Program Manager - Mentorship & Partnerships

Context of job:

The Innovation Space seeks applicants for an exciting and challenging full-time position as Program Manager – Mentorship & Partnerships. The Program Manager – Mentorship & Partnerships will play a pivotal role in strengthening The Innovation Space's mission to support and accelerate the growth of science-based startups. This individual will build and sustain relationships with ecosystem partners and mentors, while leading impactful programs that enhance startup success.

The Innovation Space is one of the nation’s leading and largest incubators and accelerators for life science, clean tech, and advanced materials startups in the physical sciences. With best-in-class lab space, collaborative office space and virtual programs accessible anywhere in the world, Innovation Space is supporting innovation on a global scale. Located on the historic Experimental Station campus in Wilmington, Delaware, The Innovation Space is comprised of 130,000 ft2 of state-of-the-art lab and office space with access to cutting edge equipment alongside a suite of entrepreneurship programs and opportunities supporting startup growth.

The Program Manager – Mentorship & Partnerships will be seconded from the University of Delaware to the Innovation Space. The Program Manager – Mentorship & Partnerships will receive overall strategic guidance from the President & CEO of the Innovation Space as well as administratively from the Research, Scholarship & Innovation office for UD specific matters.

Under the direction of The Innovation Space’s Chief Growth Officer, the Program Manager – Mentorship & Partnerships will collaboratively lead day-to-day initiatives related to growing and engaging The Innovation Space’s partner network and mentor community. This role will primarily report to the Chief Growth Officer but involve work with team members across the Innovation Space.

Major responsibilities:

• Plan and execute mentorship programs and events that support Innovation Space startups while effectively engaging The Innovation Space’s mentor community, such as Spark Factory pitch sessions, overseeing outreach, applications, logistics, and communications.
• Support program meetings and coaching sessions by coordinating schedules and communications.
• Build strategic relationships with industry, research universities, and other ecosystem partners to strengthen The Innovation Space’s mission and capabilities for the growth of science-based startups.
• Develop and manage partner engagement processes to ensure effective use of partner resources and maintain strong relationships.
• Stay in strong sync with the needs of current and future clients. Work with team members and the Chief Growth Officer to identify and engage potential mentors and partners to enhance The Innovation Space’s ecosystem and access to expertise.
• Collaborate with team members on competitive landscape mapping and assessments including identifying partnership opportunities.
•  Leverage mentor and partner networks to attract high-potential science startups for The Innovation Space’s programs and offerings, including lab space, Spark Factory, Science Inc., and funding initiatives.
• Represent The Innovation Space and serve as an effective spokesperson at conferences, meetings, and networking events.
• Build and manage the Startup Mentor community, including engagement strategies, communications, and mentor event operations.
• Perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned by Innovation Space leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in science, engineering, or business, with at least five years of experience related to startups in the life sciences, clean tech, or advanced materials sectors, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven ability to design, implement, and manage mentorship or volunteer programs, including recruiting, onboarding, and engaging mentors or other volunteers.
• Technical aptitude and business acumen and the ability to build and manage partnerships and relationships with key stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating long-term relationships with diverse stakeholders, including universities, industry leaders, and startups.
• Ability to use data to evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships and mentorship programs and provide actionable insights.
• Experience developing and implementing strategies to grow and engage networks or ecosystems, especially membership and/or sponsorship models.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to simultaneously move multiple projects forward and meet deadlines
• Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills with particular attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team, anticipate issues and needs, and proactively seek resolutions while being resourceful.
• Experience with CRM systems project management tools, and communication platforms.
• Knowledge of technology commercialization, intellectual property management, or R&D partnerships is a plus.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• May require occasional evening and/or weekend hours including travel up to 25%.

Notice of Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action

The University of Delaware does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, disability, religion, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in its employment, educational programs and activities, admissions policies, and scholarship and loan programs as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies. The University of Delaware also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Applications close: Open until filled