MassChallenge Distinguished Innovation Fellow

Sr. Manager of People Strategy at MassChallenge

The Organization: MassChallenge

The Role: MassChallenge Distinguished Innovation Fellow (One‑year appointment, renewable)

Compensation: $40,000

MassChallenge is the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. Our mission is to equip bold entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change. Our mission is BIG, and thus we are a team that gives 100% every day. Our MC values ensure we stay true to our mission and our core beliefs.

Position Summary

The MassChallenge Distinguished Innovation Fellowship is a selective, one‑year appointment for senior operators, investors, researchers, and policy leaders with established networks and public credibility. Fellows serve as trusted extensions of MassChallenge’s leadership and brand. They anchor one of our priority focus areas, strengthen our credibility in the market, activate high‑value relationships, and help shape how MassChallenge shows up across key innovation ecosystems.

This Fellowship is intended for established professionals; current graduate students are not eligible. Exceptional post‑doctoral researchers or PhD‑trained professionals with demonstrated sector leadership and external networks will be considered.

Fellows are expected to materially expand MassChallenge’s visibility, credibility, and engagement within their domain through a combination of thought leadership, convening, network activation, and strategic advising. The Fellowship is outcome‑driven rather than time‑tracked. Engagement is most active during MassChallenge’s primary program cycle (spring and fall), with flexible involvement outside those periods.

Optional modest travel or speaking support for select engagements.

Location

This role is hybrid and will be expected to work from the Boston office for at least two days per week, typically Tuesday and Thursday.

What You'll Do

• Publish 4–6 MassChallenge‑branded insights, briefs, or essays annually
• Shape annual outlooks and point‑of‑view content
• Participate in interviews, podcasts, or public commentary as appropriate

• Host or co‑host 1–2 curated salons, roundtables, or small convenings
• Support programming for Resolve and other MassChallenge signature events
• Collaborate with internal teams on domain‑specific convenings

• Make a small number of targeted, high‑leverage introductions to senior partners, investors, experts, or funders
• Help MassChallenge deepen relationships with priority organizations
• Curate or advise on strategic contact pipelines aligned to organizational priorities

• Provide targeted founder office hours during key moments
• Offer insights to program, community, and marketing teams

• Represent MassChallenge at select conferences, forums, or industry gatherings the Fellow is already planning to attend
• Highlight MassChallenge’s work, impact, and opportunities in relevant settings
• A modest supplemental stipend may be available for high‑impact speaking or lead‑generating engagements

• Advise corporate partners on innovation priorities, adoption barriers, and collaboration models
• Support partner‑startup matchmaking and value articulation
• Provide insight on emerging technologies, market dynamics, and regulatory considerations
• Inform the design of sector‑specific programming, workshops, or sprints

Who You Are & What You Bring

• 10+ years of senior experience in a relevant domain
• Recognized expertise and a respected professional network
• Comfortable representing organizations publicly and speaking at industry forums
• Experience working with startups, innovation ecosystems, or regulated environments
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to operate independently
• Interest in amplifying MassChallenge’s mission and platform

Who We Are

MassChallenge is the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. At MassChallenge we:

• Help entrepreneurs build the next generation of transformational businesses by connecting them with the resources, partnerships, and communities that help them launch, grow, and scale their startups.
• Help our partners build, grow, and evolve their corporate innovation practices.
• Leverage the power of entrepreneurship to strengthen global innovation ecosystems.

Our Core Values

• Founder Mindset: Optimism, Tenacity, Love the Problem
• Connect & Collaborate: Empathy & Inclusion & Fun, Build Community, Connect the Dots
• Progress over Perfection: Build on experience, Fail Fast, Demonstrate Traction

Compensation

MassChallenge offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with skills and experience. Compensation for this position is $40,000. Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed before making a final offer.

How to Apply

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The role has a target start date in late Q1 or Q2 2026.
• Submit a brief statement outlining relevant expertise, interest in the Fellowship, and availability.

MassChallenge is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We seek individuals from a broad variety of backgrounds with varying levels of experience who have a desire to do meaningful work. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote regardless of race, color, gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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