Programme and Start Associate - #66905

West Cambridge | £36,000-£40,000 | Full-time | Hybrid Working

Do you have exceptional project management skills and an exacting eye for detail? Do you want to support great entrepreneurs have an impact on the world?

This is your chance to do just that. Join the vibrant Founders at the University of Cambridge team at Cambridge Enterprise and help the next generation of world-changing entrepreneurs take flight.

Why Founders at the University of Cambridge?

Founders at the University of Cambridge is a new strategic initiative, building on the university's expertise and unparalleled advantages to bring technical and social innovation to life through new business creation via Cambridge Enterprise (the University’s innovation arm); from solving climate change to finding cures to deadly diseases.

Our mission is to empower entrepreneurial minds at the University of Cambridge with expertise, capital and community so they can thrive and have a global impact. We bring together future founders with global entrepreneurial alumni, local experts and peer role-models, alongside funding and deep tech spin-out expertise, to support many more founders to create stronger companies which scale faster and have greater impact.

As we develop we will also provide extensive support to founders as they take companies forward, through pre-seed investment, intensive mentoring, and programmatic support. We leverage and connect with the complex but powerful Cambridge ecosystem and support founders through action-based programmes to help them build global scalable businesses.

Why you will love this role:

We are looking for someone to take ownership of, and deliver the operations and events for our accelerator programme Founders at the University of Cambridge Start, and our expert community. This will involve the design and implementation of operational processes, and the end-to-end management of events ranging from internal in-programme events, to expert dinners with senior stakeholders, to 200+ attendee demo days. Get ready to experience the full spectrum of helping run a top-tier accelerator program within a world-class research institution.

This is no ordinary desk job. Be prepared to:

• Deliver impactful programmes: Shape and deliver world-class programmes that empower our founders with the knowledge and skills they need.
• Master the operational flow: Manage schedules and logistics for multiple meetings, ensuring all participants have the necessary information and resources so that everything runs smoothly, and our founders can focus on what truly matters. Monitor timelines and adjust plans as needed to meet deadlines.
• Stage exceptional events: Take ownership of, and coordinate all aspects of event planning, including venue selection, catering, AV, speaker management and beyond
• Forge connections: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align event objectives with organizational goals.
• Get heard by the ecosystem: Implement event marketing strategies to maximize attendance and engagement.
• Build the future: Conduct post-event evaluations to determine event success and identify areas for improvement.
  
  

In return, you'll:

• Witness first hand: See how brilliant ideas transform into impactful ventures that make a real difference.
• Thrive in a dynamic space: Collaborate with a passionate team in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environment.
• Gain invaluable expertise: Deepen your knowledge of entrepreneurship, programme management, and communication.
• Be part of something bigger: Play a vital role in fostering the thriving Cambridge innovation ecosystem.
  
  

This is a small team, we’re moving fast, and things are a little ambiguous as we grow. So, you’ll need to be comfortable with multitasking and driving your own work. But we’ll make sure you are set up for success and supported in your role.

What we're looking for:

• Organization: You thrive in detail, manage multiple tasks effectively, and possess a "can-do" attitude. You must be able to organise multiple people, projects and tasks at any one time
• IT savvy: You are a top-level user of project management software, virtual meeting platforms and event technology.
• Customer focused: You effortlessly connect with people and commit to delivering high-quality programmes and events.
• Working at pace: You are comfortable working at pace in changing environments.
• Problem-solving: You relish challenges, think creatively, and find solutions that drive progress.
• Teamwork: You collaborate seamlessly, support your colleagues, and are always willing to go the extra mile.
• Curious: You are curious about the world and have a demonstrated ability to learn quickly.
• Innovation: You're passionate about making a positive impact and believe in the power of groundbreaking ideas.
• Experience: you will have proven relevant experience in operations management, event planning and marketing, and project management
  
  

Diversity and equality matter:

These are our ideal requirements, but we know some people are less likely to apply for the role unless they are 100% qualified. At Cambridge Enterprise, we promote a diverse, inclusive and empowering culture, so please apply if you meet the majority of the job requirements.

If you have any questions about the interview process, or if you need any reasonable adjustments, please don’t hesitate to contact Ian, Gemma or Michelle at [email protected]

Working for Cambridge Enterprise:

Our benefits package is impressive. With 30 days of annual leave, a generous University pension, health and lifestyle benefits and a modern office at West Cambridge, you'll thrive in this vibrant academic and innovation community.

Perks at a glance:

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Hybrid role with genuine flexible working – including work from abroad for up to 30 days a year in most roles
• Generous University pension scheme.
• A commitment to personal development including LinkedIn learning.
• Family-friendly policies (including enhanced parental leave & childcare benefits, fertility leave, and pregnancy loss leave)
• Mental health and well-being support including access to free counselling.
• Retail and travel discounts.