Preceptor

About Watson Institute

Watson Institute runs transformative fellowship programs with support from major corporations and foundations to help promising entrepreneurs and leaders from underserved communities. These fellowships combine practical entrepreneurship and leadership training, dedicated mentorship, community-building stipends, ongoing alumni support, and access to a worldwide network of peers, mentors, and opportunities.

Through partnerships with organizations such as Google, JPMorganChase Foundation, Walmart.org, Wells Fargo, Ford Philanthropy, SAP, Truist Foundation, BMO, Comcast, Western Union, and several private foundations, the institute’s programs are set to serve more than 2,400 emerging leaders this year. Alumni have collectively raised over $190 million, created more than 2,300 paid jobs, and contributed to the lives of over 11 million people globally. Many alumni are employed, continuing their studies, or building ventures, and former fellows have gone on to programs such as Y Combinator and Echoing Green, as well as top universities including Harvard, NYU, and Princeton.

Role Overview

The Preceptor role is designed for experienced practitioners who can coach and guide fellows as they move through a 16-week fellowship. Unlike a traditional classroom instructor, a Preceptor blends real-world experience with facilitation skills to deliver hands-on, engaging learning. The role focuses on helping fellows turn ideas into action across areas such as foundational startup thinking, data and metrics, fundraising, go-to-market strategy, pitching, and team management.

Preceptors act as subject-matter experts in residence and are selected for having practical experience in entrepreneurship, impact, and education. They lead a designated block within the program, with each block usually spanning two to four modules aligned to the program’s goals. The position is hired on a contractor basis.

Key Responsibilities

You will be expected to prepare module content, lead virtual learning sessions, mentor and coach fellows, review and respond to fellow deliverables, attend program meetings, and take part in onboarding and training. The time commitment depends on the fellowship assignment, but candidates should expect a part-time schedule throughout the period of engagement. Final scheduling details will be confirmed during the interview and before hiring.

Teaching and Delivery Approach

The learning model emphasizes application over theory. While conceptual teaching is included, the program is intentionally designed to sit near the experiential end of the spectrum. Each module is structured so fellows spend most of the time practicing and applying tools directly to their ventures and leadership growth.

Watson Institute follows a five-step facilitation process that aims to dedicate around 80% of module time to practice and application, and about 20% to introducing concepts and frameworks. Modules are built to be relevant, rigorous, and highly engaging, with attention to clear outcomes, aligned activities, and fellow-centered instruction.

Preceptors are encouraged to review fellow profiles before developing their block materials so they can tailor the experience to the cohort’s venture stage and learning needs. The institute serves what it describes as the “missing middle,” generally Venture Stage 7-8. Continuous feedback is part of the model, with fellows completing mid-program and end-of-program surveys, and Preceptors receiving feedback as well.

Learning Management System

All program materials are delivered through Google Classroom. Preceptors must upload materials on time and will receive a preparation checklist before each session to support smooth delivery and a strong fellow experience.

Mentorship Expectations

Each Preceptor is expected to reserve four hours per module for mentorship. Fellows can book 30-minute one-on-one sessions, allowing a Preceptor to meet with up to eight fellows across a 16-week period for each module taught. Preceptors may choose to offer additional availability if they wish.

Fellows are encouraged to arrive with a goal for the mentoring conversation so that meetings remain focused and purposeful. Preceptors are asked to maintain records of mentorship sessions by completing a brief form provided after orientation.

Additional Responsibilities

• The scope of the role may expand as the position evolves.

What We’re Looking For

• You bring at least five years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship, startup growth, venture support, social impact, business expansion, or a similar area.
• You have experience building, scaling, investing in, advising, mentoring, or otherwise supporting ventures, whether as a founder, operator, investor, advisor, mentor, or ecosystem builder.
• You enjoy teaching, coaching, mentoring, and facilitating learning experiences that help entrepreneurs work through challenges and uncover opportunities.
• You believe in practical, hands-on learning and can create an environment where people learn through action, reflection, and peer collaboration.
• You have worked with entrepreneurs and people from diverse cultural, economic, and academic backgrounds, and you are committed to inclusive learning spaces.
• You understand the founder journey and the resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness needed to navigate uncertainty.
• You keep a growth mindset, stay curious, and continue learning about industry shifts, best practices, and emerging tools or technologies.
• You are committed to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and helping the next generation of founders and changemakers succeed.

Working Style and Culture

• You are highly organized and detail-focused, with strong project management instincts and a habit of following checklists and work plans carefully.
• You plan ahead, create structure, and enjoy designing efficient systems and processes.
• You are motivated by outcomes and are willing to take initiative to solve problems and follow through on responsibilities.
• You handle sensitive judgment calls with integrity, know when information must be protected, and are comfortable escalating issues when necessary.
• You have experience building and improving systems that serve multiple people and must run consistently and accurately.
• You communicate directly, thoughtfully, and frequently, and you are comfortable raising disagreements when needed.
• You can disagree and still commit once a decision has been made.
• You avoid unnecessary drama and stay focused on mission and impact.
• You go straight to the relevant person or source when concerns arise.

Compensation and Engagement Details

This is a contractor role with compensation of $1,300 to $3,000 per block, depending on the fellowship, module count, and the scope of the engagement. The role reports to the Design Team.

Estimated time commitment is about 25 to 35 hours. The anticipated start for all Preceptors is August 2026, with onboarding and engagement beginning then. The end date will vary by fellowship, and most cohorts conclude in December 2026 or January 2027, though extension may be possible depending on organizational needs, program requirements, and performance.

Watson Institute prioritizes candidates from specific geographies in order to work closely with the communities it serves. Prioritized locations include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, China, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled.