Program Manager, Imagine H2O
Imagine H2O
About Imagine H2O
Imagine H2O is a leading water innovation accelerator and deployment platform, empowering entrepreneurs to develop and deploy solutions to the world's most pressing water challenges. We provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and visibility they need to scale their impact and drive systemic change in the water sector. Our programs foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovators, investors, and industry leaders, accelerating the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable business models.
About the Role
The Program Manager is a critical role at Imagine H2O, responsible for the successful execution and continuous improvement of our annual accelerator programming. This role will oversee all aspects of the program cycle, from the annual applicant intake and selection process to curriculum development, mentor engagement, event planning, and post-program support. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate individual with a strong understanding of the startup ecosystem and a commitment to advancing water innovation. This role reports to the Director, Programs and Partnerships.
Core Responsibilities
- Execute US accelerator programs
· Program Design & Delivery
· Develop and refine program curriculum that addresses needs of participating startups
· Oversee the delivery of workshops, training sessions and other educational activities
· Manage overall and day-to-day operations and program logistics, including annual Startup Summit, online sessions, Demo Day and presence at major industry conferences
· Collaborate with Imagine H2O’s Executive in Residence and industry advisors to deliver mentorship and network access
· Provide direct mentorship to participating startups
· Program Development
· Contribute to program evolution in alignment with organizational goals and evolving strategic needs
· Data Collection & Reporting
· Track program and individual startup performance against established KPIs and prepare reports if needed for internal and external stakeholders
- Support annual intake
· Lead sourcing campaigns and ad-hoc evaluations for specific technologies and/or markets on an ongoing basis
· Manage annual intake process for accelerator program in coordination with US and Singapore teams
· Support enhancements to 2026 application/evaluation methodology and processes
- Develop customer network
· Support development and/or relaunch of Tech Adopters Network in ex-Asia markets
· Conduct consultations with select Tech Adopters to document innovation priorities and facilitate startup introductions
- Manage key industry relationships
· Build and maintain relationships with key industry partners including sponsors
· Speak publicly on the organization’s behalf at major conferences and partner events.
· Execute internal sales processes to ensure that we continue to secure new Tech Adopter partnerships and effectively manage the ones we have.
- Contribute to thought leadership and communications
· Support reports, surveys and other deliverables sharing insights and analysis internally and externally
· Develop content showcasing program and startup successes via written blogs, contents and/or social media posts
· Represent IH2O as a speaker at major industry conferences and events
- Provide technical support for Water Innovation Pilot Fund
· Contribute technical input and/or participate in selection committee for select pilot projects
Additional Responsibilities
In addition, this role may evolve to incorporate additional responsibilities to support organizational and program-specific strategic initiatives including:
- Support development/feasibility of accelerator fund
· Provide strategic input and/or research support to inform potential design of new funding model
- Provide direct startup support to portfolio companies
· Lead and manage direct mentorship, group sessions or other advisory services for portfolio companies
- Support organization’s strategic planning
· Contribute input to organization’s three-year strategic planning process
Minimum Requirements
- Candidates should have an interest in water and/or climate innovation along with the flexibility to work in a fast-paced environment with a lean team.
- Candidates must demonstrate, through training and experience, strong business development and relationship management skills and a willingness to accept and take on new challenges.
- Qualified applicants must be self-directed, well organized, and focused yet flexible when faced with ambiguity or changing priorities.
- Comfortable working with datasets and analysis in Excel, CRM management, and AI tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- A technical, finance and/or sustainability background, including a degree in a related field and/or familiarity with startup accelerators, water or climate tech, or open innovation.
- The ideal candidates will demonstrate attention to detail, initiative, flexibility, and an ability to juggle multiple priorities successfully.
- Interest or experience in engaging a virtual community.
- A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in program management, preferably in a startup accelerator, incubator, or related environment.
Benefits & Location
- Imagine H2O offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. This is a full-time position and the salary for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- This position is remote, but preference will be given to candidates who are based in the San Francisco Bay Area due to the nature of the role and proximity to our partners.
To Apply
- Please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@imagineh2o.org with the subject line "Accelerator Program Manager Application."
- Deadline: Applications will be accepted through June 15, but candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early. We will begin reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may fill the position before the deadline.