Start2 Group

Compensation

Full Description

Start2 Group is looking for a strategic and driven Program Director to lead execution of a large life sciences prize challenge program. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in small molecule drug development, particularly antivirals, combined with program management expertise and an interest in entrepreneurship and biotech/therapeutics startups. The Program Director will oversee all aspects of the program, working closely with internal teams, a large external partner, and development-stage biotechs led by entrepreneurs and/or academic founders. Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts (office-based; open to other locations) Job Function: Full-time Start: Immediately Compensation: $150,000 Key Responsibilities Program Support & Execution: • Lead the planning, execution, and overall management of the prize challenge program, serving as the main point of contact to coordinate all program activities. • Attend development meetings to help ensure biotech/therapeutic projects remain on track. • Grow and manage a global mentor pool of biotech experts, particularly in the antivirals space. • Lead global sourcing efforts to publicize the program and attract high-quality applicants. • Drive teaming efforts to connect innovators and startups, fostering collaborations to de-risk antiviral (or related) development. Mentorship & Advisory Support: • Oversee the applicant evaluation process, including assessment, selection, and recommendations for funding awards. • Provide direct mentorship to participating startups and guide them toward program success. • Connect startups with mentors, advisors, and service providers with relevant development expertise. Community Engagement & Relationship Management: • Represent Start2 Group within the global biotech and early-stage therapeutic startup ecosystem, cultivating relationships with startups, innovators, academics, investors, mentors, corporate partners, and accelerators. • Attend and participate in conferences, networking events, and roundtables to strengthen ties between international researchers, startups, and the Boston-area ecosystem. Program Monitoring & Reporting: • Lead program reporting and communications with the client and key stakeholders, ensuring timely, accurate updates on performance metrics and progress. • Collaborate with the Chief Business Officer (CBO) and internal teams to continuously improve program offerings and enhance participant outcomes. What You’ll Bring to the Role Startup Program Management: • Demonstrated experience designing, leading, or supporting programs that help biotechs and early-stage therapeutic startups de-risk platforms and assets. • Strong ability to review early-stage biotech projects, conduct due diligence, and assess the potential of startups. Stakeholder Management & Networking: • Proven experience building ecosystems across startups, academia, national labs, investors, mentors, and corporate partners. • Ability to create visibility and excitement around programs, including experience organizing startup-related events and building one-on-one relationships in biotech. Operational & Financial Skills: • Exceptional organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. • Strong resource management capabilities, including program budgets and operational workflows. The Ideal Candidate • 7+ years of experience in drug development, technology transfer / commercialization, or related fields, with specific experience in antivirals (or adjacent therapeutic areas) required; entrepreneurial experience strongly preferred. • PhD (preferred) in biology, chemistry, or related discipline. • Solid understanding of and experience in early-stage, preclinical development. • A natural connector and ecosystem builder who thrives on engaging founders, investors, and industry experts in biotech/therapeutics with strong connections in the antiviral space or related therapeutic areas. • Experience managing large clients or stakeholders. • Background in working with or leading entrepreneurial projects/startups. • Passion for working with startups and helping de-risk assets and platforms. • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed. • Professional working proficiency in English. What We Offer • An exciting international work environment with many opportunities to learn and grow. • An open-minded and motivated team that excels at completing tasks together, relying on excellent performance, teamwork, and humor. • Opportunity to work independently with plenty of creative freedom, openness, and space for new ideas, impulses, and methods. • A small team where everyone has the opportunity to lead projects and a voice to bring new ideas to the table. • A role that creates real impact within the global startup and innovation community. • Competitive benefits, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and 401k options. How to Apply Please submit your application via email to Katrina Marsters at the address below by October 29, 2025. Along with your resume, please include a one-page cover letter that tells us about yourself, explains why you want to work at Start2 Group, and highlights why you are a good fit for this position. Contact Katrina Marsters Director of People and Operations, Start2 Group, Inc. katrina.marsters@start2.group As part of the application process, candidates will be required to complete a Predictive Index behavioral assessment to assess cultural fit and personality traits. This assessment takes approximately 6 minutes to complete and will help us understand how well your skills and personality align with the requirements of the role and our company culture. The link to the assessment is provided below: https://assessment.predictiveindex.com/bo/94JJ/ProgramDirectorLifeSciencesPrizeChallenge_Oct2025_201412 About Start2 Group Start2 Group is a global powerhouse taking your startup journey to the next level. As a premier international innovation platform, we serve as the ultimate destination for growth-oriented startups, corporations, and governments to shape and scale purpose-driven ventures. Founded in 2008, Start2 Group has consistently played a pivotal role in the success stories of 6,000 startups, guiding them seamlessly from initial fundraising to global expansion. Our influence spans key markets across Europe, the America, Asia, and the Middle East, shaping the future of innovation on a global scale. Join us in fostering purpose-driven innovation across borders. Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Start2 Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.