Associate- WISE Tech

Role Overview:

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated Associate to join the WISE Tech team. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within the startup ecosystem while contributing to the execution of SPJIMR's flagship startup initiatives. The Associate will play a central role in managing Accelerator cohorts, executing Pitchathons, and engaging with the broader startup ecosystem, comprising of founders, mentors, and other ecosystem partners.

The ideal candidate will be a proactive and detail-oriented executor with a strong sense of ownership, a keen curiosity to learn, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. This role demands a balance of strategic thinking and operational excellence.

The Associate will have below responsibilities:

Startup Evaluations:

• Evaluate startup applications based on pitch decks and founder interviews
• Score startups on key parameters such as problem-solution fit, innovation, market potential, scalability, and team strength.
• Create detailed evaluation reports for each startup, highlighting strengths, gaps, and potential for acceleration.
• Support the shortlisting process and provide structured input to selection committees for final cohort selection.

Acceleration Program Management:

• Program Operations: Maintain databases and records of program applicants, founder profiles, mentors, and sessions, track startup progress throughout the accelerator lifecycle, handle day-to-day logistics and provide administrative support once the program begins (e.g., attendance, documentation, session coordination).
• Mentorship Coordination: Manage mentor-startup matchmaking based on needs and expertise, schedule mentoring calls, collect feedback, and maintain mentorship reports, ensure mentors and startups are well supported and aligned throughout the program.

Pitchathons and Event Support:

• Support planning and execution of key events like Pitchathons, Demo Days, founder roundtables, and workshops.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless event delivery.

Marketing and Community Engagement:

• Engage with startup ecosystem players, founders, alumni, and industry partners.
• Explore and support partnership opportunities to enrich the program.
• Manage the outreach efforts, social media postings and other marketing collaterals (emailers, social media posts, success stories, etc).

General Operations and Coordination:

• Assist with administrative and logistical tasks related to WISE Tech's broader education and innovation programs.
• Support internal scheduling, resource management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Act as a reliable point of contact for startup founders and external guests, addressing queries with professionalism.

Education: Bachelor's degree in any discipline.

Experience: Relevant experience of 2 years is highly preferred.

Capabilities required:

• Project and Program Management
• Clear and structured written and verbal communication
• Stakeholder engagement and coordination
• Research, documentation, and reporting
• Event planning and logistics
• Content support: Social media copy, newsletters, basic marketing collaterals
• Problem-solving and adaptability

Technical Skills: Proficiency with digital tools: Google Sheets/Excel, PowerPoint, Notion, Canva, Zoom

Interested candidates can apply & alternatively share their resumes on navin.poojari@spjimr.org