Chief Program Officer (all genders)

Impossible Founders; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days of vacation

Flexible working hours

Support for professional development

Central office location

Choice of own hardware

Job summary

A leading DeepTech startup factory in Hamburg seeks a Chief Program Officer (CPO) to shape and lead their integrated program for entrepreneurial talent. The role requires extensive experience in designing and managing startup programs in DeepTech fields and oversees collaboration with external experts. The ideal candidate will have a strong leadership presence, an understanding of the startup ecosystem, and the ability to drive operational excellence while ensuring fiscal responsibility. Responsibilities include defining KPIs, managing budgets, and building partnerships within the ecosystem.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on personality with operational experience.
• Experience in building and scaling startups.
• Deep understanding of monetizing DeepTech ideas.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of program components.
• Define KPI framework for program operations.
• Build and maintain strong links with startup infrastructures.
• Partner with Business Development for new business models.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

DeepTech understanding

Budget management

Network in startup ecosystem

Fluency in English

Education

Academic degree

Job description

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Mission

As our Chief Program Officer (CPO), you shape the heart of iF gGmbH: its integrated program accompanies and supports entrepreneurial talent through all phases of company formation and aims to make DeepTech business models marketable.

You will lead, further develop the central program, guide and coordinate program directors, and continuously refine our program portfolio. Your core mission: maximize the impact of our programs and ensure we can respond quickly and intelligently to new developments in the DeepTech ecosystem.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of all central program components at iF together with a high‑performing team.
• Define and develop a KPI framework for program operations in close collaboration with the COO.
• Contribute to a compelling communication strategy for all programs, ensuring clear positioning and visibility.
• Integrate and support external experts and consultants (e.g., jury members) and ensure smooth collaboration.
• Work closely with the CEO and extended C‑level as part of the management board.
• Hold overall budget responsibility for all programs and ensure structures, processes and collaboration across programs are aligned, effective and pull in the same direction.

Operational Excellence

• Build and lead the program director layer as a strong, cohesive leadership team.
• Shape the individual roles and profiles of the program directors to match our strategic goals.
• Set up lean, effective structures for efficient program organization across all initiatives.
• Take overall disciplinary and functional responsibility for the central program directors.

Innovation Ecosystem & Network Management

• Build and maintain strong links with regional startup infrastructures and their programs.
• Drive close collaboration with other startup factories and complementary programs.
• Develop and implement strategic partnerships to scale the reach and impact of our programs.
• Represent iF in all program‑related matters within the innovation and DeepTech ecosystem.

Business Development

• Partner with the Business Development team to design new business models based on successful programs and teams.
• Help secure new revenue streams through attractive program offerings and collaborations.

Profile

The role of CPO calls for someone who truly understands what it means to build Deep Tech Companies, either through their own start‑up experience or through extensive work in designing and running start‑up programs with a clear economic focus. You are a strong leader with deep familiarity with DeepTech, business models, and the start‑up ecosystem.

Given that our programs are in an early build‑up phase, we are looking for a highly hands‑on personality with solid operational experience. Ideally, you bring an academic degree and have founded a start‑up yourself, successfully scaled it and/or led it to a successful exit. This allows you to translate the real needs of founders into program design and shape offerings that are attractive and relevant for investors and corporate partners alike.

You have already built organizations and guided them through phases of growth and change. You know which levers drive operational excellence and can turn this understanding into robust structures, processes, and leadership that make programs and teams perform at their best.

What Matters Most To Us

• Strong strategic thinking combined with excellent execution skills and clear, confident leadership.
• Extensive experience in designing and running start‑up programs in DeepTech.
• Deep understanding of how to monetize DeepTech ideas and products.
• Solid management background, including KPI‑driven steering and budget responsibility.
• Excellent knowledge of the science and innovation landscape in Germany or other European countries, especially in DeepTech and technology transfer.
• Strong network in the startup ecosystem, particularly with incubators and accelerators.
• Well‑established network of investors and multipliers in start‑up financing.
• Fluency in English.

Additionally, It Would Be a Plus If You Bring

• Knowledge of public funding instruments for DeepTech and high‑tech start‑ups (regional, federal, EU).
• Strong international network and experience in international collaboration.
• Experience in media and communications, e.g., representing programs or organizations to external audiences.

Why Us?

• Responsibility & autonomy: You take on real responsibility from day one and have the freedom to actively shape your role and the company.
• Flexible & family‑friendly working: We offer a high degree of flexibility. We meet in the office on Mondays, and on other days attendance is optional with the option to work remotely. This includes our understanding of the needs within a family.
• Meaningful mission & impact: You will work on projects that address real challenges in AI, climate tech, and beyond. You will achieve impact and visibility by working closely with founders, researchers, and leading partners.
• Collaborative culture & diversity: We cultivate a collaborative culture—practical, ego‑free, and driven by shared responsibility. Our team is characterized by diversity and openness. The company language is English so that everyone feels welcome.
• Personal growth: We support your development through rapid learning cycles, regular feedback, and a budget for your professional development.

Attractive Working Conditions

• 30 days of vacation.
• Deutschlandticket.
• Central office in a prime location.
• Choice of your own hardware.

About Us

Impossible Founders is one of Germany’s boldest DeepTech startup factories. Our mission: turning groundbreaking technologies into real companies – with the potential to change the world. We collaborate with leading scientists, fearless founders, and renowned institutions. Our ventures emerge in future‑focused fields like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technology, advanced materials, and Green Tech.

If you’re ready to make the seemingly impossible possible, you’re in the right place.

We welcome applications from all talented individuals, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, cultural background, or abilities. Diversity makes our team stronger!

https://www.impossible-founders.com/