Your mission
As our Chief Program Officer (CPO), you shape the heart of iF gGmbH: Its integrated program, which accompanies and supports entrepreneurial talent through all phases of company formation and aims to make DeepTech business models marketable.
You will lead and further develop the entire central program, guide and coordinate the 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.
You will hold overall budget responsibility for all programs and make sure structures, processes and collaboration across programs are aligned, effective and pulling in the same direction.
- 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 a smooth collaboration
- Work closely with the CEO and extended C-level as part of the management board
Establishment and management of the program director level- 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
Your 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 to 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 Deep Tech
- 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?
At Impossible Founders, the people behind the impossible are the most important catalyst. That's why we do everything we can to create a collaborative working environment:
- Responsibility & autonomy: You take on real responsibility from day one and have the freedom to actively shape your role and the company. Output counts, and you are given the freedom you need to do your job in the best possible way.
- 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
- 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/
