Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) – Climate & Environment

Location: Boston, MA

Reports to: Gaurav Manchanda, Chief Program Officer

Compensation: Hourly or monthly rate based on part-time (5-15 hrs/week) engagement

About MassChallenge

MassChallenge empowers mission-driven entrepreneurs to solve global challenges in industries such as climate, health, sustainable food, and finance and financial inclusion. By providing zero-equity support, non-dilutive funding, and access to a global network of mentors and partners, we equip less traditional founders with the tools they need to thrive. Guided by the values of inclusivity, collaboration, and impact, MassChallenge fosters innovation that drives scalable, meaningful change.

Join us in building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Position Summary

MassChallenge is seeking a Climate Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) to join our Boston-based team. As the Climate EIR, your mission is threefold:

• Drive the Growth of MassChallenge’s Climate Innovation Ecosystem: Play a key advisory role in shaping and expanding MassChallenge’s climate-focused initiatives.

• Advise Startups: Provide expert guidance, mentorship, and strategic advice to startups tackling critical climate challenges, such as renewable energy, carbon capture, and sustainable materials.

• Engage with Partners: Actively engage with current partners and develop new corporate, philanthropic, and government partnerships to foster relationships that will support MassChallenge’s mission and the success of our startups.

What You’ll Do

• Mentorship & Coaching: Provide one-on-one and group mentorship to startup founders, offering actionable advice tailored to the unique challenges of the climate sector.

• Industry Expertise: Leverage your knowledge of climate and sustainability to guide startups on critical topics such as R&D, GTM, funding strategy, legal and regulatory frameworks, and team building.

• Network Building: Connect founders with key stakeholders, including investors, corporate partners, and industry leaders, to accelerate their growth.

• Curriculum Development & Delivery: Assist in creating and delivering industry-specific training, ensuring startups have the tools to succeed in the climate space.

• Corporate Engagement: Recommend and facilitate introductions to new corporate and industry partners, fostering impactful collaboration.

• Representation & Advocacy: Represent MassChallenge at events, conferences, and networking sessions, promoting the program and cultivating relationships.

• Subject Matter Expertise: Advise on MassChallenge’s climate-focused programming, including curriculum development and speaker selection.

Success Metrics

• Climate Specific Metrics: Favorable CSAT and NPS from founders, experts, and partners involved with climate-focused offerings.

• Brand Recognition: Increased visibility and engagement in the climate ecosystem.

• Anchor Relationships: Forge 3-5 significant anchor partnerships with key players in the climate sector.

What You Bring

• Climate Innovation Expertise: Proven track record as a founder or senior executive in the climate or clean technology sectors, ideally with experience scaling a business.

• Network & Relationships: Extensive connections with venture capitalists, industry leaders, and corporate partners in the climate sector.

• Mentorship Experience: High emotional intelligence (EQ) and a passion for mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs.

• Commitment to Impact: Genuine dedication to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs to create a sustainable future.

• Regulatory & Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of climate-related standards and regulations, funding mechanisms, and market dynamics.

Why You Should Join Us

At MassChallenge, we:

• Empower entrepreneurs to launch, grow, and scale transformational businesses.

• Help corporate partners evolve their innovation practices.

• Strengthen global innovation ecosystems through the power of entrepreneurship.

As the Climate EIR, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of climate innovation. You’ll collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the sector, contribute to their growth, and expand your own influence and network in the startup ecosystem.

Compensation

NOTE: This is a part-time role with variable hours needed per week depending on program cycle. Most weeks will require between 5-15 hours.

MassChallenge offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Compensation is based on a nonprofit scale, commensurate with experience, and reviewed for internal equity.

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.

Ready to empower climate innovators? Apply today!