Strategic Academic Advisor & Mentor Lead

StartupSphere; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

StartupSphere is seeking an Academic Advisor in Norfolk, VA, a mid-level full-time role where you will mentor peers, own outcomes, and help shape strategies. The position starts with a clearly defined path toward senior general work, with mentorship built in and a structured hiring cycle in motion.

Expect a compensation range of $65,000–$90,000 per year, reflecting mid-level responsibilities and a focus on delivering quality outputs while nurturing growth within the company.

Qualifications

• Mid-level professional capable of mentoring peers.
• Ownership mindset with treat company funds responsibly.
• Commitment to quality and consistency in deliverables.
• Curiosity about StartupSphere's market domain.

Responsibilities

• Sense when a Norfolk relationship needs a call, not an email.
• Map the handoffs between VA teams so nothing falls in the cracks.
• Write the Strategic Planning runbook for the next hire.
• Respond to internal and external requests promptly and professionally.
• Question the brief when it doesn't match reality.
• Surface risks early with proposed fixes.
• Pressure-test assumptions before they harden into mistakes.
• Keep the VA engine running while rebuilding parts.

Skills

Mentor peers

Ownership

Quality output

Market curiosity

Job description

StartupSphere is seeking an Academic Advisor in Norfolk, VA, a mid-level full-time role where you will mentor peers, own outcomes, and help shape strategies. The position starts with a clearly defined path toward senior general work, with mentorship built in and a structured hiring cycle in motion.

Expect a compensation range of $65,000–$90,000 per year, reflecting mid-level responsibilities and a focus on delivering quality outputs while nurturing growth within the company.