1871 · 1 day ago
Program Director
Chicago, IL
Contract
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$90K/yr - $90K/yr
7+ years exp1871 is a leading organization that inspires and supports founders and innovators in building great businesses. The Program Director will lead the planning, execution, and scaling of core initiatives that connect founders, corporate leaders, and industry experts, while managing a team to deliver high-quality programming and events.
AdviceConsultingFinanceInternetNon ProfitTraining
Hiring Manager
Rachael Feuerborn
Responsibilities
Own end-to-end planning and execution of Tech on the Edge and Founder’s Leverage Engine programming, from defining event and program goals through agenda design and delivery
Design agendas and experiences, including session structure, flow, and outcomes
Source, recruit, and manage speakers, facilitators, advisors, and participants
Launch and refine new initiatives while maintaining quality across existing programs
Balance hands-on execution with delegation and oversight of program managers
Lead, coach, and develop a small team of program managers and coordinators, setting clear expectations, priorities, and accountability
Delegate effectively while maintaining visibility into execution quality, timelines, and outcomes
Provide ongoing feedback, performance management, and professional development to direct reports
Build team operating rhythms that support scale, consistency, and high performance
Operate as a senior leader within the organization, influencing priorities, standards, and decision-making beyond direct reporting lines
Enable and partner with Events and Marketing teams to execute logistics, production, promotion, communications, and registration
Work closely with Sales and Client Success teams to support sponsor sourcing, activation, and relationship management
Support the execution of 1871’s Thought Leader Media Engine across both Tech on the Edge and the Founder’s Engine
Manage content schedules and editorial pipelines
Research topics, trends, and industry signals to inform content direction
Source, coordinate, and manage guest contributors, interview subjects, and expert voices
Partner with Marketing to translate raw content and insights into inputs for: Newsletters, Blogs, Social content, Podcasts and video, Industry and investor reports
Build and scale matching platforms and programs that strategically connect founders, experts, corporates, and investors
Design intentional connection experiences, including: Engaging networking experiences, Co-founder matching, Sourcing growth startups for Corporate Partnership opportunities, Mentor/Expert access and office hours
Oversee workflows, tooling, and execution to ensure connections are high-signal and outcome-oriented
Source, onboard, and manage high-value relationships with Experts-in-Residence (EIRs), Advisory Council members, fractional service providers, mentors, and speakers across Tech on the Edge and Founder’s Leverage Engine
Manage ongoing engagement with corporate innovation points of contact, ensuring alignment, collaboration, and shared outcomes across programs and events
Curate and engage a high-caliber advisory network that strengthens program credibility, supports founder and corporate success, and contributes strategic insight to guide the evolution of Innovation Labs and Growth Programs
Recruit, empower, and support Industry Champions (volunteer sector leaders) who help drive community impact, co-host sector-specific events, and act as ambassadors connecting startups, corporates, and investors
Set clear expectations, scopes, and participation models for all external stakeholders
Ensure experts, advisors, and champions are effectively integrated into programming, services, events, and content
Serve as the public-facing representative for 1871’s Innovation Labs and Growth Programs, representing the organization internally and externally with credibility and clarity
Qualification
Required
Strong project management skills
Excellent judgment
Ability to coordinate across Events, Marketing, Product, and external contributors
Hands-on program leader and community builder
Ability to design and execute complex initiatives
Manage cross-functional teams
Scale programming without sacrificing quality
Comfortable managing timelines and deliverables
Lead others to execute at a high bar
Preferred
7+ years of experience in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, venture building, or program leadership
Strong background in community engagement, event strategy, and program management
Proven ability to design and execute high-impact events, peer groups, and resource programs for startups and corporate leaders
Excellent relationship-building skills, with experience engaging entrepreneurs, investors, and corporate executives
Strong communication and public speaking skills, with the ability to represent programs at a high level
Ability to manage teams and collaborate cross-functionally across event production, marketing, and community development
Benefits
Health
Dental
Vision
401k
Unlimited PTO
Opportunities to participate in workshops and events
Company
1871
1871 is a not-for-profit community that helps digital designers, engineers, and entrepreneurs build their startups and share ideas.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$2.5M2014-06-17Grant· $2.5M
Leadership Team
Betsy Ziegler
CEO
Sarah Guminski
Head of Startup Experience
Recent News
2025-10-12
2025-09-12
2025-09-12
Company data provided by crunchbase