Co-CEO wanted for Education Startup

Skills and Experiences:

1. Leadership and Management Experience: Proven track record of leading teams and managing projects, preferably within the education or non-profit sector. Experience in a startup environment is a plus.
2. Strategic Planning: Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to develop and execute long-term goals and objectives.
3. Emotional Intelligence: High level of emotional intelligence, with the ability to foster a positive, collaborative work environment and effectively manage interpersonal relationships.
4. Educational Background: Experience in the field of education, especially in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) or a related area, is highly desirable.
5. Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, and fundraising. Experience in securing grants, investments, or other funding sources is a plus.
6. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the vision and goals of SEL Stars to various stakeholders.
7. Marketing and Outreach: Experience in marketing, public relations, and community outreach to help promote SEL Stars and expand its reach.
8. Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
9. Innovation and Creativity: Ability to think creatively and innovatively, bringing new ideas and approaches to the development and implementation of SEL programs.
10. Passion for SEL: A deep commitment to the principles and practices of Social and Emotional Learning, with a passion for making a positive impact on individuals and communities.

Requirements:

1. Educational Qualifications: A degree in education, psychology, business administration, or a related field is preferred but not strictly required. Relevant experience and a passion for SEL are equally valued. Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA, M.Ed., Ph.D.) are a plus.
2. Professional Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in leadership roles within education, non-profit, or startup sectors.
3. Proven Success: Demonstrated success in strategic planning, project management, and team leadership.
4. Cultural Fit: Alignment with the mission, values, and vision of SEL Stars. The right candidate should be empathetic, collaborative, and driven by a desire to make a positive difference.
5. Availability: Willingness to commit full-time to the role, with the flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of a growing startup.
6. Location: Ideally based in the Cologne/Bonn area, but remote/hybrid work arrangements are possible. Occasional in-person meetings will be required.

You have strengths in...

• getting in touch with people
• networking and business relationships
• words and communication
• numbers, data and logic
• design and visuals
• organizing and keeping stuff tidy
• pushing and getting things done
• structuring and strategic thinking

You already have...

• founded a company
• raised an investment round
• exited a startup
• lead fulltime employees

As a Co-CEO of SEL Stars, you will face a variety of challenges and opportunities that will shape the future of our startup. Here’s what awaits you:

1. Securing Funding and Investments:
• Primary Objective: Your foremost task will be to find investors and secure funding to establish SEL Stars as a GmbH. This includes developing compelling pitches, identifying potential investors, and negotiating funding deals.
• Financial Strategy: Create and implement a robust financial strategy to ensure the startup’s sustainability and growth. This includes managing budgets, financial planning, and overseeing fundraising efforts.
2. Team Building and Management:
• Hiring Talent: With secured funding, you will be responsible for hiring a skilled and passionate team. This includes roles in course creation, marketing, sales, and other essential functions.
• Leadership: Provide strong leadership and direction to the team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
3. Strategic Planning and Execution:
• Vision Implementation: Work closely with me, the founder, to develop and execute strategic plans that align with SEL Stars’ mission and vision.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that all departments are working towards common goals efficiently and effectively.
4. Course Development and Innovation:
• Content Creation: Collaborate with educators and subject matter experts to develop high-quality SEL courses and programs.
• Program Expansion: Identify and implement new opportunities for program expansion and innovation to meet the evolving needs of our target audience.
5. Marketing and Sales:
• Brand Building: Lead efforts to build and promote the SEL Stars brand through strategic marketing initiatives.
• Sales Strategy: Develop and implement sales strategies to drive enrollment and engagement in SEL courses and programs.
6. Community and Partnership Development:
• Networking: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including educators, community leaders, and potential partners.
• Collaborations: Foster partnerships that enhance the reach and impact of SEL Stars.
7. Performance Monitoring and Improvement:
• Metrics and KPIs: Establish and monitor key performance indicators to track the success of programs and initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement: Implement feedback mechanisms and continuous improvement processes to ensure the highest quality of service and outcomes.

Important Notes:

• Collaborative Effort: While there are numerous tasks and challenges, you will not be alone. You will work closely with me, the founder, who remains the main leader of SEL Stars. Additionally, Johannes, a key member of the team, is poised to contribute more actively as the project gains momentum and secures funding.
• Team Support: As we secure funding, hiring a talented team will be a priority, ensuring that the workload is distributed and everyone’s expertise is utilized effectively.
• Shared Vision: We are all committed to the mission of SEL Stars, and your role as Co-CEO will be pivotal in driving our collective success.

This role requires a dynamic, entrepreneurial mindset and a deep commitment to the mission of SEL Stars. Your leadership, in collaboration with our dedicated team, will be crucial in transforming SEL Stars from a visionary idea into a thriving, impactful organisation.

What We Offer:

1. Equity and Co-ownership: As a Co-CEO, you will receive a significant equity stake in SEL Stars, making you a true partner in the venture. This provides an opportunity for substantial financial rewards as the company grows and succeeds.
2. Meaningful Impact: Join a mission-driven startup dedicated to transforming lives through Social and Emotional Learning. Your work will directly contribute to fostering emotional intelligence and resilience in individuals of all ages.
3. Leadership Role: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of SEL Stars. As Co-CEO, you will have the authority and autonomy to make strategic decisions and drive the company’s growth and development.
4. Collaborative Environment: Work closely with a passionate founder and a growing team dedicated to making a positive impact. Enjoy a collaborative and supportive work culture that values creativity, empathy, and innovation.
5. Professional Growth: Gain invaluable experience in leading a startup, with opportunities to develop your skills in strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and more. This role offers significant professional growth and learning opportunities.
6. Flexible Work Arrangements: Enjoy the flexibility to balance your work with personal commitments. We value work-life balance and offer a flexible work environment to accommodate your needs.
7. Networking Opportunities: Build your professional network by connecting with educators, community leaders, investors, and other stakeholders involved in the SEL space. Expand your influence and make valuable industry connections.
8. Potential for Funding: Although we are currently bootstrapped, we are actively seeking financial support and investments. Your role will be crucial in helping to secure funding, which will provide financial stability and growth opportunities.
9. Shared Vision: Be part of a startup with a clear, impactful vision. Your passion for SEL and personal growth will be shared and amplified by a team dedicated to making a difference.

Empowering lives through Social and Emotional Learning, SEL Stars fosters emotional intelligence, resilience, and personal growth for all ages.

SEL Stars Proposal

What We Offer:

Comprehensive Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs:

• Customized Workshops and Courses: Tailored for various age groups, including children, teenagers, and adults, to foster emotional intelligence, resilience, and interpersonal skills.
• Parent and Educator Training: Empowering parents and educators with the tools and techniques to support SEL development in children and students.
• Corporate Training Programs: Designed to enhance emotional intelligence, teamwork, and leadership skills in professional settings.

Innovative Learning Materials:

• Interactive Online Modules: Engaging, self-paced online courses that make SEL accessible to everyone, regardless of location.
• Resource Libraries: A comprehensive collection of articles, videos, and activities to support ongoing SEL development.

Community Building:

• Support Groups: Facilitating peer support groups for parents, educators, and individuals to share experiences and strategies.
• Community Events: Hosting workshops, seminars, and events to foster a sense of community and shared learning.

Personalized Coaching:

• One-on-One Coaching: Providing individualized support to help clients navigate their unique challenges and develop their SEL skills.

Vision and Mission:
At SEL Stars, our mission is to empower individuals through the transformative power of Social and Emotional Learning. We aim to create a world where emotional well-being is at the forefront of education and personal development, enabling everyone to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and empathy.

Commitment to Quality:
Our programs are evidence-based and designed by experts in the field of SEL. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, impactful learning experiences that drive real, positive change in individuals’ lives.

Challenges

The challenges ahead include bootstrapping SEL Stars while working two jobs, managing all aspects of the startup independently, and dealing with limited support. Despite these hurdles, the biggest challenge is racing against well-funded competitors who are quickly advancing in the SEL space. This underscores the validity and potential of my idea, but also highlights the urgency to secure financial support and build a dedicated team to ensure SEL Stars can thrive and make a significant impact.

Target group

Our target audience includes:

1. Parents and Guardians: Seeking to enhance their children’s emotional intelligence and resilience.
2. Educators and School Administrators: Looking to integrate SEL into their curriculum and foster a supportive learning environment.
3. Corporations and HR Professionals: Aiming to improve team cohesion, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills among employees.
4. Individuals: Interested in personal development and improving their emotional and social skills.
5. Community Leaders and Organizations: Focused on providing SEL programs to benefit local communities and diverse populations.