Ministry of Awesome Looking for Startup Aotearoa Startup Advisor at Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand Full Time

Company Description

Ministry of Awesome is dedicated to being a force for high-growth startups in Aotearoa. From our location in Ōtautahi Christchurch, we work to build capability, drive ambition, and support success for early-stage startups and founders throughout NZ who have a global vision. Our ultimate goal is to shape the future of New Zealand’s economy into one that is innovation-led, high-value, and sustainable for both people and the planet.

What is Startup Aotearoa?

Startup Aotearoa is New Zealand’s first national programme uniting startup ecosystem organisations across the motu to deliver a network and scalable approach to startup support for ambitious Kiwi founders.

Role Description

This is a part-time, on-site role located in Christchurch for a Startup Aotearoa Startup Advisor.

You will be the Mentor, Coach and supporter to help the Startup founders of the region get their venture to a point of being accepted into an incubator and accelerator, or to take the next step on their business journey. The Startup Advisor will be meeting, triaging and recommending other services or providing 1:1 support.

You will also help administer the programme as Ecosystem Coordinator, triaging and connecting to and across the regions, and manage the reporting. Other Ecosystem Coordinators will be based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and in Pōneke Wellington, and together will also be responsible for leading the programme’s continuous improvement. 

The Startup Advisor will work collaboratively with the wider Ministry of Awesome team to help create a thriving start-up community throughout New Zealand.

About you

A startup advisor requires a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and a passion for supporting emerging ventures. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You think strategically and creatively and have a sound understanding of the startup environment and have a solid grasp of lean startup methodology. 

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a business-related field, with a preference for experience in start-up incubation and acceleration -or- have a degree and post-graduate business qualification
• Startup experience which could include:

*Lived experience of being a technology based startup founder 

*Have been part of an early stage high growth startup team.  

*Are an experienced startup ecosystem support professional of 2+ years standing, with a background in business support or technology

• Understand the founder mentality, challenges, and responsibilities.
• Be detail and process oriented with excellent communication and people skills.
• Excellent strategic thinking skills and a track record of providing impactful advice to early-stage founders
• Strong communication skills and the ability to mentor founders and provide feedback on a wide range of topics
• Strong knowledge of the start-up ecosystem in New Zealand and globally
• Strong financial acumen and the ability to provide sound financial advice to start-ups

If you are passionate about fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and building a thriving startup ecosystem, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

You must be a New Zealand Permanent Resident or hold an NZ work Visa that allows you to undertake Permanent Part Time work to apply for this position