Startup Specialist at Parallel18 in San Juan, Puerto Rico at Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust
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Job Description
Job Title: Startup Specialist
Reports to: Investment Team Lead (Parallel18)
Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Full-Time
Type of Contract: Regular Contract (Probationary Period)
Overview of the Organization
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.
Parallel18 a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust is a top-level, performance-driven international startup program with a social mission: offering entrepreneurs from all over the world access to high-quality business training, funding, and networks to help them scale globally while working to position Puerto Rico as a unique hub for innovative businesses and technology.
Purpose
As we continue to grow our world-class innovation program, the role of the Startup Specialist is responsible for executing the fundamental offerings of Parallel18’s programs. This role plays a critical part in the development and growth of the startups that participate in the program. In addition, this individual will work closely with Founders, Investors, and Mentors to help founders scale their businesses exponentially. A big part of the job is building and nurturing meaningful relationships within the Parallel18 community to develop our program's reach and impact further.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Manage a group of startups, meeting with them regularly to validate their progress and challenges while providing constant support throughout their journey on Parallel18’s different programs.
- Identify and monitor promising leads for sourcing startups toward our investment portfolio or for participation in Parallel18 programs.
- Execute the acceleration curriculum effectively.
- Ensure that the funds and resources provided by the program are used strategically and responsibly by the entrepreneurs.
- Help with the planning and execution of the events/workshops/conferences that the programs organize for the investment readiness support, capacity-building activities among other important program-level support and bring new perspectives and insights to optimize operations, processes, and guidelines.
- Contribute fresh perspectives and insights to enhance community engagement efforts and portfolio company engagement.
- Connect the most prominent startups with investors or mentors or companies or universities alongside Corporate Relations, Ventures, and the PRSTRT.
- Perform research, as needed, when entrepreneurial needs cannot be satisfied within the active network and assist startups in resolving technical challenges by connecting them with the appropriate resources and support.
- Manage and engage in outreach efforts to service providers and tech companies that provide resources startups typically use to secure pro bono or discounted perks for our entrepreneurs.
- Provide an avenue of communication between the stakeholders to identify areas of possible collaboration.
- At times, assist in the coordination efforts for events, panels or other speaking opportunities between startup founders and universities or stakeholders.
- Participate and represent Parallel18 in local startup events, entrepreneurial give-back engagements, and university outreach efforts. Seek opportunities to promote parallel18 throughout the community, including speaking engagements, business expositions, and networking events.
- Help manage the Parallel18 community platform, including maintenance of the communication channels and weekly updates.
- Maintain an interactive dashboard for every cohort, allowing participating companies to input their program-related progress and growth data.
- Assist in data management & analytics by leading efforts to obtain quarterly/yearly updates and metrics relevant to the health of all Parallel18 managed portfolios and Impact Report.
- Provide support in the evaluation and analysis related to portfolio companies and/or potential participants, as well as assist in the building of presentation, reports, memos or other internal communication related to the operations.
- Provide support as needed for the preparation, management, and execution of internal and external events in collaboration with the other departments.
- Manage and maintain the in-house applications.
- Draft communications to current and potential stakeholders when relevant to Parallel18 Programs or startup participants growth.
- Independently oversee and handle specific projects that support our startups.
- Any other activities aligned with the program and its matrix organization as requested by their direct supervisors and/or Executive Director.
The most important characteristic of this job will be the passion to give back to the entrepreneurship and innovation community in Puerto Rico. The program is made to collaborate and facilitate the path of entrepreneurs, and we need people to be there for them.
As our organization evolves to adapt to new roles and responsibilities, you should anticipate that your job description will be adjusted to align with these changing demands.
Qualifications & Technical Job Requirements
The ideal candidate for the Startup Specialist position must:
- Do things with passion and always bring a positive can-do attitude. Execution is one of the most important attributes, as you need to think big but start small and constantly challenge the status quo.
- Possess a T-shaped mindset and entrepreneurial thinking.
- Be a fast learner, resourceful, and have keen attention to detail. Have the willingness to learn and master new skill sets.
- Work independently and within teams effectively.
- Be able to work under pressure and in multiple projects across various verticals.
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
- Outstanding time management and organization skills.
- Have a high motivation to make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.
- Technical proficiency and ability to work with different platforms.
- Understanding of Google Workforce and Microsoft Teams, among other basic tools in both suites.
- Demonstrated willingness to work with and leverage AI platforms when appropriate.
- Genuine interest in becoming a leader in Venture Capital, startup innovation and ecosystem building.
- This is a global and multicultural program so you must be fluent in Spanish and English (required).
Experience & Educational Requirements
- A college degree with a BA or BS, preferably in Business Administration, Finance or a STEM-related field, is required.
- At least 1 year of experience in a fast-paced environment. A plus if it involves startups, innovation, or financial ecosystems.
“The Trust is an equal opportunity employer; we strive to maintain a workplace atmosphere that is free from discrimination. To those ends, the Trust provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, social status, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, veteran status, perceived or real domestic violence victim status, sexual harassment victim status, stalking victim status, and/or any other basis protected by law.”