Partnerships Manager, Ecosystems

StartX • Palo Alto, CA

7d

About The Position

StartX is looking for a strategic and execution-oriented Partnerships Manager to lead various programs in the Ecosystem vertical. You will be designing and delivering the educational and operational frameworks that help these global communities build sustainable, high-growth startup environments. You will own the full lifecycle of the partner experience, from onboarding and contract execution to ensuring every milestone and strategic goal is met with excellence.

Requirements

• A Master’s degree in Education, Learning, or Design is required.
• 5+ years of experience in partnership management, program design, or ecosystem building, ideally within a startup, accelerator, or higher-education environment.
• A deep understanding of how people and organizations learn. You should be comfortable designing workshops, curricula, and engagement models.
• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder contracts and delivering results on time and under budget.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to navigate high-level political and academic environments.
• The ability to move quickly in a startup environment while maintaining the patience and diplomacy required for large institutional partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for the delivery of contractual obligations, ensuring all KPIs, timelines, and partner-specific goals are achieved or exceeded.
• Apply learning sciences and instructional design principles to customize StartX’s methodology for diverse ecosystems, ensuring the "StartX way" is effectively translated across different cultures and institutional structures.
• Consult with partners on how to foster innovation, support local founders, and build the infrastructure necessary for a thriving startup community.
• Work closely with the StartX Admissions, Operations, and Program teams to ensure partner startups receive the resources and support promised.
• Track and report on the impact of ecosystem partnerships, using data to iterate on program design and demonstrate value to stakeholders.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level