Officer, Indigenous Communities & US Equity

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.