Startup Specialist at Parallel18 (BioLeap)
About The Position
The Startup Specialist executes the fundamental offerings of Parallel18’s BioLeap program and supports the development and growth of participating startups. The role works closely with founders, investors, mentors, and other ecosystem partners, supporting companies from early-stage acceleration and life sciences incubation through growth-stage expansion. It also builds and nurtures relationships within the Parallel18 community to extend the programs’ reach and impact. BioLeap is a life sciences innovation incubator program intended to increase economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship in areas such as biotechnology, AI-driven medical technologies, and genomics. It aims to connect local scientific research with commercialization and to advance an inclusive innovation ecosystem in Puerto Rico. The position is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and is a full-time, fixed-term contract for one year. The Startup Specialist reports to the Associate Director at Parallel18 (BioLeap).
Requirements
- A college degree (BA or BS) is required.
- Experience in project management.
- At least one year of experience in a fast-paced environment involving startups, innovation, or financial ecosystems.
- Fluency in Spanish and English.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong time-management, planning, and organizational skills.
- Technical proficiency and ability to work across platforms and tools, including CRM, project-management, and dashboard tools.
- Working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams, among other basic tools in both suites.
- Ability to work effectively independently and within teams.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects across different verticals and programs simultaneously.
- A T-shaped mindset, project-management discipline, and entrepreneurial thinking.
- A fast-learning, resourceful, and detail-oriented approach, with willingness to learn and master new skills.
- Passion for supporting Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurship and innovation community and motivation to make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.
- A passionate, positive, can-do attitude and strong execution skills.
Nice To Haves
- Degree in Business Administration or a STEM-related field.
- Familiarity with life sciences or STEM sectors.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of participating startups across BioLeap’s Gen 1 to Gen 4, meeting regularly to validate progress, identify challenges, and provide ongoing support.
- Execute acceleration, incubation, and growth-stage curricula, adapting delivery to each cohort’s stage and needs.
- Help ensure program funds, grants, and resources are used strategically and responsibly, and support related compliance and reporting requirements.
- Coordinate the planning and execution of program events, workshops, and conferences, and contribute ideas to improve operations, processes, guidelines, and community engagement.
- Support travel and logistics arrangements for local and international mentors, judges, and speakers.
- Connect high-potential startups with investors, mentors, corporate partners, and universities in collaboration with Business Development, Parallel18 Ventures, and the broader PRSTRT ecosystem.
- Research solutions when entrepreneurial needs cannot be met through the active network and connect startups with resources to address technical and business challenges.
- Conduct outreach to service providers and technology companies to secure pro bono or discounted perks for participants.
- Facilitate communication among stakeholders and identify possible collaboration across the three programs.
- Represent Parallel18 and its programs at local startup events, entrepreneurial give-back engagements, and university outreach opportunities, including speaking engagements, business expositions, and networking events.
- Help manage community platforms and communication channels, including maintenance and weekly updates.
- Develop and maintain interactive cohort dashboards for program-related progress and growth data and KPI tracking.
- Support the preparation, management, and execution of internal and external Parallel18 program events with the Marketing and Communications department.
- Manage and maintain in-house applications and program tools.
- Draft communications to current and prospective stakeholders, manage calendars, and coordinate meetings as needed for the Associate Director, Program Manager, and program leads.
- Independently oversee projects that support startups, using project-management practices to keep timelines, deliverables, and stakeholders on track.
- Work with Marketing and Communications on program application processes and outreach efforts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
