Startup Accelerator Program Director

Awesome Inc | Lexington, KY

Who We Are

Awesome Inc exists to help people pursue their definition of awesome by growing the tech and startup ecosystem in Central Kentucky. We support Kentucky’s high-growth, high-tech entrepreneurs, innovators, learners, and builders through community events, education programs, custom software solutions, and a collaborative workspace. 

We’re looking for passionate, curious, and driven people who thrive in environments that value creativity, teamwork, personal responsibility, and impact. If you’re someone who thrives at the intersection of people, strategy, and execution—and you care deeply about helping others win—this might be for you.

Through our mentor-driven startup accelerator (the Fellowship Program), we support high-potential startups with the resources, coaching, and accountability they need to grow.  The Fellowship Program has accelerated nearly 100 companies that have raised $240.5M in outside investment and created more than 1,000 jobs.

We’re looking for an individual with prior experience in startups or business consulting to own, evolve, and champion the program.

Core Responsibilities:

• Source and support startup companies that will help build a successful funnel for the Awesome Inc pipeline: 5 Across, Fellowship, Awesome Fund
  

• Serve as a coach, connector, and accountability partner to Fellowship companies
  

• Represent Awesome Inc in the community through speaking, events, and relationship-building
  

• Own key Fellowship Program KPIs and Fellowship operations
  

• Lead regular metrics reviews with founders
  

• Report program outcomes to internal leadership and external stakeholders
  

• Oversee and execute key program events and experiences like Fellowship Demo Day and Kentucky Venture Summit
  

• Respond to Awesome Inc intake forms – “I Have an Idea,” 5 Across, the Fellowship, and Awesome Fund
  

• Research and vet companies for the 5 Across pipeline and work alongside the Awesome Fund Principal and the Director of 5 Across to select companies for the events
  

• Manage relations with Keyhorse Capital to aid in funding startups via the Traction program while in the Fellowship Program
  

• Work with the Awesome Fund Principal to fill the pipeline and support companies
  

• Partner with the Awesome Fund Principal to prep for the Kentucky Venture Summit (i.e., event logistics, company and investor recruitment, etc.)
  

• Attend regional startup founder events to build relationships and have a presence across the state
  

• Support and contribute to Awesome Inc events
  

Requirements

Core Requirements:

• Experience with coaching and mentoring in fast-paced, accountability-driven environments
  

• Experience with high-tech/high-growth startups, founders, or within dynamic communities
  

• Build strong relationships quickly through clear communication and effective relationship-building skills with key organizational stakeholders
  

• Comfortable making decisions and owning outcomes
  

• Able to think strategically while executing with an action-oriented approach
  

• Comfortable using CRMs and data to track progress and inform decisions
  

• Proficient in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, etc.)
  

• Comfortable with autonomy – minimal amount of direction but high expectations
  

• Highly organized with the ability to multitask, collaborate, problem solve, and meet deadlines amongst multiple program initiatives
  

Benefits