Program Manager (Accelerators & Strategic Programs)

Job Description
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

Requirements

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• 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)