Summary
The Startup Incubator Coordinator will support the effective delivery and day-to-day operations of Uncommon.org's Startup Incubator Programme under the Judith Neilson Foundation (JNF) Renewal Grant 2026–2029. Working closely with the Startup Incubator Manager, the Coordinator will play a critical role in ensuring the successful implementation of five incubation cohorts designed to equip emerging entrepreneurs with the skills, mentorship, and resources required to build sustainable ventures.
The Coordinator will serve as the operational backbone of the Incubator, coordinating programme activities, supporting founder engagement, maintaining programme systems and records, and ensuring a seamless participant experience throughout each 16-week cohort cycle. The role is ideal for an organised, proactive, and mission-driven professional who is passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, and supporting young founders to succeed.
The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented and analytical professional with strong organisational skills, a collaborative approach, and a commitment to ethical data management and continuous learning.
Key Responsibilities
1. Incubator Programme Coordination and Delivery
- Coordinate the planning and execution of all Incubator activities across the 16-week cohort cycle, ensuring activities are delivered according to approved schedules and implementation plans.
- Support the facilitation of workshops, training sessions, mentoring engagements, and founder learning activities under the guidance of the Startup Incubator Manager.
- Coordinate programme logistics, including venue preparation, participant communication, materials development, and equipment requirements to ensure seamless programme delivery.
2. Founder Support and Participant Experience
- Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for founders, responding to enquiries, providing programme guidance, and escalating issues requiring management intervention.
- Support founders throughout their incubation journey by ensuring timely access to programme information, resources, stipends, and assigned equipment.
- Foster an inclusive, supportive, and engaging participant experience that encourages collaboration, accountability, and founder success.
3. Incubator Administration and Resource Management
- Maintain accurate programme administration systems, including founder files, communication records, inventories, and programme documentation.
- Coordinate founder stipend administration and laptop distribution processes in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.
- Ensure the Incubator facility, equipment, digital platforms, and other programme resources are functional, secure, and appropriately maintained.
4. Incubator Stakeholder and Event Coordination
- Coordinate mentor and guest facilitator engagements, including scheduling, preparation of briefing materials, logistics, and follow-up communication.
- Support the planning and execution of Demo Day events, including invitations, registration, venue coordination, and participant management.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with founders, mentors, service providers, guest speakers, and other programme stakeholders.
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Social Sciences, Information Technology, Project Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of two (2) years' experience in programme coordination, project administration, events coordination, or a similar operational role.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of organisation and attention to detail.
- Strong proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive, Gmail, and Calendar) and other digital communication and collaboration platforms.
- Experience working within an incubator, accelerator, NGO, social enterprise, or entrepreneurship support environment (preferred).
- Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, innovation, and startup ecosystems (preferred).
- Familiarity with MEL data collection tools such as Kobo Toolbox, Google Forms, or similar platforms (preferred).
- Experience supporting workshops, training programmes, or large-scale events (preferred).
Performance Metrics (KPIs)
- All cohort activities delivered on schedule across each 16-week cycle.
- Founder enquiries and support requests responded to in a timely and effective manner.
- Programme administration records, founder files, and inventories maintained accurately and up to date.
- Stipend administration and laptop distribution completed in line with organisational policies.
- Demo Day events and mentor engagements successfully coordinated and executed.
- Positive participant experience reflected in cohort feedback and retention rates.
90-Day Success Plan
By the end of 90 days, the Startup Incubator Coordinator will have:
- Gained a thorough understanding of the Incubator programme structure, cohort cycle, and JNF grant requirements.
- Established all programme administration systems, founder files, and communication channels for the first active cohort.
- Coordinated at least one full round of workshops, mentoring engagements, or training sessions.
- Built working relationships with current founders, mentors, and key programme stakeholders.
- Supported the Startup Incubator Manager in preparing the first programme progress report.
