Program Manager, Downtown Innovation Hub
Posted March 1, 2023
Program Manager
UC Downtown Innovation Hub – University of Charleston
JOB SUMMARY:
Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Innovation, the Program Manager implements and manages the programs for entrepreneurs, business owners and the community; conducts marketing and outreach to attract members and program participants; and builds and manages the co-working and remote work community. The position will require deep small and medium enterprise (SME) business experience and includes the principal responsibilities and tasks below:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
Program Marketing and Management
- Serve as the on-site manager of the co-working program and space
- Works with the Executive Director of Innovation to create the content and services for each program
- Manage all UC DIH programs
- Implement the policies and procedures for operating the program
- Recruit professionals, service providers and experienced businesspeople to participate as coaches, mentors, and subject matter experts
- Develop the application and membership policies for co-working members
- Work with the Executive Director to develop a clear and consistent message for each program, and conduct outreach to engage the targeted participants, partners, and others
- Collaborate with the Executive Director on strategic planning for each program
- Organize events and attract sponsors and co-hosts
- Track performance metrics for each program and then measure and regularly report progress to the UC Executive Director
- Provide additional planning and management support to the Executive Director, as needed
Direct Assistance to Entrepreneurs
- Serve as the case manager for entrepreneur members to ensure that mutually-agreed-upon milestones are met, and the right combination of resources are provided at the appropriate time
- Provide direct assistance to entrepreneur members, including navigating to resources and ESPs in Charleston
- Advise entrepreneur members
Event Planning and Management
- Recruit speakers for events
- Coordinate with the UC Executive Director and Program Coordinator on implementation of events
- Recruit volunteers, including UC students, to assist with events and programs
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Program Manager must have the appropriate background, experience, and skills to implement and manage programs and events that assist entrepreneurs and SMEs with building and growing their businesses and create an entrepreneurial and flexible work environment (i.e., co-working and remote workspace) at the UC DIH. The Program Manager must also possess the requisite skills and experience for marketing and conducting outreach to engage entrepreneurs and small business owners, as well as coaches, subject matter experts and speakers at UC DIH events.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Deep functional business experience in accounting, finance, operations, marketing and other areas relevant for SME growth
- Project management, program development, marketing, relationship building and management, and business development
- Adult learner instruction, training, and/or coaching
- Event planning and management
- Understanding the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, especially in traded sectors
- Ability to advise entrepreneurs
- Ability to work with students and volunteers
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Highly Desirable Skills and Experience:
- Experience working in an entrepreneurial support program
- Good business network in the region
- Experience working at or with a university
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, a current resume and contact information for three professional references to Mr. David Ramsburg, Executive Director of Innovation at davidramsburg@ucwv.edu.
The University of Charleston is an Equal Opportunity Employer