Program Associate

Who We Are

Plug and Play is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations to create the most meaningful connections that help top companies innovate and meet their strategic goals. Our mission is to bring the benefits of startup-focused open innovation to all corners of the world.

In Italy, we launched in 2019 with offices in Milan, Turin, Modena, and Catania, focusing on key sectors such as Sustainability, Food, Energy, Infrastructure, Automotive, Aerospace and Defence. 

Who We're Looking For

We’re seeking a highly organized, proactive Communications & Events Associate to join our team in Milan. This role combines communications and events management, with a strong focus on coordinating communication and events activities across our four offices in Italy.

On the communications side, you will help develop and coordinate internal and external communications, ensuring consistent messaging and brand positioning. You’ll work closely with local teams and external partners to create engaging content, coordinate communication initiatives, and increase the visibility of our ecosystem.

On the events side, you will oversee the planning and execution of small- to medium-scale events, managing vendor partnerships, logistics, production schedules, and event materials to ensure smooth execution. You’ll collaborate with speakers, corporates, startups, entrepreneurs, and cross-functional teams to align on objectives and deliver engaging, brand-aligned experiences.

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working across communications, events, building relationships, and helping bring ideas to life. This is a hands-on role that requires strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

How You Will Make a Difference

Communications & Marketing

• Manage the monthly Italy newsletter and support the planning and execution of social media content.
• Develop and coordinate communication materials, including event flyers, presentations, and other branded assets.
• Coordinate with our PR agency and manage relationships with media contacts.
• Keep our website and landing pages up to date, ensuring content is accurate and aligned with our brand.
• Coordinate co-marketing initiatives and partnerships with external stakeholders to maximize brand visibility and reach.
• Support broader communication initiatives to increase the visibility of our ecosystem.

Events Management

• Support the planning and execution of small- to medium-scale events and other office activities.
• Coordinate with speakers, external vendors, and internal teams to ensure smooth event delivery.
• Manage event logistics, outreach, registration, materials, and on-site coordination.
• Promote upcoming events across relevant channels and engage our network.
• Help build and maintain relationships across the local innovation ecosystem by creating and co-hosting community events.

What We’re Looking For

• 2–3 years of professional experience in communications, events operations coordination,  community engagement or a related field.
• Experience working in a startup, technology, accelerator, incubator, innovation ecosystem, or similar environment is highly preferred.
• Strong interest in technology, startups, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging to different audiences and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Comfortable working across multiple priorities and supporting different functions as business needs evolve.
• Proactive, resourceful, and willing to take a hands-on approach to getting things done.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to grow within a global innovation platform and develop a career across multiple areas of the business.
• Exposure to startups, corporations, investors, and leading technology companies.
• A highly collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment.
• Opportunities to develop experience across events, communication, community, programs and related fields