Job Description
Job Description
The Organization: MassChallenge
The Role: Disaster Resiliency Executive-in-Residence [EIR]
Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid role with some in-person engagement required)
Reports to: Kelly Becker, Sr. Director, Programs
Compensation: $1,500- $2,000 monthly stipend based on part-time (approx. 5–8 hrs/week) engagement for nine months, from October 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
MassChallenge empowers mission-driven entrepreneurs to solve global challenges in industries such as health, disaster resiliency, climate, and financial systems. By providing zero-equity support, non-dilutive funding, and access to a global network of mentors and partners, we equip diverse 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.
MassChallenge is currently seeking a Disaster Resiliency Executive-in-Residence (EIR) to join our team.
This role is made possible through a collaboration with a Fortune 20 global technology and communications leader that is deeply invested in advancing resilient communities and next-generation connectivity. As EIR, you will not only support early-stage startups but also help shape pathways for founders to partner with a top-tier enterprise, ensuring their solutions are tested, validated, and positioned for real-world impact at scale.
Position Summary:
As the Disaster Resiliency EIR, your mission is threefold:
- Support Startup Growth in Disaster Resiliency: Provide technical and strategic guidance to startups working on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery solutions.
- Mentor and Advise Founders:Deliver targeted mentorship on technology integration, commercialization strategies, and enterprise readiness.
- Strengthen the Ecosystem: Engage with partners, experts, and stakeholders to expand MassChallenge’s impact on disaster resiliency innovation.
Location
This role is hybrid and requires travel to our Boston office at least once per quarter.
What You’ll Do
- Technical Expertise: Share subject matter knowledge across areas such as sensors, IoT, communications, emergency response systems, data platforms, and public safety tech.
- Pilot Preparation: Guide startups in scoping, testing, and refining pilots for real-world applications in disaster resiliency contexts.
- Mentorship & Coaching: Provide one-on-one and group mentorship to founders, offering practical, actionable advice on disaster resiliency technology and business growth.
- Network Building:Connect founders with investors, corporate partners, testing labs, and industry leaders to accelerate their progress.
- Curriculum Support:Contribute to workshops, panels, and office hours that align with startup needs and industry best practices.
- Representation:Represent MassChallenge at events, conferences, and networking sessions to elevate the program and its startups.
Success Metrics
- Technical Readiness: Demonstrated progress of startups toward achieving milestones and pilot readiness.
- Ecosystem Engagement: Increased visibility of MassChallenge in the disaster resiliency innovation ecosystem.
- Founder Impact:Positive satisfaction scores and testimonials from participating startups.
Who You Are and What You Bring
Education & Experience Requirements
- Disaster Resiliency & Technology Expertise: Proven track record as a founder, technical leader, or senior executive in disaster response, emergency management, communications, or related technology fields.
- Network & Relationships: Strong connections with industry leaders, investors, public agencies, and technical experts relevant to disaster resiliency.
- Mentorship Experience: High emotional intelligence (EQ) and a passion for guiding early-stage entrepreneurs.
- Commitment to Impact: Dedication to supporting founders solving real-world resiliency challenges.
- Operational Knowledge:Familiarity with regulatory frameworks, testing protocols, and enterprise integration relevant to disaster technologies.
Who We Are
MassChallenge is the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. At MassChallenge we:
- Help entrepreneurs build the next generation of transformational businesses by connecting them with the resources, partnerships, and communities that help them launch, grow, and scale their startups.
- Help our partners build, grow, and evolve their corporate innovation practices.
- Leverage the power of entrepreneurship to strengthen global innovation ecosystems.
Why You Should Join Us
We believe working at MassChallenge is fulfilling because of the mission, challenging because of the pace and work, and rewarding because you get to build to the next step in your career here. When you join MassChallenge you join an incredible team and network of innovators and entrepreneurs, you take ownership over significant and strategically important projects, you focus on impact and output, and you help strengthen the global innovation ecosystem.
Our Core Values:
- Founder Mindset: Optimism, Tenacity, Love the Problem
- Connect & Collaborate: Empathy & Inclusion & Fun, Build Community, Connect the Dots
- Progress over Perfection: Build on experience, Fail Fast, Demonstrate Traction
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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.