Program Manager, Entrepreneurship at Thayer

Purpose

To manage the planning and operations of the Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Engineering and other engineering focused entrepreneurship programs in support of the partnership with the Thayer School of Engineering. The Program Manager is responsible for the planning and creation of the in-person and virtual components of accelerator and meeting Thayer’s entrepreneurship metrics associated with student and faculty engagement, as well as performing a variety of tasks associated with day-to-day program operations. This position will lead the creation and execution of various entrepreneurship events, workshops and programs, recruitment and selection processes of accelerator participants, monitor accelerator project execution, and publicize the activities and achievements of entrepreneurship at Thayer. The Program Manager will engage the Magnuson Center and Thayer’s community of engineering alumni, mentors, speakers, and entrepreneurs and will facilitate communication between and among accelerator teams, programs/departments, faculty/staff/students, the Technology Transfer Office, and external parties such as investors, companies, or other entrepreneurial programs, as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or five years of relevant engineering industry work experience in a fast-paced, dynamic environment or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong interest in the engineering entrepreneurial experience.
• Proven skills in planning, project management, and organization, with the ability to manage multiple activities and resources effectively while maintaining a focus on quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce and deliver clear, concise, and professional presentations and written materials.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential matters with discretion.
• Proven capacity to work independently in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience engaging with accelerators or working for an accelerator program.
• Background in startups, product development, or business development.
• Industry experience in high-growth sectors such as medical devices, biotechnology, or energy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the startup ecosystem, including an understanding of startup needs.
• Flexibility to work some weekends, evenings, and travel on occasion.

Key Accountabilities 

Dartmouth Innovations Accelerator for Engineering (60%)

• Promotes the Accelerator to Dartmouth faculty, staff, and students; recruits new cohorts; and represents the program at events and in the local community.
• Leads recruitment and onboarding of mentors, advisors, and speakers, managing logistics for meetings, speaker sessions, and events (in-person or virtual).
• Collaborates with the Investment Committee and Thayer Dean to establish and implement investment policies, ensuring prudent oversight of investment activities.
• Serves as the primary liaison for communication between mentors, advisors, partners, and project teams, managing the Accelerator’s online community platform and publicizing program activities.
• Reviews participant deliverables (e.g., pitch decks), providing feedback and support.
• Assists awardees and spinout companies by identifying resources, managing projects, and tracking metrics for timelines, deliverables, milestones, and budgets.
• Coordinates agreements with external organizations (e.g., research contractors and technical consultants).
• Maintains current knowledge of the engineering and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

New Engineering Entrepreneurial Program Development & Execution (30%)

• Designs and delivers programming for Dartmouth entrepreneurs, including workshops, office hours, bootcamps, pitch clinics, and coaching for undergraduates, graduate students, staff, and faculty.
• Collaborates with Magnuson Center Program Managers to align offerings and maximize impact.
• Works to achieve Thayer’s entrepreneurship-related goals, emphasizing student and faculty participation in programming.

Support Staff and Operations Management (10%)

• Manages the recruitment, hiring, and oversight of part-time personnel, including student employees and contractors.
• Oversees operational efficiency, program evaluation, reporting, and compliance.