Job Description

The Mission

At INSEAD’s AI Venture Lab (AVL) - https://www.venture-lab.ai/ , we aren’t just observing the AI revolution; we are driving it. We are looking for an Associate Director to be the operational heartbeat and strategic co-pilot of our lab. You will translate bold visions into a world-class founder experience, bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and market-disrupting ventures.

Why This Role?

This isn’t a "business as usual" administrative role. You are the conductor of a high-octane ecosystem. You will lead our flagship AI Founder Sprint programs, cultivate a "who’s who" network of global founders and industry titans, and use AI to build the lab itself. As the AVL scales, you will have the potential to manage your own lean team and shape the future of entrepreneurship at INSEAD.

Your Impact

• Scale the Sprint: Own the end-to-end delivery of our annual AI Venture Lab Sprint You will manage the entire lifecycle—from scouting applications and engaging the community to content creation to orchestrating high-stakes Demo Days—ensuring every founder walks away with a transformative experience.
• Curate the Ecosystem: Act as the primary bridge between INSEAD’s internal scholars and a global network of industry leaders, alumni, and ecosystem actors. You will lead the day-to-day delivery of partner relationships, ensuring every commitment is met with operational excellence.
• Amplify the Vision: You aren't just managing updates; you are expanding the Lab’s reach. You will oversee and grow all communication channels, ensuring the AI Venture Lab is a visible, leading voice in the global AI entrepreneurship space.
• Build an "Intelligent" Organisation: You will deploy AI tools and agents to automate workflows and optimize the Lab. Simultaneously, you’ll master the administrative foundation—handling budgeting, reporting, and navigating legal and procurement policies to ensure a seamless, compliant operation.
• Strategic Evolution & Leadership: As the Lab’s footprint grows, so will yours. You will contribute to the evolution of our operating model, with the potential to recruit and lead a dedicated team as we scale our impact.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for an entrepreneurial professional who thrives in fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environments. You are someone who enjoys turning abstract ideas into impactful, structured programs.

Your DNA:

• AI-Fluent: You don't just use ChatGPT; you are comfortable experimenting with AI tools to automate the mundane and build smarter systems.
• Master of Influence: You possess the negotiation skills and professional polish to navigate a complex, international environment involving both academic rigour and business speed.
• Growth-Oriented: You have a natural curiosity and a desire to continuously improve processes, be resourceful to find solutions, encouraging innovation within yourself and your future team.

Your Track Record:

• Experience: At least 5 years in professional services or a comparable environment, with a proven ability to manage diverse, high-level stakeholders.
• Operational Excellence: Strong general management skills with the ability to balance strategic thinking with "on-the-ground" execution.
• Communication: Professional fluency in English and a solid understanding of how to bridge the gap between business leaders and academic researchers.
• Leadership Ready: While you are an individual contributor today, you have the appetite and skills to grow into a broader leadership role as the Lab expands.
• Collaboration: You work effectively across diverse, international stakeholders, actively sharing information, fostering open communication, and building trusted partnerships to achieve shared goals. You value teamwork and contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and solution‑oriented culture.
• Growth Mindset: You demonstrate curiosity, adaptability, and a strong desire to learn. You embrace change, continuously seek ways to improve programmes and processes, and encourage innovation and development—both for yourself and for those you work with.

At INSEAD, we are proud of our strong international presence and deep connections to the global business community. Guided by our core values : diversity, independence, rigour, and entrepreneurial spirit, we foster a collaborative environment where empathy and integrity are at the heart of every interaction. With a commitment to professionalism and a client-focused approach, we encourage our team to embrace a growth mindset, driving innovation and delivering exceptional results. If you’re passionate about working with a dynamic, globally-minded team that values closeness to its clients and thrives on new challenges, we’d love to hear from you! Join our vibrant community and help shape the future of business education!
Diversity is one of INSEAD’s founding values and as such we commit to cultivating a community that pursues equity, exemplifies inclusion and cherishes diversity in all its dimensions. Our jobs are open to all talents, so apply and join us!