Program Director

MassChallenge•Dallas, TX

4d•$110,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Organization: MassChallenge The Role: Program Director Location: Dallas, Texas Reports to: Sr. Director of Programs Compensation: $110,000 - $120,000 MassChallenge is the global network for innovators who are working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. Our mission is to equip bold entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change. Our mission is BIG, and thus we are a team that gives 100% every day. Our values ensure we stay true to our mission and our core beliefs. MassChallenge is currently seeking a Program Director to join our team. Position Summary The Program Director will be responsible for the successful delivery and execution of Hybrid, Dallas-based and other accelerator programs, with a primary focus on high-quality program implementation and participant experience. This role will dedicate approximately 60-70% of time to program delivery, ensuring startups and stakeholders receive the tools, resources, and support needed for success. An additional 30% of time will be focused on market engagement, network building, and business development to strengthen the program’s ecosystem and partnerships in coordination with the Head of Texas, located in Dallas. The ideal candidate will be a client-facing, relationship-driven leader with deep experience and a strong network in healthcare, life sciences (HLS), or biotech. As a natural convener, this individual will bring together founders, partners, and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive program impact. Based in Dallas, the Program Director will play a key role in expanding regional engagement while contributing to broader organizational goals. Location This Program Director will be expected to work from the MassChallenge Dallas office and as otherwise required to successfully deliver the program. Occasional work after-hours will be necessary to support the execution of programs and other healthcare-focused events. Travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
7+yearsof experience in project/program management
Experience in accelerator operations, recruitment, and supporting small businesses
Knowledge of the healthcare, life sciences (HLS) and/or biotech industry.
Record of strong business skills, leadership, people management, strategic thinking, and sound judgment
Willingness and ability to engage business, philanthropic, civic, and academic leaders in business networking settings.
You have 7-10 years of work experience and a specific skillset in project management or operations
You have exceptional project leadership and management skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
You excel at maximizing team productivity and are able to make decisions that take into consideration a variety of stakeholder needs, team capacity/bandwidth and organizational growth goals
You enjoy and are adept at making connections and networking in business event and other social settings
You are capable of setting priorities and goals for others, removing barriers to success, coaching, and providing regular and direct feedback, communicating important business information, leading by example in following policies and processes, and enabling growth and career development
You can deal with ambiguity and changing priorities and circumstances
Thoughtful, energetic, and diplomatic change ambassador; an experienced professional in understanding organizational dynamics, guiding individuals and teams through complex and changing environments
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

Nice To Haves

Previous accelerator management experience ideal but not required
Knowledge of the dual use innovation ecosystem ideal but not required
You are excited to be part of a growing our second U.S hub on a small local team part of a larger global family

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end delivery of hybrid and Dallas-based accelerator programs, ensuring a high-quality experience for participating startups, partners, and stakeholders
Allocate the majority of time (70%) to hands-on program execution, including curriculum delivery, founder support, and operational excellence
Drive business development and local ecosystem development (20–30%), building and activating a strong network of founders, mentors, partners, and industry leaders—particularly across healthcare, life sciences, and biotech
As needed for custom accelerator programs, serve as a client-facing representative and trusted relationship manager, fostering meaningful connections and acting as a natural convener within the regional innovation ecosystem
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to support program success, including sourcing mentors, speakers, and industry collaborators
Establish feedback loops and performance metrics to continuously improve program delivery and outcomes
Contribute to broader organizational initiatives and support additional accelerator programs as needed
Engage leaders from local businesses and other enterprises who will have value in funding programs and capabilities of MassChallenge. Fostering and surfacing leads for our Business Development team to pursue. Act as the local contact for new business opportunities as they work their way through the sales process.
Where appropriate, help identify and develop local philanthropic funding sources, either individual donors or foundations. Work with our VP of Advancement as the local resource for funding opportunities through these types of contacts.
Recruit experts, evaluators, mentors, and lecturers through strategic networking.
Onboard recruited experts, evaluators, mentors, and lecturers to programs
Support building of relationships across other organizations in partnership with the Head of Texas
Attend, support, and represent MassChallenge at local ecosystem events in Dallas and elsewhere as needed by the program
Manage the program delivery team
Add to collective knowledge and best practices on startups acceleration and commercialization
Be a collaborative colleague across the program and network team nationally
Support the greater MassChallenge program execution team as needed

Benefits

MassChallenge offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.
Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with skills and experience.

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