management, operations, hospitality, project management, or related fields
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable operating in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment
- Strong sense of ownership and consistent follow-through
- Experience with event operations, venue coordination, or hospitality
- Experience with project management or CRM tools
What We Do
The Engine, built by MIT, is a venture firm that invests in early-stage companies solving the world’s biggest problems through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. Our mission is to accelerate the path to market for Tough Tech companies by providing access to a unique combination of investment, infrastructure, and community.
