Preceptor

Overview

Watson Institute runs fellowship programs that help promising entrepreneurs and leaders from underrepresented backgrounds build the skills, networks, and support systems they need to grow. The model combines entrepreneurship and leadership training, dedicated mentorship, community development stipends, continued alumni support, and access to a global peer and mentor community.

Its programs are delivered in collaboration with major corporations and foundations, and this year the institute expects to serve more than 2,400 emerging leaders. Alumni outcomes include more than $190 million raised, over 2,300 paid jobs created, and impact reaching more than 11 million people worldwide. Former fellows are also represented in programs and institutions such as Y Combinator, Echoing Green, Harvard University, New York University, Princeton University, and Forbes 30 Under 30.

Role Summary

As a Preceptor, you will act as a subject-matter expert in residence: someone who brings practical experience as well as teaching ability. In this role, you will guide fellows through a 16-week fellowship by leading a block of programming, facilitating discussions, mentoring participants, and helping them translate concepts into action for their ventures and leadership development.

Preceptors are brought on as contractors and may teach subjects such as venture foundations, data and metrics, fundraising, go-to-market strategy, pitching, and team management. The role is intentionally rooted in lived practice rather than theory, and it sits at the intersection of entrepreneurship and impact-focused education.

What You'll Do

• Own and deliver an assigned block within the fellowship, usually made up of two to four modules.
• Prepare session content and learning materials ahead of the program.
• Lead virtual sessions that are interactive, practical, and centered on application.
• Coach fellows one-on-one and support them through mentorship conversations.
• Review fellow deliverables and provide constructive feedback.
• Attend required program meetings, onboarding, and training sessions.
• Upload materials to the learning management system in a timely manner.
• Maintain records of mentorship sessions using the form provided by the institute.
• Adapt content based on fellow profiles, venture stage, and cohort needs.
• Take on additional responsibilities as the role evolves.

Teaching and Facilitation Approach

The fellowship is designed to be experiential and highly relevant to venture-building. Sessions should emphasize clear outcomes, aligned activities, and learner-centered design. The preferred balance is roughly 80% practice and application, with about 20% focused on introducing frameworks or concepts.

Preceptors are expected to create engaging learning experiences that help fellows practice skills directly in the context of their own ventures. The institute also values continuous improvement through feedback from fellows and the program team.

Mentorship Expectations

Each module includes a mentorship component. You should reserve 4 hours per module for advising fellows, with individual sessions lasting 30 minutes each. This can support meetings with up to 8 fellows across a 16-week fellowship for every module you teach. Fellows will come prepared with a goal for the session, and you are expected to help them think through both personal and professional growth challenges.

Work Model and Tools

The learning platform used for delivery is Google Classroom. Materials must be uploaded on time, and a preparation checklist will be shared before sessions begin. Time commitment varies by fellowship, but candidates should plan for a part-time contractor engagement throughout the assignment.

Requirements

Successful candidates should bring practical experience, a strong facilitation mindset, and the ability to support learners from diverse backgrounds. Watson Institute also looks for people who are organized, thoughtful, and able to make sound decisions in sensitive situations.

Who Thrives in This Role

• Meticulous and highly organized, with a strong eye for detail.
• Intentional in the way they plan, structure, and improve processes.
• Driven to deliver results and comfortable taking ownership end to end.
• Trusted to handle confidential or sensitive matters with integrity.
• Experienced in designing, testing, and running systems that serve multiple stakeholders.
• Comfortable communicating directly, raising concerns when needed, and committing once decisions are made.
• Focused on mission over drama, gossip, or side conversations.

Candidate Profile

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in entrepreneurship, startup growth, venture support, business growth, social impact, or a closely related area.
• Background as a founder, operator, investor, advisor, mentor, educator, or ecosystem builder is strongly valued.
• Genuine enthusiasm for teaching, coaching, and facilitating learning.
• Belief in hands-on, experiential learning and peer collaboration.
• Experience working with people from varied cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds.
• Solid understanding of the founder journey, including resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving under uncertainty.
• A growth mindset and an interest in staying current with trends, best practices, and emerging tools.
• Commitment to ethical leadership, social responsibility, and helping new founders succeed.

Compensation and Engagement Terms

This is a contractor position with compensation of $1,300 to $3,000 per block, depending on the fellowship, the number of modules, and the scope of work.

The estimated total time commitment is about 25 to 35 hours. The role reports to the Design Team.

Hiring priority is given to candidates located in the following geographies: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, China, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Expected onboarding and engagement begin in August 2026. The end date depends on fellowship placement and program timing, though most cohorts wrap up in December 2026 or January 2027. Extension may be possible based on organizational needs, program needs, and performance.

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