Program Manager, Tech-Based

TechTown Detroit•Detroit, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager, Technology-Based Programs supports planning, implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of initiatives that advance technology entrepreneurs and inclusive economic development. A key area of responsibility is the Mobility Accelerator Innovation Network (MAIN), a collaborative initiative within the Global Epicenter of Mobility. The role coordinates program delivery, data systems, grant reporting, compliance requirements, and operational processes across internal teams and external partners. The Program Manager translates program strategies, scopes of work, and grant requirements into work plans, reliable systems, accurate reports, and clear next steps. Through project management, data stewardship, and cross-functional coordination, the role helps TechTown assess whom its programs serve, track participant progress, identify gaps and risks, and strengthen services. It also fosters coordination among staff, partners, vendors, and founders so commitments are fulfilled and entrepreneurs can navigate available support. The position is primarily in person, with flexibility subject to manager approval and departmental needs. Occasional evening or weekend attendance and local travel may be required. The budgeted salary range starts at $70,000 and may be adjusted based on 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 with CRM, project-management, database, or reporting platforms; ability to learn and 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 potential 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 the 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 document participant status, referrals, follow-up activities, next steps, and program transitions.
Coordinate with TechTown teams and external partners to strengthen shared 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 alignment with program and grant requirements.
Partner with Finance to monitor program budgets, expenditures, commitments, and supporting documentation and help ensure financial activity aligns with approved program plans.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures, templates, reporting calendars, and tools that 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 effective delivery and administration of TechTown’s technology-based programs.

Benefits

Health and dental plans, vision coverage, life insurance, short-term disability, and a team member assistance program.
Full-time team members receive 100% employer-paid life, short-term disability, and long-term disability benefits.
Wellness Inspired Workplace, including a wellness program and onsite wellness room.
Five weeks of paid time off per year.
Twenty-three paid holidays, including two weeks in December and one week in July.
Ten paid mental health days per year.
$2,500 professional development stipend.
Retirement plan with employer matching up to 6%.
Paid parental leave.
Creativity and innovation supported and encouraged by leadership.
Fulfillment and the knowledge of having made an impact in Detroit’s economic growth.