Overview
Officer, Indigenous Communities & US Equity
Location: Hybrid
Solve is an initiative of MIT. We believe that to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for all, we need new voices and ideas. We launch open calls for exceptional and diverse solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from anyone, anywhere in the world. Selected innovators get the backing of MIT and our community of supporters to scale their impact and drive lasting change.
The Global Challenges team creates and implements open innovation Challenges for both MIT Solve and select Solve clients. As a key member of the team, your primary focus will be on Solve’s Indigenous Communities Fellowship (running since 2018) and programs fostering equity in the US, such as the Black & Brown Innovators program (running since 2022). You will have the responsibility of delivering related events and workshops, and working closely with challenge applicants, judges, and selected innovators to scale impact.
Reporting directly to the Lead, Indigenous Communities, you will also take part in other internal or client projects as needed, and may have the opportunity to mentor and manage interns.
Solve has a flexible workplace policy where staff are encouraged to be on campus, but may work from elsewhere in the US on a regular basis. Staff will be asked to be in person for select events, and are required to be in Cambridge for four weeks a year plus one week during onboarding.
Responsibilities
Program Management
Implement Solve Challenges throughout the year, working across Solve’s content areas with a focus on Indigenous and US equity:
Coordinate challenge design process (including research, input from stakeholders, workshops, facilitator recruitment and training) and draft challenge description, guidelines, and FAQs with guidance from Indigenous Communities Lead
Draft challenge promotion plans for implementation by Marketing team, targeting appropriate geographic, topical, and identity diversity along with appropriate stage of development in applicants.
Review challenge submissions, ensuring that quality and diversity standards are met
Lead finalist preparation and support, including drafting preparatory materials, coaching them through pitch recordings and preparing them for interviews and pitch events
Support the development of judging panels, including recruitment, communications, and preparation
Support the planning, programming, and delivery of challenge-related sessions at Solve’s flagship events, plus annual convenings for the Indigenous and US equity communities.
Oversee funding disbursement process for selected Innovators, liaising with Finance team as needed
Assist with the support programming for selected innovators, particularly Indigenous Communities Fellows, including cohort meetups, bespoke introductions, sector-specific advice, and speaking opportunities.
Data Management
Maintain and update Salesforce database records
Assist Lead with tracking, monitoring and program evaluation for challenges in the Indigenous Communities and US equity portfolio
Analyze impact data and make recommendations for program improvement
Collaborate with other teams across Solve to design and execute internal cross-team operations, systems, and processes
Strategic Input
Contribute to the strategic vision of Solve to build the premier marketplace for social impact innovation through open innovation and transformational partnerships
Recommend changes to Global and Custom promotion, selection, and innovator support programs to create a first-in-class program for Indigenous & US equity innovators.
Work with the Operations & Impact team to take a data-driven approach to innovator support programming, measuring needs, satisfaction and results.
Qualifications and Skills
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 3 years’ experience, with at least 1 years’ experience in program implementation
Able to plan work efficiently to meet deadlines across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Flexible, able to work independently and take initiative
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required
BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCE:
Strong candidates will show a background in some of these areas – we do not expect the selected candidate to have all of them.
Familiarity with current topics in Indigenous communities and sovereignty in the US and Canada
Familiarity with current topics in US equity, particularly at the intersection of technology and innovation
Experience in and knowledge of non-coastal regions in the US
Experience in a social and/or environmental impact organization
Experience working as or with entrepreneurs and innovators
Project management training or experience
Benefits
The minimum salary for this position is $63,860, with a final offer based on experience and equity considerations. This is a full-time position. Solve team members are expected to spend four weeks a year in Solve’s Cambridge offices, plus a week during the first month for onboarding.
As an MIT Solve employee, you are eligible for a number of benefits, perks, and discounts, including:
$50/month cell phone bill reimbursement
Transportation: Free, unlimited subway and local bus use, and subsidies for MBTA station parking and the commuter rail; Subsidized annual BlueBikes membership ($40, regularly $99); MIT Bicycle Commuter Reimbursement Program (up to $300/year)
Free access: Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and more
Tuition assistance: Up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible employees
Time Off: 12 paid holidays and special Institute holidays (including Juneteeth and Patriots’ Day). 3 weeks of paid vacation your first year; 4 weeks after your first year
Retirement: MIT Pension Plan with full vesting after 3 years; MIT will match up to 5% of your pay in contributions to the 401(k) Plan
Healthcare: comprehensive healthcare coverage, including fitness reimbursements through enrollment in an MIT medical plan, free counseling sessions through MIT MyLife Services, and hormone therapy/gender-affirming surgery
MIT Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Backup Child Care benefit
MIT Solve is committed to inclusion and diversity to build a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more diverse our team is, the better we can achieve our mission of solving world challenges. Meet our team.
MIT is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.
To apply: https://careers.peopleclick.com/careerscp/client_mit/external/jobDetails/jobDetail.html?jobPostId=30610&localeCode=en-us