Program Manager, Fintech Accelerator (SMU)

MassChallenge•Dallas, TX

7h•$80,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

MassChallenge is seeking a Manager, Fintech Accelerator and Programming to join their Dallas team. This role is a core member of the Fintech Coalition team, focusing on the fintech acceleration program in partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU). The individual will be responsible for the day-to-day operations and programming execution of the SMU Cox Fintech Accelerator, ensuring it runs at the highest performing level. This role supports the full accelerator lifecycle, including logistics, scheduling, founder support, mentor selection and coordination, session and event delivery, and milestone tracking. The Manager will work closely with the Vice President, FinTech Coalition, serving as the operational backbone of the program and shaping its delivery to create a great founder experience. The role is Dallas-based and dedicated full-time to the SMU Cox Fintech Coalition, requiring presence on the SMU campus and partner venues. Periodic evening and weekend availability will be necessary, along with occasional travel to Boston and other markets.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required
Three or more years of experience in program management, operations, accelerator or incubator coordination, innovation ecosystems, or a related field
Experience supporting complex, multi-stakeholder programs with high attention to detail and multiple simultaneous workstreams
Exceptionally organized and can manage a high volume of details without dropping the ball
Strong communicator, written and verbal
Genuine care for founders and their experience
Thrives in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments and is comfortable adjusting when priorities shift
Collaborative team player who brings a positive, solutions-oriented attitude
Takes pride in execution quality
Eager to grow within a mission-driven organization
Excited to be part of MassChallenge's growing Texas presence

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with fintech, financial services, or startup ecosystems is strongly preferred
Experience using program management platforms, CRM tools, Airtable, or similar is a plus
University, nonprofit, or mission-driven organization experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day logistics for the full accelerator lifecycle, including scheduling, calendar management, venue coordination, vendor communication, and internal planning.
Support the configuration and management of the MassChallenge Accelerate platform, including application tracking, review tools, founder dashboards, and milestone records.
Coordinate cohort onboarding logistics, including orientation sessions, readiness assessments, startup goal setting, mentor introductions, and kick-off convening preparation.
Track startup milestone completion throughout the program and maintain organized, up-to-date records of founder progress, session attendance, and engagement metrics.
Support the multi-stage startup selection process, including reviewer logistics, scoring tool management, and deliberation coordination.
Support the design and delivery of structured curriculum sessions, workshops, and expert programming across the five Accelerator modules.
Coordinate expert and mentor session logistics, including scheduling, preparation materials, participant briefings, and follow-up.
Develop and maintain program-facing materials such as agendas, session guides, founder-facing resources, and communications templates.
Assist in facilitating workshops and programming moments as needed.
Gather participant feedback after sessions and programming touchpoints.
Coordinate mentor and expert matching, scheduling, and engagement tracking across the cohort.
Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for founders on operational and logistical questions.
Support onboarding and orientation for mentors, reviewers, and judges.
Monitor mentor engagement quality and flag concerns to the Vice President, FinTech Coalition.
Support planning and on-the-ground execution of program events, including the Accelerator Kickoff Convening, Midpoint Founder and Partner Convening, and the SMU Cox Fintech Accelerator Finale and Showcase.
Coordinate logistics for Executive Circle events, founder salons, and other platform activities.
Manage run-of-show preparation, day-of coordination, and post-event debrief and documentation.
Work closely with the Vice President, FinTech Coalition to ensure smooth program execution and proactive identification of operational risks or gaps.
Collaborate with the Dallas-based team and Boston-based MassChallenge program staff on cross-team initiatives and shared operational standards.
Contribute to organizational knowledge and best practices in accelerator operations.