Program Manager, Entrepreneurship and New Ventures - Office of Research Innovation and Economic Development - UTK

University of Tennessee•Knoxville, TN

15d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Program Manager provides operational and communications support for initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, commercialization, and new venture creation across the University of Tennessee’s research enterprise. Under the guidance of the Director, the role plans and coordinates initiatives within the university and across the regional innovation ecosystem to strengthen industry engagement in entrepreneurial programs, technology commercialization, venture development, and mentorship opportunities. The position supports recruitment of academic innovators for regional and national training programs; identifies instructors and mentors for entrepreneurship, incubator, and accelerator programs; and supports communications, data sharing, and evaluation of program performance. It also identifies and facilitates collaboration around new technologies that broaden participation of underrepresented groups. The Program Manager may lead or support initiatives including NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps), the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund, SBIR/STTR programs and proposals, and other strategic initiatives identified by the Director. The role builds relationships with regional entrepreneurial resources and connects academic innovators with university and regional innovation resources. It also fosters collaboration with corporate partners to connect research and development needs with University of Tennessee commercialization opportunities. The position is based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a hybrid arrangement and occasional in-person requirements; the applicant must live in Knoxville or within commuting distance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in any related field.
At least two years of experience with start-up organizations and/or entrepreneurship programs.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships and engage with entrepreneurial leaders and groups.
Knowledge of regional and national innovation communities.
Ability to interact with technology teams to understand concepts, expertise, and capabilities.
Ability to collaborate, develop networks, and build partnerships.
Proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.
Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.
Legally authorized to work in the United States full-time without a current or future need for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in any related field.
Four years of experience with a high-growth start-up and/or entrepreneurial programs related to technology development and commercialization.
Research experience in an academic laboratory.
Demonstrated experience in program and/or project management.
Prior participation in a regional or national I-Corps program.
Experience delivering compelling presentations and providing expert coaching for business pitches, with a focus on clarity, persuasion, and strategic communication.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and participate in programs and initiatives that contribute to the university’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.
Support team members in achieving shared goals by encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail.
Develop, implement, and maintain process-improvement initiatives for entrepreneurship and new venture programs.
Manage multiple projects and assignments independently or as part of a team.
Lead and participate in program workshops, presentations, and events that promote collaboration and engagement.
Coordinate the design and production of promotional materials, websites, and other content to raise program awareness.
Manage recruitment, registration, and coordination of participants for assigned initiatives, and prepare progress reports.
Develop a structured approach for timely project updates and fluid communication across the team.
Monitor entrepreneurship and venture development program activities and provide updates to university leadership as needed.
Support strategic planning and roadmap development for future innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.
Establish networks across the university and with external partners to support strategic objectives for the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development.
Seek collaboration opportunities with other departments and promote engagement across the university.
Use effective communication methods to foster interaction and collaboration.
Support activities that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for underrepresented groups.
Advise on university policies and procedures relevant to entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development.
Serve as a liaison between the university and external stakeholders.
Establish and maintain internal university relationships that support open communication and collaborative work practices.
Develop and manage relationships with external groups that promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Tennessee.
Build a broad network of contacts inside and outside the university, identify collaboration opportunities, and maintain stakeholder trust and confidentiality.
Perform other duties as assigned.