Program Coordinator, The Builder Platform
Full-Time, Hybrid (based at The Engine in Cambridge), with some travel for in-person convenings
About The EngineAs a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and public benefit organization, The Engine supports Tough Tech founders working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in climate, health, and advanced systems. We do this through powerful founder programs, access to shared infrastructure and labs, and by convening a national network of corporate partners, investors, and experts.
About The Builder PlatformEstablished through a collaboration between the National Science Foundation and The Engine, a Tough Tech incubator and accelerator built by MIT, The Builder Platform is a human-centered network designed to empower the nation’s top emerging technology ecosystems.
Bringing together the brightest minds in Tough Tech, The Builder Platform connects regional ecosystem builders to the capital, partners, tools and support they need to scale.
Our tailored support is fueling the growth of ecosystems supported by the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program - a flagship initiative that is driving regional innovation across the country.
About the RoleThe Program Coordinator keeps The Builder Platform's programming, content, and events running on schedule. The role manages logistics for virtual sessions and in-person convenings, coordinates content production, drafts TBP newsletters, keeps the TBP website current, and provides day-to-day support to the full TBP team.
Reports to: Senior Manager, Partner Engagement & Workforce Development, The Builder Platform
Partners with: Communications Lead, Ops team
Key Responsibilities
- Programming Logistics
Run logistics for all TBP virtual programming: draft session descriptions with TBP team members and advisors, invite the right participants, send reminders, record sessions, and log follow-ups.
After each Thursday Session, collect slide decks, write the recap, and capture resources shared in the meeting chat.
Track participation in TBP programming in Airtable.
Coordinate logistics for TBP in-person convenings, including venues, food and beverage, attendee lists and communications, and pre-read materials.
Support agenda design for convenings by gathering input from the TBP team, advisors, NSF, and Engine participants.
Content CoordinationManage TBP's content calendar day to day, so the team can see what has been produced, what is in progress, and what is scheduled for newsletters or social.
Track content milestones and bring in the right team members to execute.
Produce TBP content in the appropriate format (Google Doc, Lovable, video, etc.), including clipping key sections of recorded sessions into playlists.
Where useful, adapt Engine-specific content for broader audiences of ecosystem builders, in support of TBP's field-building work.
Communications SupportDraft all TBP newsletters (weekly Cohort 1, weekly Cohort 2, monthly public), including Engine news and curated resources such as funding opportunities and events, in the TBP brand voice and for review by the Communications Lead and TBP team. Use AI tools, including Claude skills, to gather and draft content.
Manage TBP website content, including posting logistics, edits, and webpage updates.
Team SupportProvide coordination and administrative support to the full TBP team, including help designing presentations and drafting talking points.
Create and maintain SOPs for programming, events, and communications processes.
General ResponsibilitiesData: Keep programming, content, and event records accurate and up to date in shared systems, and work with the Ops team to maintain, archive, and QC data, tools, and reporting.
Reporting: Contribute to Milestones reports, presentations, and other materials as needed.
Qualifications
Experience: 2 years minimum in program coordination, events, communications, or operations, ideally in a mission-driven or startup ecosystem setting.
Education: Bachelor's degree preferred.
Organizational Skills: Able to keep many moving pieces on track (calendars, logistics, deadlines) with strong follow-through and strong attention to details.
Communication Skills: Clear, concise writer, comfortable drafting newsletters, session descriptions, and event materials, and able to communicate with both technical teams and business stakeholders. Strong verbal communication skills.
Systems Fluency: Comfort with Google Workspace, Airtable, HubSpot, Circle, or similar tools, with interest in using AI tools to improve team workflows.
Soft Skills: Team player, results-oriented, a good listener, and able to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment.
This is a chance to grow your career at the center of a national innovation initiative. You'll work with a mission-driven team that supports NSF Regional Innovation Engines across the country, and you'll see up close how research turns into companies, jobs, and stronger regional economies. You'll build real skills in program management, communications, and event planning, backed by The Engine, the nonprofit built by MIT to help Tough Tech founders take on the world's most pressing challenges. If you're organized, curious, and want your work to matter, we encourage you to apply.
Skills Required
- At least 2 years of experience in program coordination, events, communications, or operations.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to detail.
- Clear, concise writing and strong verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate with technical teams and business stakeholders.
- Comfort with Google Workspace, Airtable, HubSpot, Circle, or similar tools.
- Interest in using AI tools to improve team workflows.
- Ability to work collaboratively and thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment.
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.
