Startup Portfolio Manager Jobs

Overview
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
AARP Innovation Labs is connecting the leading AgeTech startups, most forward-thinking investors, enlightened enterprises and creative testbeds in a collaborative space designed to generate big new ideas and send thriving products into a global economy worth more than $45 trillion.
The Startup Portfolio Manager will be responsible for supporting the AgeTech Collaborative Startup Accelerator program by working with multiple startups during four eight-week cohorts per year. The primary focus of the position will be providing startups with assistance in utilizing the resources offered through the accelerator program, including quantitative research and analysis, subject matter interviews, and project management. The Portfolio Manager will collaborate with external marketing teams and UX/UI designers to ensure successful project outcomes. Additionally, the Portfolio Manager will work closely with the innovation team to select startups, identify process improvement opportunities, implement program optimizations, and coordinate cohort-specific events and programming. Candidates who possess a passion for supporting AgeTech startups and driving innovation are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities

• Designs tests and surveys to gather rapid insights, as well as plan and execute the required facilitation of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and user testing.
• Reviews, evaluates, and selects startups that apply to pitch to AARP Innovation Labs. Evaluates and recommends startups that pitch to be potentially accepted into the accelerator program.
• Leads and acts as primary point-of-contact for startups, leveraging human-centered design processes, to assist with addressing challenges, developing goals, and capitalizing on opportunities to scale and sustainably grow their companies.
• Collaborates with key stakeholders across the enterprise to identify and use the appropriate tools and resources to perform market and product research.
• Conducts intake interviews with startups to better understand the company – audience, business model, future goals, etc. – and to evaluate the strategic fit with the organization.
• Develops comprehensive engagement goals, in collaboration with startups, that emphasize measurable outcomes and actionable results. Conducts market scans of each startup including review of publications, research, and news for information relevant to portfolio startups.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of project, program, and/or partner management experience
• Moderate level of fluency in survey design, product design, prototyping, and marketing preferred
• Proven track record of managing long-term projects from beginning to end, collaborating with external companies/vendors with shared goals
• Experience working with or at startups, understanding of the startup ecosystem, and startup evaluation preferred
• Experience in a management consulting capacity
• Bachelor’s degree

Additional Requirements

• Independent judgement in evaluation options to make sound decisions
• In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Regular and reliable job attendance
• Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships

Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA)
AARP observes Mondays and Fridays as telecommuting workdays, except for essential functions. Remote work and telecommuting can only be done within the United States and its territories.
Compensation And Benefits
AARP offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including a 401(k); 100% company-funded pension plan; health, dental, and vision plans; life insurance; paid time off to include company and individual holidays, vacation, sick, caregiving, and parental leave; performance-based and peer-based recognition; tuition reimbursement; among others.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AARP is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. AARP does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.