Program & Experience Design Lead - Venture Café

Venture Café Global Institute (VCGI) began in 2009 within the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) in Massachusetts, aiming to connect people, ideas, and resources globally. Today, it has grown into a worldwide movement, convening over 900,000  innovators, creatives, and leaders across cities like London, Berlin, Monterrey, and Tokyo. VCGI's mission is to drive global change by building a community of communities focused on solving humankind’s biggest challenges.

Our flagship Thursday Gathering convenes hundreds of creative, resourceful people who are just as invested in improving life on this planet as you are.

The primary vehicle to engage the region’s innovation community is the weekly program, the Thursday Gathering, which attracts 300-500 people per week. You will be responsible for curating and leading this event that regularly convenes members of the innovation community in an inclusive and open way. This event strives to complement and amplify, not substitute or compete, with other existing innovation community gatherings in Massachusetts.  

Venture Café includes an informal social gathering to create opportunities for serendipitous encounters as well as structured conversations and educational sessions (live presentations, panels, info sessions, demotables, etc.). You will grow a pipeline of community organizations and partners to offer high-quality content based on monthly themes. Your primary role is to be the “chief curator” in order to design thoughtful, high-quality experiences for attendees. Your work may also include working with members of the broader community to organize regular and special events.

A cornerstone of Venture Café Cambridge is the Thursday Gathering. Beyond executing on the Thursday Gathering, you will contribute to other programs that will help build a more inclusive innovation economy - inclusive of all types of industries and people. You will be responsible for the creation and implementation of programming that reaches into the area’s underserved communities. 

As you work to operate these programs in Cambridge you will be expected to:

• You bring experience in innovation, the arts, and/or entrepreneurship, ideally in programming, leadership, or advocacy, and understand the innovation process.

• You believe innovation and entrepreneurship can improve lives and recognize that innovation takes many forms beyond technology startups and venture capital.

• You understand Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem, its key stakeholders, and its potential for growth. You bring strong networking skills and the ability to build meaningful local partnerships.

• You understand Cambridge’s key challenges and see them as opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and positive change.

• Experience in event conceptualization, curation, planning, and execution.

• Availability to work onsite in Kendall Square, Monday through Friday, and at the weekly Venture Café Thursday Gathering from 4:30–8:00 PM.

• Knowledge of Cambridge’s innovation ecosystem, including key stakeholders, networks, and organizations.

• Strong organizational, project management, and task management skills.

• Excellent hospitality and problem-solving skills, with the ability to create a welcoming community experience while upholding Venture Café’s guidelines with confidence and tact.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, active listening abilities, and confidence in public speaking.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate across sectors, build consensus, and navigate differing perspectives diplomatically.

• An appreciation for design, aesthetics, and attention to detail in creating effective spaces, products, services, and communications.

• Familiarity with social media and its role in community engagement and communications.

• A global outlook combined with a strong commitment to the local community.

• Independent thinking, sound judgment, and the confidence to express your views constructively.

• Comfort with technology; familiarity with Google Workspace, WordPress, and Mailchimp is a plus.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

• Frequent use of hands for fine motor work and mid to full vision. This position regularly includes hosting events in our spaces, necessitating moving around our spaces and lifting/moving AV equipment, tables, and chairs. This position also requires significant time working on a computer and navigating between different documents and platforms.

At CIC, our values aren't a poster on the wall - they shape how we work, how we hire, and how we show up for each other every day. You'll hear about them throughout our recruitment process:

• We are good humans — respect, kindness, and accountability in every interaction

• We are happy to help — we step forward with care, energy, and pride in our work

• We are problem solvers — curious, growth-minded, and always looking for a better way

• We are resilient — steady under pressure and adaptable in the face of change

• We deliver — dependable and results-driven, balancing speed with quality.

• Starting compensation is $70-000-80,000 per year. 

•  Allocated budget for training (customized to specific requirements of the role and organization's objectives).

Venture Café is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the cities we support. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.