Associate Manager- Accelerators

Target • Minneapolis, MN

9d • $58,100 - $104,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Manager - Accelerators helps bring Target Accelerator experiences to life throughout the Takeoff program lifecycle. The 12-week Takeoff program supports emerging consumer packaged goods brands launching products at Target, providing education, mentorship and strategic support focused on retail readiness, operational excellence and launch preparation.

The role owns and supports program operations, brand sourcing and engagement, educational programming, events, systems and business development activities, in close partnership with Accelerator leadership, Merchandising teams and internal and external stakeholders. It is a dynamic role on a lean team, requiring the ability to balance planned program work with emerging opportunities, special projects and evolving business needs, and to independently move work forward.

Requirements

• Four-year degree or equivalent experience.
• Highly organized, process- and detail-oriented, with experience in event planning, logistics and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong facilitation, content creation, written, verbal and presentation skills, including the ability to develop engaging materials and deliver diverse and inclusive experiences for internal and external audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Creative problem-solving skills and sound judgment, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and adapt to changing priorities and evolving business needs.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to independently drive work forward while balancing competing priorities in a lean, dynamic team environment.
• Ability to build trusted relationships, establish rapport and collaborate effectively across a large, complex enterprise and with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, passion for innovation, curiosity about emerging businesses, and a collaborative, empathetic approach to teamwork.

Nice To Haves

• Smartsheet experience.
• Experience in merchandising (buying).

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations across Accelerator programs, turning priorities into actionable plans, timelines and execution aligned with Merchandising transition calendars and category priorities.
• Coordinate in-person and virtual programming, including event logistics, run-of-show, technical support, speaker and mentor coordination, communications, curriculum materials, session recordings and participant experiences.
• Identify and engage emerging CPG brands through industry events, founder networks and other sourcing activities.
• Represent Target Accelerators at internal and external events to build relationships, increase awareness and identify opportunities aligned with Target’s Merchandising priorities.
• Manage the Accelerator brand proposal process, including supplier intake reviews, the Brands to Watch newsletter, transition proposals and line-review webinars; coordinate brand feedback with Merchandising and Accelerator leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with participating brands, speakers, subject-matter experts, mentors, and internal and external partners; coordinate communications, introductions, feedback and follow-ups.
• Develop and maintain operational playbooks, program documentation and shared resources.
• Support team operations, including inbox management, budgeting, vendor setup, payments and administrative processes.
• Support special projects and evolving business needs, including startup ecosystem research, program audits and event planning.
• Exercise flexibility and independent judgment in a dynamic, lean team environment, including travel and occasional evening or weekend hours as needed.

Benefits

• Eligible team members and their dependents may receive comprehensive health benefits, which may include medical, vision, dental and life insurance.
• 401(k).
• Employee discount.
• Short-term disability.
• Long-term disability.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid national holidays.
• Paid vacation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level