Innovation & Special Projects (Contract)

About The Role

We're looking for an entrepreneurial, highly resourceful contractor to help drive a portfolio of high-impact strategic initiatives that don't fit neatly into any single function. This is a part-time contract role (15–25 hours per week), with a preference for candidates based in the Bay Area, though the position is fully remote.

What You'll Do

• Own and execute special projects from concept through delivery, coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders as needed.
• Research new opportunities, funding programs, partnerships, and emerging trends relevant to the business.
• Support innovation initiatives by identifying potential partners, preparing outreach materials, and managing pilot programs.
• Drive execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring milestones are met and blockers are proactively resolved.
• Create clear project plans, track progress, and communicate updates to leadership.
• Conduct market, competitive, and business research to inform strategic decisions.
• Take on ad hoc, high-priority projects as business needs evolve.

What We're Looking For

• A highly organized and execution-oriented individual.
• Someone who thrives in ambiguity and enjoys solving unstructured problems.
• Someone who can independently drive projects with limited direction.
• Someone with strong analytical and structured thinking skills.
• A communicator who can clearly and confidently interact with both internal and external stakeholders.
• A learner who can quickly adapt and wear multiple hats.
• Experience in startups, consulting, venture, strategy, operations, or project management (preferred but not required).

Nice to Have

• Experience working with education technology, AI, or consumer technology.
• Experience supporting grant or funding applications.
• Familiarity with productivity and project management tools (Notion, Google Workspace, Airtable, etc.).
• Experience coordinating cross-functional projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Success Looks Like

• Within the first few months, you'll independently drive several strategic initiatives forward, help the team execute innovation pilots more efficiently, improve visibility into project progress, and create leverage for leadership by taking ownership of high-impact operational work.

Pay

$50/hour (compensation flexible based on relevant experience and overall qualifications).