Venture Program Lead

Location : Flexible (Remote) | Employment Type : Full-Time | Reports To : Founder & President

About Knowledge Networks

Knowledge Networks (KN) is a global platform driving responsible AI governance and enterprise AI leadership. Through our flagship initiatives—Regulating AI and CAIO Connect—we convene policymakers and Fortune 1000 executives to shape an inclusive, democratic, and innovative AI future. We are expanding our impact through new ventures and partnerships launched on a phased 36-month roadmap.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager, New Initiatives is a hands-on builder responsible for prioritizing, validating, and launching KN’s next wave of ventures and programs. This role blends startup / VC rigor (deal flow, diligence, venture enablement) with program execution (partnerships, pilots, budgets, KPIs). You’ll work directly with the Founder and initiative leads to turn high-impact ideas into sustainable offerings—scrappily and with limited resources.

What You’ll Do

Venture Sourcing, Diligence & Investment Readiness

• Build and manage a pipeline of startups and venture ideas aligned to KN focus areas (AI governance, enterprise AI, policy-tech).
• Review business plans, vet feasibility (market, product, GTM, unit economics), and run lightweight commercial and financial diligence (TAM, pricing, margins, simple models).
• Produce concise investment / partnership memos with clear recommendations, risks, and milestone plans.
• Coach founders / CEOs on fundraising readiness (narrative, deck, metrics, data room) and investor targeting;

facilitate warm introductions.

Portfolio Enablement & Revenue

report KPIs to leadership, sponsors, and partners.

Program Management & Delivery

prioritize by impact / ROI / strategic value.

manage cross-functionalcontributors, vendors, and interns.

Partnerships & Ecosystem

ensure we deliver on commitments with excellence.

present progress and secure new partners.

What Success Looks Like (6–12 Months)

completed diligence on 10–15.

3–5 customer / partner LOIs or paid engagements.

Qualifications

Must-Have

thrives in resource-constrained, fast-moving environments.

confident with C-suite and policymakers.

Nice-to-Have

Traits We Value

Compensation & Work Mode

occasional travel for pilots, partnerships, and events.