Reports to: Manager, Accelerator Program
Purpose:
The role supports the growth and commercialization of early-stage startups within the AUC Venture Lab (V-Lab), the leading University-based accelerator in the MENA region. The Officer is responsible for guiding entrepreneurs through the acceleration lifecycle, managing the selection process, and providing direct coaching to ensure startups achieve their milestones. The role acts as a mentor and monitor, assessing the progress of 10+ startups per cycle and facilitating their engagement with the broader ecosystem to drive economic competitiveness.
Responsibilities:
Startup Coaching and Monitoring:
- Coach four to five startups per cycle to implement evidence-based entrepreneurship tools and methodologies while ensuring realistic growth trajectories and consistent tool implementation
- Conduct meetings with selected startups to perform needs assessments and set realistic growth goals and monitor the progress of startups throughout the cycle, ensuring they fulfill their milestones until graduation
- Follow up on the progress of V-Lab graduates to track long-term impact
Selection and Program Management:
- Administer the bi-yearly application process, scoring applications according to V-Lab guidelines
- Conduct interviews with selected applicants and analyze interactions during selection events
- Collect information and write executive summaries on assigned startups for internal and external reporting
- Plan and arrange V-Lab cycle events, on and off-campus, to keep entrepreneurs actively engaged
Ecosystem Engagement and Research:
- Research topics and identify market gaps in different industries to inform program direction
- Stay updated on the latest trends in the entrepreneurship field to answer startup inquiries about the ecosystem
- Assist the program manager in all other needed activities to support the accelerator's mission
Additional Related Duties:
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Skills:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree is required
- Five to seven years of relevant work experience
- Experience in business incubation or startup competitions is preferred
Technical Skills:
- Coaching: Ability to mentor entrepreneurs and demonstrate empathy and patience, with high emotional intelligence
- Communication: Excellent Arabic and English writing and speaking skills
- Analytical: Ability to score applications and conduct needs assessments
- Digital: Technologically savvy with excellent computer and internet skills
- Personal: Highly organized, capable of multitasking, and social, willing to meet new people
This position is open until October 4, 2026
Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the short list will be contacted.
"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."
“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”
