Program Manager - Entrepreneurship Programs
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This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.POSITION SPECIFICS
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.
Key Responsibilities
Entrepreneurship Program Leadership
- 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.
Statewide Program Development
- 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.
Stakeholder Engagement and Program Operations
- 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.
Compliance and Administration
- 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.
Required Skills and Experience
- 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.
Preferred Skills and Experience
- 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.
Work Arrangement: This is primarily an in-person position, but may work remotely one to two days per week.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Education Program Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Education Program Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: NoneBACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $86,400.00.Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.