Community Builder and Product Engineer

Note: For this role, we are asking you to record a video about your past experience with startups, programs and community management — share whatever you think is relevant for success in this role. Please aim for no more than 2 minutes, and share the private Youtube URL in your application/message.This is a hybrid builder role focused on growing and scaling YC’s talent ecosystem through both community-building and software.You’ll design and run high-quality programs and events that connect exceptional people with YC startups — and you’ll also build the tools, systems, and AI-powered workflows that make those efforts scalable.This is not a traditional events role. You’re not just organizing — you’re engineering systems around communities.If you’re someone who enjoys bringing people together and writing code to amplify that impact, this is a uniquely high-leverage role.TL;DRYou build communities and the software that powers them You’ll work directly with founders, developers, and talent across the YC ecosystemYou’ll improve and extend YC tools (like Work at a Startup)You’ll use AI to scale community engagement and hiring outcomes You thrive in ambiguity and take ownership end-to-endAbout The Team & ProductY Combinator runs Work at a Startup (workatastartup.com), a platform that connects exceptional candidates with YC startups.YC also operates a wide range of programs — events, conferences, and partnerships — that serve as the top-of-funnel engine for talent into the ecosystem.This Role Sits At The Intersection Of Both Community → bringing the right people together Software → building systems that scale that connectionWhat You’ll DoCommunity Building & EventsOwn and run YC’s talent-facing programs: meetups, tech talks, career expos, and moreDesign high-quality in-person and online experiences that connect founders and candidatesBuild relationships across universities, developer communities, and emerging talent networksGrow and nurture communities around YC — both online and offlineAct as a strong external representative of YCEvents Engineering & Internal ToolsBuild tools and systems to manage, scale, and improve events and community engagementContribute code to YC’s internal codebase (including Work at a Startup)Automate workflows around candidate discovery, event ops, and follow-upsUse AI to improve matching, personalization, and engagement across the ecosystemPrototype quickly — from scrappy scripts to production featuresEcosystem & Platform StrategyIdentify bottlenecks in how talent flows into YC startups and build solutionsCombine programs + software to create scalable, repeatable systemsUse data to measure what works and continuously improve outcomesExpand YC’s reach into new talent pools and communitiesWhat We’re Looking ForMust-HavesStrong coding ability — you’re comfortable building real tools and shipping codeEvidence of building projects, products, or meaningful side projectsAbility to operate as both a builder and community leader Strong communication and interpersonal skillsHigh agency — you take ownership without waiting for directionComfort working in ambiguity and moving quicklyNice-to-HavesExperience running events, communities, or programsExperience with developer communities or university ecosystemsFamiliarity with AI tools and interest in applying them to real-world workflowsExperience in or strong interest in startupsWho Thrives HereBuilders who want to have impact beyond a single productPeople who enjoy both people and systems Individuals who combine technical ability with strong taste and judgment Those excited about shaping how communities and talent networks scaleWhy This Role Is UniqueYou’ll build software and run programs — not just one or the otherYou’ll have access to YC’s internal tools and can directly improve themYou’ll help define how AI transforms community building and hiring Your work will impact thousands of founders and candidates Location & BenefitsLocation: This is an in-person role at YC's campus in Dogpatch, San Francisco. This is where our users (founders, partners, and employees) are five days a week, so it’s optimal for you to be here with them. You must live in the SF Bay Area or be willing to relocate. We offer generous relocation support for those who want to move to SF to work here.Compensation: $160K to $250K base salary, depending on experience.Benefits: Our full benefits package includes medical, vision, and dental plans, infertility benefit, STD/LTD, life insurance, commuter benefits, flexible spending account, health savings account, 401(k) + 4% matching, generous parental leave, paid holidays, and flexible paid time off policy.Work Authorization: Y Combinator is willing to sponsor certain employment visas in accordance with company policy.