About CAFE
The Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that advances financial health and wellness for low- to moderate-income (LMI) individuals through fintech innovation and partnerships. Founded in 2023, CAFE operates from the Fintech Innovation Hub at the University of Delaware STAR Campus in Newark, DE.
CAFE's flagship Fintech Accelerator Program supports the growth of technology startup companies selected through a competitive process from across the U.S. In 2024, CAFE supported two cohorts of six companies over 8–10 weeks each, whose products reached tens of thousands of consumers while engaging industry leaders, financial institutions, investors, and industry experts. Over the next two years, CAFE will expand programs and initiatives to scale its impact and sustainability. Learn more at www.ftcafe.org.
Position: CAFE Accelerator Program Manager
The Program Manager will support the planning, execution, and optimization of CAFE's Fintech Accelerator Program and related initiatives. This includes year-round recruiting, planning, and facilitating meetings with industry leaders, financial institutions, investors and startups, as well as planning virtual and in-person events such as launch days, demo days, and conferences.
Key Responsibilities:
Accelerator Management:
- Collaborate with the Managing Director to design and execute startup accelerator programs, including recruiting and selecting cohorts.
- Plan and manage program schedules, contracts, activities, and logistics.
- Recruit and maintain relationships with industry experts and mentors.
- Facilitate daily program activities, team building, and stakeholder engagement.
- Support creating marketing content and social media to share about the program activities and milestones.
- Track program metrics to demonstrate impact.
Event Coordination:
- Plan and execute events in Delaware and nationwide, including launch days, demo days, conferences, and other networking events.
Organizational Growth:
- Develop new initiatives and resources for startup founders.
- Lead additional programs and contribute to development, where appropriate.
- Support fundraising efforts and build relationships with sponsors and partners.
- Contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of CAFE's programs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent, with 5–10+ years of experience with technology startups, accelerator programs and financial institutions.
- Proven ability to lead complex, multifaceted programs with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, team-building, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, action-oriented ‘start-up” environment and comfortable juggling multiple work streams simultaneously.
- Strong communication, interpersonal and coaching skills, ideally with managing or mentoring both individuals and small groups.
- Relationship builder, with a focus on continuous learning, improvement and growth.
- Passion for social impact and understanding of challenges faced by underserved populations.