Startups Manager

Future Founders•Chicago, IL

22h•$68,000 - $72,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Future Founders is building the nation’s largest inclusive community of intentional young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded leaders. Our programs immerse youth in experiences that inspire and empower them to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset and create their own opportunity. We believe this leads to a generation more determined, hopeful, and equipped as they engage the future. Since 2005, we have served over 50,000 youth, and our national 18- to 30-year-old founders have generated $433M in revenue, secured $320M in capital, and created 2,400 jobs. Join us as we empower the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs. For more information visit www.futurefounders.com. Reporting to the Head of Platform Strategy and working in close partnership with the organization’s leadership, the Startups Manager is a new role that will support our idea/early-stage founder programs for diverse 18- to 30-year-old entrepreneurs in Chicago and across the country. A successful Startups Manager will be a strong workshop facilitator, listener, and connector. The Startups Manager will lead our Apprenticeship program and support our Startup Bootcamp program, which includes recruiting participants, program design and evaluation, leading content-based workshops, and conducting one-on-one mentoring sessions with our founders.

Requirements

Direct experience coaching idea/early-stage entrepreneurs from underestimated backgrounds to launch businesses OR direct founder experience starting their own business.
College graduate with 4+ years of professional experience.
Strong community ties and network within Chicago.
Experience working with 18- to 30-year-olds in a professional or volunteer capacity.
Passion and knowledge of the startup ecosystem.
Capable of high levels of program management and innovation with a strong attention to detail.
Commitment to high standards and confidence to uphold program expectations.
Strong networker, able to recruit new mentors, program participants, and partners through a variety of channels.
Self-directed with the ability to anticipate the needs of others (specifically founders and fellow team members).
Technology-oriented with familiarity with tools like Google Workspace, Airtable, Zoom, and AI.
Fluent in feedback (giving and receiving).

Nice To Haves

Possess high levels of emotional maturity, flexibility, integrity, and professionalism.
Have a “can do” attitude and are ready to pitch in when needed.
A sense of humor.

Responsibilities

Lead the Apprenticeship program.
Support the Startup Bootcamp program, including recruiting participants, program design and evaluation, leading content-based workshops, and conducting one-on-one mentoring sessions.
Facilitate workshops and create a positive sense of community within cohorts.
Build strong 1-on-1 relationships with founders to emotionally uplift and motivate them.
Build strategic relationships in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with a focus on underestimated communities.
Serve founders with a consultative approach, listening and connecting dots to help them succeed.
Organize in-person retreats serving founders.
Assist with fundraising, grant reporting, data collection, and program evaluation.
Develop strong systems to run cohorts effectively and manage founders' goals and progress.
Communicate effectively both virtually and in person, including public speaking, leading workshops, and email communications.
Engage with social media.
Work with the senior leadership team to secure new funding.