The Cobalt Collective is a new, independent non-profit organization focused on bridging the gap between high-growth technology and evidence-based impact. We were born out of Reach Capital, a venture fund investing in learning, health, and work. Reach has backed industry-defining companies like Replit, Desmos, and Lovevery. Through this work, we realized that the most successful founders don’t just chase "eyeballs" — they are obsessed with quality and outcomes. The Cobalt Collective was formed to take those learnings to the next level. We exist to provide technical assistance, funding, and connections to help startups build solutions that are not just commercially viable, but scientifically robust and deeply impactful.
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About the Role We are looking for a Founding Executive Director to build this organization from the ground up. In this role, you will be an army of one (initially), working closely with the Reach Capital team. Funding for the first two years is secured, giving you the runway to focus purely on strategy, execution, and impact. You will report to a Board of Directors comprised of Reach partners and external industry leaders. This is not a traditional administrative non-profit role. It is a builder role for a commercial-minded operator who loves the agility of startups but is driven by a non-profit mission.
Organization: The Cobalt Collective (Supported by Reach Capital) Location: San Francisco (Preferred) or New York City Type: Full-time | Hybrid (2-3 days in office – this is not a remote job)
What You Will Do
- Build the Organization (0 to 1)
- Define the strategic roadmap and scope of work for the Collective’s first 24 months.
- Establish “Minimum Viable Process”—creating lean, effective operational systems without the bloat of traditional bureaucracy.
- Manage the initial budget and justify future staffing needs based on impact milestones.
- Deliver Impact Support (The “Work”)
- Act as a consultative partner to founders in the Reach portfolio and beyond.
- Diagnose company needs and co-design high-leverage activities to improve product quality and efficacy.
- Connect founders with domain experts, researchers, and practitioners to build internal capacity.
- Facilitate studies on efficacy and help founders implement data collection loops that actually inform product development.
- Start a Movement with Others (Field Building)
- Translate internal learnings into public goods.
- Write blog posts, case studies, and impact stories that set a new standard for the industry.
- Host convenings that bring together investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs.
- Champion the philosophy that rigorous evidence and commercial scale are not mutually exclusive.
Who You Are
- You are impact-obsessed. You understand that user growth does not equal quality. You care deeply about whether a product achieves its intended outcomes in the real world.
- You are “startup native.” You have a commercial mindset and understand the chaotic reality of building a company. You value speed and adaptability.
- You hate bureaucracy. You are a first-principles thinker who views meetings and process as tools, not outcomes. You build systems only when they speed things up.
- You are a bridge-builder. You can code-switch effortlessly between pitching a VC, strategizing with a product manager, and debating methodology with an academic researcher.
- You have no ego. You are willing to do the small things to get the big things done.
Key Skills
- Communication: Exceptional writing and storytelling skills. You can turn dry data into compelling narratives.
- Data Fluency: Comfortable with metrics, analytics, and evaluation frameworks.
- Interpersonal: High empathy and integrity. You are a listener first.
This position was originally posted by The Cobalt Collective and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link below. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.