Strategy & Operations Associate

About Pursuit

Pursuit is a social impact organization building the future of economic mobility in the age of AI. For over a decade, we’ve transformed lives through immersive training programs that propel adults from low-income backgrounds - often without college degrees - into high-growth tech careers. Our graduates have already generated nearly $1 billion in lifetime wage gains.

Now, as AI reshapes every industry, Pursuit is evolving into an AI-native organization. We’re training AI-native talent, embedding AI into our operations, and building scalable software to extend our impact. From grassroots partnerships to national policy (like our Good Jobs Guarantee), we’re not just filling jobs- we’re rethinking how economic opportunity works at scale.

About the Role

We are looking for a contract Strategy and Operations Associate to work closely with Pursuit’s CEO as a strategic right hand in developing core expansion plans for the organization. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to growth strategy, market expansion, and financing approaches at one of the most innovative nonprofits in the country.

This will be a Chief of Staff-type role, where you’ll work on high-priority, high-visibility projects, including:

• Leading industry and landscape analyses to inform Pursuit’s next phase of growth.
• Developing growth plans for expanding into new markets and sectors.
• Researching and modeling innovative financing approaches that align with Pursuit’s Jobs Fund and other vehicles.
• Partnering with the CEO and leadership team to shape strategic decision-making frameworks.
• Synthesizing data, trends, and insights into briefings, memos, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

This will be a hands-on role designed for pre-MBA candidates with prior consulting or strategy experience, or post-MBA professionals exploring applied impact and early-stage environments and who want to apply their skills in a mission-driven, AI-native context.

Who We’re Looking For

• Pre-MBA candidates with prior consulting or strategy experience, or post-MBA professionals 
• Strategic thinker – You can connect data, market insights, and organizational goals to inform decision-making.
• Analytical and structured – You can bring order to ambiguous and complex challenges and create clear frameworks.
• Mission-driven – You want to apply your skills to economic mobility, equity, and the future of work.
• Adaptable and entrepreneurial – You thrive in fast-paced, high-growth, startup-style environments.
• Strong communicator – You can synthesize information and present it clearly to executives and stakeholders.
• Experience working with senior leaders – You’re comfortable partnering with C-suite leaders and skilled at “managing up.”
• Familiarity with financing models – Exposure to impact investing, nonprofit financing, or innovative capital models is a plus.
• Excited about AI – No prior experience required, but you’re curious about how AI is reshaping industries and eager to apply it to strategic challenges.
• No ego – You’re emotionally intelligent, culturally sensitive, and socially aware.

Other details:

Expected start date: ASAP

Duration: 6-8 months (open to extending to full-time consideration based on mutual fit and performance)

Structure: Open to structuring as a secondment, externship, or rotational program, aligned with your firm's requirements

Location: Option to choose between remote work or hybrid in-person schedule Tuesday - Thursday in New York City headquarters. NYC based preferred.

Reporting: You will report to CEO, Nick Simmons (MBA, Harvard Business School and MPP Harvard Kennedy School)

Compensation: $50/hour for 30-40 hours/week