Program Manager and Strategic Mentor

JOB DESCRIPTION
As the Program Manager of Startup Camp-Fulcrum's flagship internship program-you'll help lead it as the Executive Director's right hand. From aligning teams around bold visions to pressure-testing business models, you'll be in the thick of startup building-guiding, challenging, and amplifying their work. Startup Camp is more than an internship and recruiting program-it's a cultural engine that keeps Fulcrum sharp, forward-thinking, and deeply connected to the next generation of innovators, leaders, thinkers, and those who simply get things done.
This role blends leadership, mentorship, and operational excellence. You'll be the day-to-day face of the U.S. cohort, a trusted advisor to top-tier talent, and a driving force behind some of the most formative experiences in their early careers.
In addition to the U.S. teams, you'll support global coordination across our cohorts in London and Hyderabad-ensuring presentation days run seamlessly, milestones are met, and teams stay meaningfully connected across time zones. You'll also develop and deliver reports to the executive steering committee, helping translate cohort progress into meaningful insights.
Your core responsibilities will include:
Strategic Mentorship & Advisory

• Serve as a thought partner to the Business Management Associates across all teams-offering guidance on topics like pricing models, business models, go-to-market strategies, risk management, and financial projections.
• Help teams critically evaluate market assumptions, validate hypotheses, and make smart, early decisions.
• Provide feedback loops, similar to YC office hours-listen, challenge, and push for clarity and action.
• Stay close to the day-to-day by observing standups and team rhythms-spotting friction early, offering just-in-time coaching, and knowing when to lean in.
• Help keep alignment tight between product vision, user experience, and business strategy-acting as a counterbalance when tactical "opportunities" risk misaligning the team from their strategic direction.

Program Execution & Cohort Leadership

• Own the day-to-day operation of the U.S. cohort-ensuring teams have what they need to move fast and stay focused.
• Align with the Startup Camp Executive Director on strategic decisions.
• Lead and facilitate key milestone moments: kickoff, Pitch Day, demo check-ins (aka Demo Days).
• Coordinate and host at least two guest speaker events that educate, inspire, and spark discussion across the cohort.

Cross-Cohort Collaboration & Presentation Management

• Coordinate with London and Hyderabad leads to synchronize Pitch Day events and shared demo day updates.
• Work with each office's IT and ops teams to ensure that the technical and logistical complexity of multi-site presentations is managed.
• Ensure that Pitch Day and Demo Day presentations are high-impact experiences, especially when VIPs (e.g., investors, executives, and clients) are in the room-helping teams deliver with confidence and clarity.
• Serve as the central point of accountability for communications, timing, and handoffs across locations.

Culture & Community Building

• Plan and host four intentional, energizing social events that strengthen trust and camaraderie across teams (e.g., Great America, Topgolf, lakefront picnic, boat outing).
• Champion a culture of excellence, experimentation, and radical candor-ensuring that the cohort environment reflects the high bar of the program.

Operational Support (High-Leverage, Not Hand-Holding)

• Coordinate local logistics (space, events, tools) with support staff-but delegate or automate wherever possible.
• Step in when necessary to resolve blockers-keeping your focus on people, momentum, and outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an MBA from a top-tier university/college.
• An entrepreneurial work style, you're a self-starter with a bias toward action.
• You've run your own business-be it a lemonade stand, side-hustle, or startup.
• Excellent organizational skills and communication skills.
• You're open minded, self-aware, and always eager to learn.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
• You must be fully available-onsite-from 19 May 2025 through 15 August 2025.
• You should be available, at least part-time, from 1 May 2025.

COMPENSATION & PERKS

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Opportunities for travel.
• Social and team-building events.
• Fully stocked kitchen with assorted drinks & snacks.
• Professional development through mentors, training, and networking.
• Future opportunities-simplified pathway to employment.