TerraForge Venture Studio Manager

TERRAFORGE VENTURE STUDIO MANAGER

Part-Time (20 hours/week) | Hybrid | Must reside in the Portland Metropolitan area

Hourly Range: $33.65 - $34.61 depending on experience

About VertueLab

VertueLab is a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs growing climate-focused businesses in the Pacific Northwest. We co-build alongside partners and entrepreneurs by providing funding, business development, and mentorship. By scaling climate technology businesses, we optimize for the improved well-being and prosperity of communities in our region.

What You’ll Help Us Achieve

As the TerraForge Venture Studio Manager, you will lead daily operations and ensure smooth program delivery. You will work hands-on with entrepreneurs, while also building partnerships across the ecosystem to expand the impact of future cohorts and strengthen program offerings.

Program Operations & Delivery

Lead TerraForge curriculum and funding program delivery, including project management and coaching.

• Foster a collaborative community for program participants.
• Lead recruitment, screen startups, mentors, and speakers. Maintain communication with cohort companies and run in-person events throughout the program including the kickoff, quarterly field trips, and end-of program celebrations.
• Monitor and evaluate program performance; recommend improvements.
• Manage program logistics, operations and administration, scheduling, and event planning.
• Deliver a high-quality accelerator experience for all stakeholders.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

• Represent VertueLab locally and regionally by supporting cross-functional initiatives and collaborating with team members on ecosystem partner outreach.

Entrepreneur Support & Development

• Mentor climate tech startups and connect them with relevant resources and partners.
• Grow the pipeline of climate tech companies & startups through regional outreach, events, and ecosystem partnerships.
• Evaluate companies for program participation and funding, providing recommendations based on their technology, product, market potential, and team.
  • Monitor and track company progress throughout the program
  • Apply entrepreneurial insights to inform program design, development, and evaluation.

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• Demonstrated excellence in project and program management within fast-paced environments, leveraging over 5 years of experience to develop and expertly manage budgets and timelines while maintaining partnership cohesion and engagement.
• Technical or business knowledge of entrepreneurship, startups, small businesses, and climate technologies.
• Proficient in using reporting platforms and CRMs (including Salesforce, Airtable, and Formstack) to manage budgets, build relationships, and track program metrics.
• Exceptional time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Process-oriented and organized, with strong time management, project management, and attention to structure and detail.
• Commitment to understanding the breadth of the work and remaining curious about innovations in the field.
• Self-directed and able to independently build and operate systems.
• Must reside in or around the Portland metropolitan area.
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships with entrepreneurs, deliver clear and empathetic feedback, provide informed advice, and make effective referrals.

You Will Thrive Here If You Are

• Strategic and systems thinker; adaptable and thrives in dynamic, ambiguous environments.
• Highly collaborative, skilled at building and maintaining strong relationships and networks.
• Self-motivated, curious, and dedicated to continuous learning and improvement.
• Outcome-driven, dedicated to delivering impactful programs and exceptional experiences for participants and stakeholders.

VertueLab is a remote-first organization with a collaborative, mission-driven culture, empowering our team to work from anywhere while staying connected to our purpose. Since 2007, we’ve been at the forefront of supporting climate innovation and making a real impact in the industry. Our remote-first model is complemented by occasional in-person travel for team retreats, events, and meetings, allowing us to cultivate both autonomy and a cohesive team culture.

Cell phone: Monthly reimbursement for your mobile plan

Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching

Health and Dental Insurance: Employer paid medical and dental plans

Time off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave