Program Manager

WHO WE ARE:

Plug and Play Tech Center is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations to create the most meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all corners of the world. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs join our vertical-specific accelerator programs to team up with our corporate members or receive a direct investment from Plug and Play. 

Plug and Play has over 45 locations across the world and our corporate members include: Daimler, Prologis, PG&E, Nissan, Volvo, BP, Walmart, Nokia, Coca Cola, Doosan Bobcat, and over 500 more. Plug and Play’s corporate members utilize Plug and Play to identify the best startups to meet their challenges. Plug and Play’s proven investment track record includes Honey, Dropbox, Lending Club, Kustomer, Einride, and many more. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

We’re a diverse team with backgrounds in technology and entrepreneurship and we’re growing rapidly to deliver on our mission. We’re actively seeking a Program Manager in Sunnyvale, CA who is an operational powerhouse, organized, and can manage multiple projects at one time.  As a Program Manager you will be running the 3 months acceleration program for our Brand & Retail and Travel & Hospitality verticals up to twice a year by setting up events and networking sessions, own startup relationships, support business development with their corporate accounts and deal flows, prepare marketing collateral, order promotional materials and supplies for the team, and more.

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

• Organize 3-month accelerator program curriculum based on Startup goals and needs 
• Set up 1:1 sessions for startups to meet with Mentors, VC's and corporate partners for the program
• Attending bi-weekly calls with corporates / startups, take notes, action items and prepare follow-up mails, track overall startup engagement
• Own relationships with startups & mentors in the program
• Hold intake interviews, exit interviews, and make sure all startups are on track to meet program goals
• Collect feedback and develop an evaluation method to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement.
• Wrap up the program with a batch analysis report and support the Program team with questions from corporate partners and startups
• Grow ecosystem of mentors and VCs to bring more value to the program
• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders within our partner organizations to generate adoption, renewals, and new revenue opportunities.
• Devise engagement plans that consider partner business goals, internal organization structures, and map products and services to achieve these goals.
• Coordinate with Plug and Play’s global Sustainability team.

Event & Operations Management

• Event Management (2x Selection Days, 2x Expos, Program networking related events)
• Networking mixer event coordination 
• Conceptualizing customer centric Innovation Day agendas
• Book venue, brainstorm content, outreach speakers
• Ownership for invitation management
• Testing new platforms, formats and opportunities for upcoming meetings / events

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum 2 years of work experience preferably in a sector among events management, marketing, startup accelerator, venture capital firm, corporate open innovation
• Basic knowledge of Venture Capital and startup accelerators
• Basic knowledge of Corporate Innovation and Open Innovation best practices

Soft Skills

• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with prospects and industry contacts, especially with high level people from the corporate world
• Demonstrated people management skills
• Demonstrated management of complex and multi-stakeholders projects
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.
• Team player that is able to work with multiple business functions to complete a project.
• Passion and understanding for entrepreneurial communities.
• Excellent analytical, interpersonal and written communication skills

WHAT WE OFFER:

• Be part of Plug and Play - the biggest and fastest-growing startup innovation platform globally with locations worldwide
• Be at the forefront of innovation and get access to groundbreaking technologies
• Be part of a dynamic, international and open-minded team
• Get access to and communicate with leading international tech executives, startups and investors
• Work in a vibrant and unique working environment 
• Various opportunities for your career development after your internship
• Contribute and realize your own ideas and have room for self-development