Program Manager (Accelerators & Strategic Programs)

Purpose Statement

We are hiring a highly organized and execution-focused Program Manager to lead and manage our participation in global accelerators, incubators, venture studios, and non-dilutive funding programs. This role owns the end-to-end application pipeline from identifying the right programs to preparing submissions, coordinating materials, and ensuring we consistently secure placements in high-value startup programs worldwide.

You will work closely with founders and leadership to position the company for acceptance into top-tier programs and maximize strategic opportunities.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

1. Program & Accelerator Pipeline Management

• Research and maintain a database of relevant:
  

• Accelerators
  

• Incubators
  

• Venture studios
  

• Government innovation programs
  

• Grants and competitions
  

• Track deadlines, requirements, and eligibility
  

• Prioritize programs based on strategic fit
  

• Maintain a rolling 3–6 month application calendar
  

Deliverable: Clear, organized pipeline of all upcoming opportunities.

2. Application Preparation & Submission

• Lead preparation of all application materials, including:
  

• Written responses and essays
  

• Pitch deck customization
  

• Founder bios
  

• Product descriptions
  

• Metrics and traction summaries
  

• Financial data
  

• Demo materials
  

Ensure:

• High-quality submissions
  

• Consistent storytelling
  

• Zero missed deadlines
  

Deliverable: On-time, polished applications across all target programs.

3. Founder & Leadership Coordination

• Gather required information from founders and teams
  

• Translate internal information into strong application narratives
  

• Prepare briefing documents for leadership
  

• Ensure alignment across materials
  

Deliverable: Well-prepared founders and consistent messaging.

4. Interview & Selection Support

• Prepare founders for accelerator interviews
  

• Build Q&A prep documents
  

• Run mock sessions
  

• Manage follow-ups with program teams
  

Deliverable: Interview-ready teams and timely follow-up.

5. Strategic Program Tracking

• Track acceptance rates and outcomes
  

• Recommend which programs to prioritize
  

• Monitor ecosystem opportunities globally
  

• Suggest timing for applications
  

Deliverable: Quarterly program strategy updates.

6. Grant & Non-Dilutive Funding Applications

• Identify relevant grants and competitions
  

• Coordinate application materials
  

• Manage submission timelines
  

• Track outcomes
  

Deliverable: Ongoing pipeline of grant opportunities.

KPIs / Success Metrics

• Number of high-quality applications submitted per quarter
  

• Acceptance/interview rate
  

• Total programs secured
  

• Non-dilutive funding secured
  

• Timeliness of submissions
  

• Strength of application pipeline
  

• Quality of documentation and tracking
  

• Minimum 3 – 6 years experience in Startup operations, Program management, Venture capital support roles, Founder associate roles, Accelerator or incubator environments
  

• Strong writing and editing skills
  

• Exceptional organizational ability
  

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines
  

• Strong research skills
  

• Comfortable working directly with founders
  

• Experience applying to or working with: YC, Techstars, Antler, Global accelerators
  

• Grant writing experience
  

• Startup ecosystem knowledge
  

• Deck editing experience
  

• Familiarity with Notion, Airtable, or similar tools
  

Key Traits

• Highly proactive
  

• Detail-oriented
  

• Structured thinker
  

• Fast executor
  

• Strong communicator
  

• Comfortable in fast-moving startup environments
  

• Tools & Systems; Notion / Airtable, Google Workspace
  

• Pitch decks
  

• Data rooms
  

• CRM tools
  

• Application portals
  

• Professional development opportunities.
  

• A collaborative and inclusive work culture that fosters growth and innovation.
  

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge products and technologies.
  

• Supportive and approachable management team dedicated to your success.
  

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses tied to acceptances
  

• Equity (optional depending on seniority)