About The Engine
\nThe Engine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Tough Tech entrepreneurs solving the world’s most challenging problems. We provide founders with the infrastructure, capital access, and operational support needed to turn breakthrough science and technology into real-world impact.
\nAbout the Role
\nWe are seeking a Chief Growth Officer (CGO) to lead the next stage of growth at The Engine. The CGO will oversee partnership strategy, revenue growth, and market positioning, while serving as a senior thought partner to the CEO and leadership team.
\nThis role is ideal for an experienced Tough Tech entrepreneur or commercial leader who has scaled companies, built first‑of‑a‑kind (FOAK) projects or facilities, and is energized at being an evangelist for Tough Tech entrepreneurs in the ecosystem.
\nDesign and own a growth strategy across partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborators that advances our mission and expands our impact
\nSource, structure, and close strategic partnerships with corporates, foundations, and ecosystem players that unlock capital and capabilities for our organization
\nBuild and maintain a high‑value network of commercial partners and investors across tough tech sections such as climate tech, sustainability, industrial decarbonization, biotech, and adjacent sectors
\nRepresent the organization as a visible leader in the tough tech ecosystem through speaking engagements, content, and thought leadership
\nAct as a collaborative thought partner to the CEO and leadership team, helping to shape overall strategy, long‑term planning, and board engagement
\nServe as a subject matter expert and mentor to resident company CEOs, helping them sharpen go‑to‑market strategy, build commercial pipelines, and prepare for major milestones such as pilots, FOAK deployments, and exits
\nBring pattern recognition from scaling companies and leading exits/acquisitions to help founders navigate inflection points
\nDesign and refine value propositions for partners and portfolio companies that leverage our unique position as a tough‑tech incubator
\nBuild, manage, and mentor a high‑performing growth team (e.g., partnerships, business development, fundraising) and foster a culture of execution, learning, and collaboration
\nStep into leadership conversations and key decisions as needed, with the ability to “fill in for the CEO” in external settings
\nIdentify emerging industries, technologies, and markets that align with our thesis in climate tech, industrial decarbonization, biotech, and broader tough‑tech
\nBring a hands‑on, roll‑up‑your‑sleeves approach, with willingness to jump into gaps and help the organization grow and evolve
\n10+ years of experience in growth‑oriented roles (e.g., founder/CEO, commercial leader, business development, partnerships, or corporate development), ideally in a tough tech sector.
\nDirect experience as a tough tech entrepreneur, founder, and/or CEO, or as a senior commercial leader in a scaling tough tech company.
\nDemonstrated success building and executing partnership strategies that deliver measurable outcomes (e.g., revenue, pilots, FOAK deployments, strategic alliances).
\nExperience working with startups and helping companies scale through key stages (from early pilots to commercial scale, including funding rounds and/or exits).
\nStrong track record managing and growing teams in high‑ambiguity, mission‑driven environments.
\nAbility to operate effectively in board and senior stakeholder settings, including preparing materials and presenting strategy.
\nDeep networks across commercial partners and investors relevant to climate tech, sustainability, industrial decarbonization, biotech, or related industries.
\nPassion for emerging technologies and tough tech innovation, with the ability to quickly understand new technical domains and their commercial applications.
\nAbout The Engine
\nThe Engine is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Tough Tech entrepreneurs solving the world’s most challenging problems. We provide founders with the infrastructure, capital access, and operational support needed to turn breakthrough science and technology into real-world impact.
\nAbout the Role
\nWe are seeking a Chief Growth Officer (CGO) to lead the next stage of growth at The Engine. The CGO will oversee partnership strategy, revenue growth, and market positioning, while serving as a senior thought partner to the CEO and leadership team.
\nThis role is ideal for an experienced Tough Tech entrepreneur or commercial leader who has scaled companies, built first‑of‑a‑kind (FOAK) projects or facilities, and is energized at being an evangelist for Tough Tech entrepreneurs in the ecosystem.
\nThe Engine, built by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a nonprofit Tough Tech incubator and accelerator supporting startups building solutions in areas like climate, human health, advanced computation, and industrial transformation.
\nOur infrastructure, programming, and network help startups move breakthrough technologies from the lab into scalable companies with real-world impact. In addition to supporting resident startups, The Engine hosts hundreds of events each year that bring together founders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.
\nWe are looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Events & Operations Associate to manage and execute a wide range of events and programs at The Engine. This role reports to the Program Manager and collaborates closely with teams across programs, marketing, operations, and leadership.
\nThis role sits at the intersection of hospitality, operations, project management, and community experience. You will oversee events hosted in The Engine’s conference and gathering spaces from initial inquiry through execution, while also supporting internal programming and cross-functional initiatives for our startup community.
\nThe right person for this role thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly and professionally, and loves bringing structure and calm to complex logistics. You should be comfortable managing multiple timelines, working across stakeholders, and ensuring details do not fall through the cracks.
\nThis is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA and requires regular on-site event support, including support outside of regular business hours (e.g., early mornings and evenings).
\nManage inbound event inquiries and lead planning from intake through execution
\nDevelop proposals, timelines, run-of-shows, and cope planning documents
\nCoordinate logistics including room setup, AV coordination, catering, signage, staffing, security, and vendor management
\nProvide basic AV support, including microphones, presentations, and event visuals; partner with AV vendors on maintenance and troubleshooting
\nConduct tours for prospective and confirmed event groups
\nServe as the on-site point person during events to ensure smooth execution and a high-quality guest experience
\nManage event calendars, scheduling, budgets, invoices, and operational details across multiple concurrent events
\nLead post-event follow-up, reporting, and continuous process improvement
\nPartner with cross-functional teams to execute startup and community programming
\nSupport workshops, speaker events, CEO gatherings, investor events, and ecosystem convenings, including flagship programs such as Blueprint, Whiteboard, and Tough Tech Week
\nProvide front desk and on-the-ground support during high-traffic events and as needed
\nStrengthen systems and processes that improve coordination and operational excellence
\nContribute to a welcoming, professional, and mission-driven experience for residents and guests
\nBuild and maintain organized project management systems, tools, and documentation
\nCoordinate across stakeholders while proactively identifying risks, gaps, and timeline dependencies
\nCommunicate clearly and professionally with founders, partners, vendors, sponsors, and guests
\nDrive consistency and strong execution standards across all events and programs
\n2–5 years of experience in event management, operations, hospitality, project management, or related fields
\nExceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail
\nStrong written and verbal communication skills
\nComfortable operating in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment
\nStrong sense of ownership and consistent follow-through
\nExperience with event operations, venue coordination, or hospitality is strongly preferred
\nExperience with project management or CRM tools (e.g.,Monday.com, HubSpot) is a plus; familiarity with AI tools is a bonus
\nThe Engine, built by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a nonprofit Tough Tech incubator and accelerator supporting startups building solutions in areas like climate, human health, advanced computation, and industrial transformation.
\nOur infrastructure, programming, and network help startups move breakthrough technologies from the lab into scalable companies with real-world impact. In addition to supporting resident startups, The Engine hosts hundreds of events each year that bring together founders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world.
\nWe are looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Events & Operations Associate to manage and execute a wide range of events and programs at The Engine. This role reports to the Program Manager and collaborates closely with teams across programs, marketing, operations, and leadership.
\nThis role sits at the intersection of hospitality, operations, project management, and community experience. You will oversee events hosted in The Engine’s conference and gathering spaces from initial inquiry through execution, while also supporting internal programming and cross-functional initiatives for our startup community.
\nThe right person for this role thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly and professionally, and loves bringing structure and calm to complex logistics. You should be comfortable managing multiple timelines, working across stakeholders, and ensuring details do not fall through the cracks.
\nThis is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA and requires regular on-site event support, including support outside of regular business hours (e.g., early mornings and evenings).
\nAbout The Engine
The Engine supports Tough Tech founders working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in climate, health, and advanced systems. We do this through founder programs, access to shared infrastructure and labs, and by convening a national network of corporate partners, investors, and experts.
Operations & Systems
\n\nCommunity Experience
\n\nProject Ownership
\n\nQualifications
\n\nNice to Have
\n\nAbout The Engine
The Engine supports Tough Tech founders working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in climate, health, and advanced systems. We do this through founder programs, access to shared infrastructure and labs, and by convening a national network of corporate partners, investors, and experts.