The Engine
Tough Tech incubator and accelerator
Events&OperationsAssociate
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid candidates.
“Events & Operations Associate at The Engine. Skills: event management, operations, project management, logistics, stakeholder management. Manage inbound event inquiries and lead planning from intake through execution. Develop proposals, timelines, run-of-shows, and cope planning documents”
What You'll Achieve.
ensure smooth execution and a high-quality guest experience; Strengthen systems and processes that improve coordination and operational excellence; Contribute to a welcoming, professional, and mission-driven experience for residents and guests; Drive consistency and execution standards across all events and programs
Industry & Context.
This is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA and requires regular on-site event support, including support outside of regular business hours (e. g. , early mornings and evenings).
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
2–5 years of experience in event management, operations, hospitality, project management, or related fields, Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing attention to detail, written and verbal communication skills, Comfortable operating in a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment, sense of ownership and consistent follow-through
Nice to Have
Experience with event operations, venue coordination, or hospitality is strongly preferred, Experience with project management or CRM tools (e.g. , Monday. com, HubSpot) is a familiarity with AI tools is a bonus
What You'll Do.
Manage inbound event inquiries and lead planning from intake through execution
and cope planning documents
Coordinate logistics including room setup
and vendor management
Provide basic AV support
including microphones
and event partner with AV vendors on maintenance and troubleshooting
Conduct tours for prospective and confirmed event groups
Serve as the on-site point person during events to ensure smooth execution and a high-quality guest experience
Manage event calendars
and operational details across multiple concurrent events
Lead post-event follow-up
and continuous process improvement
Partner with cross-functional teams to execute startup and community programming
and ecosystem convenings
including flagship programs such as Blueprint
Provide front desk and on-the-ground support during high-traffic events and as needed
Strengthen systems and processes that improve coordination and operational excellence
Contribute to a welcoming
and mission-driven experience for residents and guests
Build and maintain organized project management systems
Coordinate across stakeholders while proactively identifying risks
and timeline dependencies
Communicate clearly and professionally with founders
Drive consistency and execution standards across all events and programs
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
collaborates closely with teams across programs, marketing, operations, and leadership; working across stakeholders; Partner with cross-functional teams; Coordinate across stakeholders; Communicate clearly and professionally with founders, partners, vendors, sponsors, and guests
Communication Scope
written and verbal communication skills; Communicate clearly and professionally
Process & Methodology
project management, Develop proposals, timelines, run-of-shows, cope planning documents, Manage event calendars, scheduling, budgets, invoices, operational details, Lead post-event follow-up, reporting, Build and maintain organized project management systems, tools, documentation, Coordinate across stakeholders, proactively identifying risks, gaps, timeline dependencies
Full Job Description
## Description About The Engine The Engine, built by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is a nonprofit Tough Tech incubator and accelerator supporting startups building solutions in areas like climate, human health, advanced computation, and industrial transformation. Our infrastructure, programming, and network help startups move breakthrough technologies from the lab into scalable companies with real-world impact. In addition to supporting resident startups, The Engine hosts hundreds of events each year that bring together founders, investors, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders from around the world. Position Summary We are looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented Events & Operations Associate to manage and execute a wide range of events and programs at The Engine. This role reports to the Program Manager and collaborates closely with teams across programs, marketing, operations, and leadership. This role sits at the intersection of hospitality, operations, project management, and community experience. You will oversee events hosted in The Engine’s conference and gathering spaces from initial inquiry through execution, while also supporting internal programming and cross-functional initiatives for our startup community. The right person for this role thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly and professionally, and loves bringing structure and calm to complex logistics. You should be comfortable managing multiple timelines, working across stakeholders, and ensuring details do not fall through the cracks. This is an in-person role based in Cambridge, MA and requires regular on-site event support, including support outside of regular business hours (e.g., early mornings and evenings). ## Key Responsibilities Event Management & Execution Manage inbound event inquiries and lead planning from intake through execution Develop proposals, timelines, run-of-shows, and cope planning documents Coordinate logistics including room setup
Applying for this Events & Operations Associate role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Lever
- Lever uses a streamlined one-page form — apply in under 5 minutes.
- LinkedIn import works well; review parsed data before submitting.
- The cover letter field is optional but visible to reviewers — use it to differentiate.
- Referral codes from employees can significantly boost visibility of your application.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about The Engine?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.