Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)

Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)

AlphaLab, Innovation Works

Contract Role — 7 Months (January through July), 40 hours per week

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hybrid in office Tuesday through Thursday

AlphaLab, part of Innovation Works, is one of the nation’s longest-running and most respected startup accelerators. Rooted in the 3 Cs: Customer, Capital, and Community, AlphaLab helps early-stage teams build momentum, gain traction, and grow through hands-on support and a strong regional network.

We are seeking a seven-month Entrepreneur in Residence to support founders across all AlphaLab tracks and assist with program delivery during the busiest period of the year. This role is well-suited for a former founder or early-stage operator who enjoys fast-paced environments and being close to company building.

About the Role

The EIR will work closely with AlphaLab Program Managers to deliver a high-quality founder experience from January through July. Responsibilities include attending founder meetings, supporting weekly programming, keeping teams on track, and contributing to recruiting for the next AlphaLab cohort. This is a hands-on execution role that requires practical operator experience. The EIR will also be expected to learn and execute AlpaLab’s Defined Accelerator Playbook to ensure alignment with established methods and program standards.

Key Responsibilities

Founder Support

• Participate in one-on-one founder meetings, offering practical, experience-based insight.
• Support weekly programming, including preparing materials and co-leading sessions.
• Help founders navigate early-stage challenges and maintain momentum.

Program Operations

• Assist with weekly logistics and programming sessions, including Founder Lunches.
• Lead execution activities such as pitch practice cycles, storytelling workshops, data room preparation, and deck reviews.
• Collaborate with the AlphaLab team to ensure a seamless program experience.

Recruiting and Outreach

• Lead top-of-funnel recruiting for the next AlphaLab cohort.
• Represent AlphaLab at events and meetups to engage prospective founders.
• Host office hours and answer questions from founders.
• Manage early-stage pipeline flow using AlphaLab’s Salesforce lead categories.

What Makes You a Strong Candidate

• Former founder or early-stage operator with hands-on experience building products or navigating early growth.
• Strong communicator with empathy, clarity, and a bias for action.
• Comfortable balancing execution with founder guidance.
• Organized, reliable, and energized by a fast-paced accelerator environment.
• Passionate about supporting entrepreneurs and contributing to a thriving startup ecosystem.
• Coachable and willing to learn and apply Innovation Works’ established methods and approaches.

Innovation Works Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to an inclusive workplace where all employees and applicants are treated with respect and dignity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All employment decisions are made without regard to these protected characteristics and are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.