Business Operations Associate

Basis Research Institute•New York, NY

3d•$50 - $70•Onsite

About The Position

Basis is a nonprofit applied AI research organization focused on understanding and building intelligence and advancing society’s ability to solve intractable problems. It is building a technological foundation inspired by human reasoning and a collaborative organization that puts human values first. The Business Operations Associate turns interest in Basis into signed, funded partnerships. Basis works with partners, customers, funders, and investors on research collaborations, pilots, and longer-term contracts. Founders and project leads own those relationships, while the associate helps ensure opportunities move forward and nothing is lost along the way. The role operates the deal pipeline by tracking partnership, contract, gift, and investor conversations in a CRM; coordinating meetings and follow-ups; moving contracts from initial draft to signature; and preparing weekly pipeline reviews. It also helps expand business opportunities through prospective partner and funder research, maintaining inbound interest, and preparing founders for events and introductions. The associate builds and improves the business operations infrastructure—including CRM systems, templates, automations, and reporting—and uses AI tools where helpful. The role is based in New York City and requires in-person work at the New York office at least two days per week. The position is preferably part-time or contract at approximately 20 hours per week, but full-time candidates are also considered. Compensation is $50–$70 per hour depending on experience, with a stated full-time equivalent of $100,000–$145,000.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to finish owned tasks without allowing them to go quiet or requiring reminders.
Examples of noticing what needed doing or identifying a better way to do something, and acting without being asked.
Experience running a CRM or similar tool, such as HubSpot, Attio, Salesforce, or an equivalent, and maintaining accurate records.
Ability to write clear and timely follow-up emails, meeting notes, and short briefings.
Ability to keep commercial, funder, and investor information confidential.
Comfort working with researchers and engineers, and curiosity about their work.

Nice To Haves

Business operations, deal desk, sales operations, or partnerships experience at a startup, research institute, or deep-tech company.
Experience with both commercial deals and philanthropic or investor relationships.
Experience building small automations around a CRM, contract flow, or inbox.

Responsibilities

Maintain a CRM pipeline for partnerships, contracts, gifts, and investor conversations, with an owner and next step for each opportunity.
Schedule meetings and send follow-ups.
Manage contracts from first draft through signature.
Prepare weekly reviews of pipeline status and decisions needed.
Research prospective partners and funders.
Keep inbound interest warm.
Prepare founders for events and introductions.
Build and improve CRM systems, templates, automations, and reporting to support a small team handling many deals.
Use AI tools where they help business operations.
Keep records accurate and protect confidential commercial, funder, and investor information.
Write follow-up emails, meeting notes, and short briefings clearly and quickly.