Program Manager, Tech-Based

TechTown Detroit•Detroit, MI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

TechTown’s Technology-Based Programs team supports entrepreneurs developing innovative technology startups by connecting them with education, mentorship, strategic partnerships, capital pathways and other resources. The Program Manager will support the planning, implementation, administration and continuous improvement of initiatives designed to advance founder success and inclusive economic development, with particular responsibility for the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN), a collaborative initiative within the Global Epicenter of Mobility. Working across internal departments and with external partners, the Program Manager coordinates program delivery, data systems, grant reporting, compliance requirements and operational processes. The role connects detailed program administration with the broader goal of building stronger, more accessible pathways for technology entrepreneurs. It helps ensure programs are delivered consistently, efficiently and in alignment with organizational priorities, partnership commitments and funder expectations. The successful candidate will translate program strategies, scopes of work and grant requirements into work plans, systems, reports and next steps. Through project management, data stewardship and cross-functional coordination, the Program Manager will help TechTown understand who programs serve, how participants progress, where gaps or risks exist and how services can be improved. The position also fosters collaboration among staff, partners, vendors and founders so resources are coordinated, commitments are fulfilled and entrepreneurs can navigate available support more easily. This is primarily an in-person role, with periodic hybrid work subject to manager approval and departmental needs. The schedule may be discussed during onboarding and revisited as needed. Occasional evening or weekend attendance and local travel may be required. The budgeted salary range starts at $70,000 and may be adjusted according to qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, nonprofit management, public administration, data analytics, economic development or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and professional experience.
At least three years of progressively responsible experience in program management, project management, grant administration, nonprofit operations, economic development or a related area.
Demonstrated experience managing grant-funded programs, coordinating reporting requirements or maintaining documentation for funder, contractual or regulatory compliance.
Strong data-management skills, including collecting, organizing, validating, reconciling, analyzing and clearly presenting information from multiple sources.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets and experience using CRM, project-management, database or reporting platforms.
Ability to quickly learn and effectively use new technology systems.
Ability to interpret reporting guidance, performance measures and complex requirements and translate them into actionable work plans and internal processes.
Excellent project-management and organizational skills, including managing multiple programs, partners, deliverables and deadlines simultaneously.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, documentation quality and timely follow-through.
Strong written communication skills, including preparing reports, narrative summaries, procedures, presentations and professional correspondence for internal and external audiences.
Sound judgment and proactive problem-solving skills, including identifying risks, investigating discrepancies, recommending solutions and appropriately escalating concerns.
Demonstrated commitment to inclusive economic development and ability to work effectively with entrepreneurs, colleagues and community partners from diverse backgrounds.
Ability and willingness to occasionally attend evening or weekend programs, meetings and events and travel locally as program needs require.

Nice To Haves

Experience administering or reporting on federal, state or philanthropic grants.
Experience working with entrepreneurship-support organizations, startups, accelerators, technology commercialization programs or regional economic-development initiatives.
Experience developing performance dashboards, data visualizations, reporting templates or program measurement systems.
Experience supporting budget monitoring, vendor management, procurement, contracts or consultant deliverables.
Knowledge of Michigan’s entrepreneurship, technology, mobility or advanced-industry ecosystem.
Familiarity with federal grant compliance requirements, including Uniform Guidance, documentation standards and audit readiness.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day planning, implementation and continuous improvement of technology-based entrepreneurship programs and strategic initiatives, including MAIN.
Collect, maintain, validate and reconcile participant, partner, program and outcome data across the CRM, grant reporting systems and internal tracking tools.
Coordinate accurate, timely and complete grant reports, gathering required information and supporting documentation from internal teams, Finance, contractors and external partners.
Maintain organized, compliance-ready program and grant records and monitor adherence to funder requirements, organizational policies, approved scopes of work and reporting deadlines.
Develop dashboards, reports and tools to monitor key performance indicators, program milestones, founder engagement, referrals, services delivered and participant outcomes.
Analyze program and portfolio data to identify trends, assess progress, flag risks or gaps, recommend course corrections and communicate program impact.
Translate program strategies, grant commitments, scopes of work and organizational priorities into work plans, timelines, deliverables and accountability systems.
Maintain visibility into founder and startup pipelines and ensure participant status, referrals, follow-up activities, next steps and program transitions are documented and managed.
Coordinate with TechTown teams and external partners to strengthen intake, assessment, referral, service-delivery and participant-tracking processes.
Plan and support partner meetings, program activities, workshops, events and other convenings, including agendas, decisions, responsibilities and follow-up.
Coordinate vendor, contractor and consultant scopes of work, deliverables, timelines, documentation and performance in line with program and grant requirements.
Partner with Finance to monitor program budgets, expenditures, commitments and supporting documentation and ensure financial activity aligns with approved plans.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, reporting calendars and other tools to improve program consistency, efficiency, data quality and institutional knowledge.
Build relationships in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, represent TechTown at relevant events and cultivate connections that support participant recruitment, referrals and founder success.
Perform other responsibilities that support the effective delivery and administration of TechTown’s technology-based programs.

Benefits

Generous health and dental plans, vision coverage, life insurance, short-term disability and a team member assistance program.
401(k) retirement plan with employer matching up to 6%.
Full-time team members receive TechTown-paid life, short-term disability and long-term disability benefits.
Wellness program and onsite Wellness Room.
Five weeks of paid time off per year.
23 paid holidays, including two weeks in December and one week in July.
10 paid mental health days per year.
$2,500 professional development stipend.
Paid parental leave.
Creativity and innovation supported and encouraged by leadership.
Opportunity to contribute to Detroit’s economic growth.