What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entrepreneur in Residence position at Innovate Hampton Roads?
Entrepreneur in Residence
Hampton, VA (REaKTOR – 1100 Exploration Way)
Full-Time
This is not a normal "Program Manager" role. If you’re looking for a steady, predictable job
where you manage a few projects and call it a day, this is not for you. If you take pride in being
the person who makes sure nothing falls through the cracks — ever, keep reading.
What This Role Actually Is
You are the operational backbone of Innovate Hampton Roads (IHR). Not just events. Not just
programs. Everything we touch. That includes:
• Running and maintaining the REaKTOR (high-tech startup) space day-to-day
• Executing events and programs without errors
• Supporting grants, timelines, and reporting
• Coordinating storytelling, content, and communications
• Participating in meetings and turning conversations into execution
If it touches IHR, you help make sure it gets done — correctly, on time, and without
excuses.
What Winning Looks Like
• Events run clean, no missed details, no last-minute chaos
• The REaKTOR space operates smoothly, professionally, and proactively
• Grants and programs stay on track with zero missed deadlines
• Communications, content, and assets go out on time every time
• Nothing stalls in meetings; action follows immediately
• You manage multiple priorities simultaneously without dropping a ball
This role is simple to describe, but hard to execute: nothing falls through the cracks. You
will be held accountable for that standard.
The First 90 Days
• Take ownership of REaKTOR operations quickly — no babysitting
• Run or support events with zero execution errors
• Own timelines and ensure deadlines are hit without reminders
• Build or refine systems to track projects, tasks, and follow-ups
You are expected to ramp fast and produce early.The Reality of This Role
• Priorities shift often
• You will juggle multiple workstreams at once
• You will need to context switch constantly
• You will be expected to figure things out without being told
• Speed matters, but accuracy matters just as much
• Your work will be visible to founders, partners, and regional leaders
The wrong person gets overwhelmed here. The right person thrives in it.
Who This Is For
You’re the kind of person who:
• Has a high standard for your own work and catches what others miss
• Moves fast without sacrificing accuracy
• Follows up 3–5 times without being told
• Doesn’t wait for direction and figures it out
• Takes ownership of outcomes, not just tasks
• Builds systems to stay organized and on top of everything
• Can manage chaos without letting anything slip
You don’t say “someone should handle that.” You handle it.
Who This Is Not For
Do not apply if:
• You need constant reminders or hand-holding
• You miss deadlines or let details slip
• You wait to be told what to do next
• You get overwhelmed managing multiple priorities
• You rely on memory instead of systems to stay organized
• You want a slow, predictable work environment
This role will expose you quickly if you’re not built for it.
What You’ll Be Doing
• Managing and executing across events, programs, space operations, and internal
initiatives
• Coordinating speakers, partners, vendors, and stakeholders
• Owning timelines and ensuring every deadline is hit• Supporting storytelling, content, and social tied to programs
• Keeping the REaKTOR space organized, functional, and high-quality
• Building and improving systems so everything runs smoother over time
This is part project manager, part operator, part builder.
What You Get
• A front-row seat to how startups actually get built and funded
• Direct access to founders, investors, and regional leaders
• Real responsibility early, not busy work
• The opportunity to build skills most people never develop
If you perform here, you will be ahead of your peers. Period.
How to Apply
We care far more about how you operate than your résumé. Send us:
• Your résumé
• A short note or video explaining why this role fits you
• Proof of how you execute (required):
- A project you managed with multiple moving parts
- A system you built to stay organized
- An example of how you handled competing deadlines
We will not consider applicants who do not include this. Bonus if you show
something you improved or fixed that others missed.
Send to work@innovate757.org
Final Note
A lot of people like the idea of being in the startup world. Very few can operate at the level
required to support it. If you’re one of them, it will be obvious in how you apply.