Program Associate/Manager

Job description

WHO WE ARE: Plug and Play is one of the most active VCs in the world, headquartered in Silicon Valley, and the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations to create meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to the rest of the world. At the intersection of Austria’s industrial strength and tech transformation, Plug and Play Linz and its newly launched Physical and Industrial AI Center of Excellence accelerates innovation across Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Supply Chain & Logistics, and many more to boost corporate competitiveness and regional growth. WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR: We’re a diverse team with backgrounds in business, innovation, technology, finance, and entrepreneurship , and we’re establishing a new team to deliver on our mission set out in Linz, Austria. We’re seeking a Program Associate - Manager who is an operational powerhouse, organized, can manage multiple projects at one time, and is a reliable team player. As a Program Associate - Manager you will be running the annual Physical & Industrial AI Program in Linz by setting up events and networking sessions, owning startup relationships, supporting business development with corporate accounts, preparing marketing collateral, and more. This position is a multi-faceted role and offers an unparalleled opportunity for both personal and professional growth in a supportive and prosperous environment. If you are interested in technology, innovation, and startups and would like to put your skills, motivation, and drive into supporting the Linz office during its launch phase and beyond while making open innovation happen, this is the position for you. This is a build role in a new office, not a seat in an existing team. You report directly to the Director and work closely with the Vienna office and Plug and Play's EMEA program team as well as essential back-office functions. HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE: As we live the startup spirit ourselves, no one on the team is exclusively limited to their main tasks. Rather, we are a dynamic team of all-rounders who work closely together on all projects. However, your main role will consist of the following fields: Program & Startup Management Own relationships with startups in the Physical & Industrial AI Program in Linz Hold intake interviews, exit interviews, and make sure all startups are on track to meet Program goals Grow ecosystem of mentors, strategic partners, and VCs to bring more value to the Program Set up sessions for startups to meet with Mentors, VCs and corporate partners throughout the Program Collect feedback and develop an evaluation method to assess Program strengths and identify areas for improvement Wrap up the Program with a batch analysis report and individual startup report cards Support the team with questions from corporate partners and startups Build long-standing relationships with key stakeholders in the Linz startup and innovation ecosystem Event Management Set up and organize events, mentorship sessions, workshops, and office hours to build up the Program Book venues, take care of logistics, brainstorm content, reach out to and brief speakers Inform our network about upcoming events and promote them appropriately Assist and coordinate travel arrangements with key individuals Prepare name tags, demo table signs, registration, printouts for events, and more Meet regularly with key stakeholders to make communication easy and manage to-dos for the team Create and co-host community events to continue engagement and grow the local Linz ecosystem Create and host virtual, hybrid, as well as in-person events Marketing Coordinate a regular newsletter / social media updates with the marketing team Prepare flyers and communication tools with our marketing team for major events such as: Selection Day, Exploration Day, Expo, and more Attract startups to the Linz region Build long-standing relationships with key PR, marketing and media contacts in the region, country and beyond Building the Linz Office Join as one of the first hires in Linz. The office is being built from scratch, so you will work directly with the team on how we position ourselves in the local ecosystem, build relationships within the community, and shape the events that make us visible in the region. Get out into the Upper Austrian ecosystem. Build relationships across universities, incubators, clusters, investors, other corporations, and public institutions, and make sure the community here knows who we are. Work AI first. Use AI tooling for project and process management, logistics and vendor tracking, and marketing support so your hours go to the founders and the community instead of spreadsheets. WHAT WE OFFER: Be part of Plug and Play - the biggest and fastest-growing open innovation platform globally with HQs in Silicon Valley and other 65+ locations worldwide such as Paris, London, Singapore, Tokyo, or São Paulo. Be at the forefront of innovation and get access to groundbreaking technologies. Be part of a dynamic, international, diverse, and open-minded team. Get access to and communicate with leading international startups, investors, and corporations. You will work closely with our corporate partners daily and grow your network. Contribute and realize your own ideas and have room for self-development. Work in a vibrant and unique working environment at the LIT - Open Innovation Centre at the Johannes Kepler University in Linz, Austria - sitting right next to the R&D and innovation labs located at the university. REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree, e.g. in event management, project management, business, entrepreneurship, or a related field. Exceptionally strong organizational, communication, process and project management skills, and an innate curiosity. The ability to work across functions and on multiple projects at once. Highly motivated working style, strong people skills, and a positive mindset. Structured, proactive, and independent approach to work. Strong in-person and virtual event organization and management skills. Strong interest and good understanding of all kinds of technologies, startup, innovation and entrepreneurial communities, and the latest tech trends. Startup or entrepreneurship experience is a plus. German native speaker or C1 German level, and excellent written and verbal English skills are absolutely crucial. Willingness to relocate to Linz, Austria. Full-time working permit in Austria.