Distinguished Innovation Fellow

Sr. Manager of People Strategy at Mass Challenge

The Organization: Mass Challenge

The Role: Mass Challenge Distinguished Innovation Fellow (One‑year appointment, renewable)

Compensation: $40,000

Mass Challenge is the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. Our mission is to equip bold entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change. Our mission is BIG, and thus we are a team that gives 100% every day. Our MC values ensure we stay true to our mission and our core beliefs.

The Mass Challenge Distinguished Innovation Fellowship is a selective, one‑year appointment for senior operators, investors, researchers, and policy leaders with established networks and public credibility. Fellows serve as trusted extensions of Mass Challenge’s leadership and brand. They anchor one of our priority focus areas, strengthen our credibility in the market, activate high‑value relationships, and help shape how Mass Challenge shows up across key innovation ecosystems.

This Fellowship is intended for established professionals; current graduate students are not eligible. Exceptional post‑doctoral researchers or PhD‑trained professionals with demonstrated sector leadership and external networks will be considered.

Fellows are expected to materially expand Mass Challenge’s visibility, credibility, and engagement within their domain through a combination of thought leadership, convening, network activation, and strategic advising. The Fellowship is outcome‑driven rather than time‑tracked. Engagement is most active during Mass Challenge’s primary program cycle (spring and fall), with flexible involvement outside those periods.

Optional modest travel or speaking support for select engagements.

This role is hybrid and will be expected to work from the Boston office for at least two days per week, typically Tuesday and Thursday.

• Publish 4–6 Mass Challenge‑branded insights, briefs, or essays annually
• Shape annual outlooks and point‑of‑view content
• Participate in interviews, podcasts, or public commentary as appropriate

• Host or co‑host 1–2 curated salons, round tables, or small convenings
• Support programming for Resolve and other Mass Challenge signature events
• Collaborate with internal teams on domain‑specific convenings

• Make a small number of targeted, high‑leverage introductions to senior partners, investors, experts, or funders
• Help Mass Challenge deepen relationships with priority organizations
• Curate or advise on strategic contact pipelines aligned to organizational priorities

• Provide targeted founder office hours during key moments
• Offer insights to program, community, and marketing teams

• Represent Mass Challenge at select conferences, forums, or industry gatherings the Fellow is already planning to attend
• Highlight Mass Challenge’s work, impact, and opportunities in relevant settings
• A modest supplemental stipend may be available for high‑impact speaking or lead‑generating engagements

• Advise corporate partners on innovation priorities, adoption barriers, and collaboration models
• Support partner‑startup matchmaking and value articulation
• Provide insight on emerging technologies, market dynamics, and regulatory considerations
• Inform the design of sector‑specific programming, workshops, or sprints

• 10+ years of senior experience in a relevant domain
• Recognized expertise and a respected professional network
• Comfortable representing organizations publicly and speaking at industry forums
• Experience working with startups, innovation ecosystems, or regulated environments
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to operate independently
• Interest in amplifying Mass Challenge’s mission and platform

Mass Challenge is the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and…