Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust→
Startup Specialist at Parallel18 at Puerto Rico… · Forward…
Job Description
Startup Specialist at Parallel18
Full Time · Location: Forward Center, San Juan, PR, US
Job Title: Startup Specialist at Parallel18
Reports to: Program Lead (Parallel18)
Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Full-Time
Type of Contract: Regular Position (Probationary Period)
Overview of the Organization
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.
Parallel18 a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology, and Research Trust is a top-level, performance-driven international startup program with a social mission: offering entrepreneurs from all over the world access to high-quality business training, funding, and networks to help them scale globally while working to position Puerto Rico as a unique hub for innovative businesses and technology.
Purpose
As we continue to grow our world-class innovation program, this role is responsible for supporting the development and growth of the startups participating in parallel18, with emphasis on Xpand. In addition to working closely with founders, investors, and mentors, this individual will assist in executing communications efforts that amplify the program’s impact, increase visibility, and ensure consistent messaging across platforms. The ideal candidate is passionate about entrepreneurship, relationship-driven, and comfortable blending operational and communication responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Manage a group of startups, meeting with them bi-weekly to validate their progress and challenges while providing consistent support throughout their journey in Xpand.
- Assist in the execution of the bootcamp and help coordinate events, workshops, and conferences (if needed).
- Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications team to support storytelling efforts, social media planning, content development, and newsletter updates.
- Draft and edit outreach materials for stakeholders, partners, and program visibility.
- Connect key startups with investors, mentors, companies, and universities in collaboration with the Business Development Associate and Investments team.
- Support outreach efforts to service providers and technology partners to secure relevant perks and benefits for entrepreneurs.
- Help facilitate technical support for participating startups.
- Help manage Xpand’s internal communication platforms and tools.
- Assist in gathering success stories, testimonials, and visuals that highlight the programs and companies’ growth.
- Participate in local startup events, entrepreneurial outreach, and university initiatives to promote the program and its value.
- Monitor and support the execution of communication deliverables related to events, program milestones, and founder stories.
- Assist in planning and preparing meetings, conference calls, and follow-ups with key partners and program participants.
- Support the Program Lead with calendar coordination, communications, and reporting.
As our organization evolves to adapt to new roles and responsibilities, you should anticipate that your job description will be adjusted to align with these changing demands.
Qualifications & Technical Job Requirements
The ideal candidate for the Startup Specialist position must:
- Do things with passion and always bring a positive can-do attitude. Execution is one of the most important attributes, as you need to think big but start small and constantly challenge the status quo.
- Be a fast learner, resourceful, and have keen attention to detail. Have the willingness to learn and master new skill sets.
- Work independently and within teams effectively
- Understanding of Google Workforce and Microsoft Teams, among other basic tools in both suites.
- Basic design and content creation skills are a plus (Canva, Google Slides, Mailchimp, etc.).
- Familiarity with social media tools and basic performance metrics (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters).
- Comfortable working across teams, especially bridging operational and marketing priorities.
- Previous experience in community building, storytelling, or PR is a plus.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish.
Experience & Educational Requirements
- A college degree with a BA or BS, preferably in Business Administration or a STEM-related field, is required.
- Preference will be given to candidates with 1-2 years of experience in a fast-paced environment involving startups, innovation, or financial ecosystems, although it is not mandatory.
“The Trust is an equal opportunity employer; we strive to maintain a workplace atmosphere that is free from discrimination. To those ends, the Trust provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, social status, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, veteran status, perceived or real domestic violence victim status, sexual harassment victim status, stalking victim status, and/or any other basis protected by law.”