MIT Solve is Hiring an Officer, Challenge Programs (Salary range: $70,000 – $75,000)

Position Overview: Officer, Challenge Programs at MIT Solve

MIT Solve is a global initiative of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) that promotes open innovation to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. We believe that the future of sustainability and equity will be shaped by diverse ideas and new voices. Through our open innovation Challenges, we invite solutions from innovators anywhere, across all sectors. MIT Solve supports these innovators by offering resources, networks, and access to potential partners to scale their impact and drive lasting change.

MIT Solve is currently seeking an Officer for Challenge Programs to join our team. This critical role involves managing and implementing MIT Solve’s open innovation Challenges across various impact areas, including but not limited to Climate, Learning, and Sustainability. The Officer will work directly with applicants, judges, and selected innovators, coordinating workshops, events, communications, and processes to ensure the smooth operation of the program.

The Officer will report to the Program Lead for Climate and will have the opportunity to contribute to MIT Solve’s mission through both internal and external projects. The role may also include managing interns, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

Challenge Programming

• Design and Implementation: Collaborate with the Program Lead to research, design, and draft the challenge descriptions, guidelines, and FAQs, ensuring alignment with Solve’s mission.
• Challenge Promotion: Work with the Marketing team to develop targeted promotion strategies for each Challenge, ensuring that we reach a diverse and relevant pool of applicants.
• Review and Selection: Evaluate challenge submissions against established criteria, including quality and diversity standards.
• Finalist Support: Lead finalist preparation by drafting preparatory materials, guiding them through pitch recordings, and preparing them for interviews and pitch events.
• Judging Panel Coordination: Support the creation of judging panels, including recruitment, communications, and preparation for the evaluation process.
• Event Planning: Assist with planning and delivery of Challenge-related sessions at Solve’s flagship events, including managing logistics for selected innovators and organizing sector-specific speaking opportunities.
• Innovator Support: Provide tailored support programming for selected innovators, such as cohort meetups, bespoke introductions, and sector-specific advice.
• Custom Programming: Help design and implement custom events or new approaches to Solve’s standard selection and support processes, ensuring a better experience for the innovators.

Data Management

• Salesforce Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date Salesforce records for all Challenge-related contacts and activities.
• Networking and Outreach: Research and organize additional network contacts, including potential funders, judges, and applicants, to broaden Solve’s ecosystem.
• Program Metrics: Track and measure the performance of Solve’s Challenges, contributing to monitoring and evaluation efforts, and offering recommendations for process improvements.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Collaborate with the Program Leads and Operations & Measurement team to develop data-driven insights for improving application, selection, and support processes.

Strategic Contributions

• Continuous Improvement: Provide insights and suggestions for improving Solve’s programming and operations. Help refine the selection, promotion, and support process to advance Solve’s mission.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Participate in internal initiatives to streamline Solve’s operations, enhance internal systems, and improve overall program delivery.

Qualifications and Skills

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• A minimum of two years of experience in project management or a related field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to work independently, while also collaborating effectively within a team.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

Beneficial Education and Experience:

While not required, the following qualifications will be considered beneficial:

• Familiarity with current topics in climate, sustainability, or education, particularly as it pertains to technology and innovation.
• Experience working in social impact organizations or with entrepreneurs in the fields of environmental sustainability, social innovation, or education.
• Professional proficiency in Arabic, French, Portuguese, or Spanish.
• Experience in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, especially Salesforce.
• Background in project implementation and event management, with experience in designing and running large-scale events or programs.

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, demonstrating initiative and adaptability. They should be passionate about solving global challenges and excited to contribute to a community of innovators. The candidate should be eager to help scale the impact of innovative solutions and be committed to growing professionally in a supportive, collaborative environment.

Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $70,000 – $75,000, with final offers determined based on experience and equity considerations. As a full-time MIT Solve employee, you will also be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Cell Phone Reimbursement: $50 per month.
• Transportation Benefits: Free access to the subway and local buses, parking subsidies, commuter rail discounts, and BlueBikes membership.
• Museum Access: Free entry to cultural institutions such as the Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, and Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
• Tuition Assistance: Up to $5,250 per year for eligible employees.
• Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays, 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, and 4 weeks after the first year.
• Retirement Benefits: MIT’s pension plan with full vesting after three years, plus 401(k) matching up to 5%.
• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical coverage, fitness reimbursements, and counseling services.
• Employee Resource Groups: Opportunities for networking and support through MIT’s ERGs.
• Backup Child Care: Available for employees with young children.

Diversity and Inclusion

MIT Solve is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects various backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe that a diverse team is essential for driving the mission of solving global challenges and making an impact. As an equal-opportunity employer, MIT encourages all qualified individuals to apply, regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, age, or other personal characteristics.

Apply Today

If you are passionate about supporting social innovators and eager to contribute to solving global challenges, visit the MIT Solve website and apply. Join us in driving innovation that creates lasting impact worldwide.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.