Program Manager - Entrepreneurship Programs
About The Position
The Office of Entrepreneurship (OE) within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research seeks an experienced and creative Program Manager to lead and execute entrepreneurship programs that connect students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to entrepreneurial resources across Penn State's innovation ecosystem. This position will be filled at the Education Program Specialist - Intermediate Professional OR Advanced Professional level. Reporting to the Director of Economic Development and Student Programs, this position provides leadership for a portfolio of entrepreneurship initiatives, with responsibility for program development, stakeholder engagement, event execution, sponsor relations, budget oversight, and program evaluation. This role supports both University Park-based initiatives and shared programming delivered in collaboration with the LaunchBox and Innovation Network.
Requirements
- Experience developing, managing, and adapting programs or events for diverse audiences.
- Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Ability to work independently, execute initiatives with limited supervision, and assess program outcomes.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in program design and delivery.
- Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience (for Intermediate Professional level) OR Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience (for Advanced Professional level); or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, higher education, or a related field.
- Experience coordinating large-scale events, conferences, or multi-site initiatives.
- Knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems, startup support services, and innovation programming.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for Penn State Startup Week, the University's flagship entrepreneurship event.
- Lead all aspects of program planning and execution, including theme development, speaker and entrepreneur recruitment, sponsorship engagement, volunteer management, logistics, and program assessment.
- Collaborate with campus and community partners to create engaging experiences that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Partner with the LaunchBox and Innovation Network Central Services team to develop and coordinate entrepreneurship programming across Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses.
- Facilitate collaboration among LaunchBox directors and staff to identify programming opportunities, share best practices, and address emerging needs.
- Coordinate shared resources, including calendars, speakers, sponsors, curricula, and program materials to support scalable programming across the network.
- Support local adaptation of statewide initiatives to align with regional audiences and industry priorities.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with faculty, student organizations, entrepreneurial alumni, industry partners, community organizations, and Invent Penn State resources.
- Serve as a liaison among stakeholders across Penn State's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Manage program budgets, contracts, registrations, marketing coordination, logistics, and on-site operations.
- Establish and track performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Recommend enhancements to existing programs and contribute ideas for new initiatives that advance the Invent Penn State mission.
- Ensure programs operate in compliance with University policies, legal requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Develop and maintain processes, procedures, and documentation that support operational excellence, consistency, and program growth.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
