Program Manager of Entrepreneurship & New Venutre

The Program Manager will provide operational and communications support for a growing portfolio of initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, commercialization, and new venture creation across UT's research enterprise. Under the guidance of the Director, this position will plan and coordinate initiatives within UT and across the regional innovation ecosystem to develop, implement, and increase industry engagement in entrepreneurial programs, technology commercialization, venture development, and mentorship opportunities. The Program Manager will support the recruitment of academic innovators for regional and national training programs, identify instructors and mentors for related entrepreneurship, incubator, and accelerator programs, and support communications, data sharing, and evaluation of metrics to track program performance. This individual will identify and facilitate collaboration for new technologies that broaden participation of underrepresented groups. The Program Manager may lead or support initiatives such as the NSF Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, the university's Chancellor's Innovation Fund (CIF), SBIR/STTR programs & proposals, and other strategic initiatives identified by the Director. The incumbent will build relationships with regional entrepreneurial resources such as Launch Tennessee, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, Innov865 Alliance, and others to connect UT academic innovators, the UT Research Foundation (UTRF), the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ACEI), the SPARK Innovation Center, and other resources within the UT innovation network. This position will also foster collaboration opportunities with upper-tier corporate partners to connect research-related R&D needs to UT commercialization opportunities.

Project Work:

• Plan, organize, and participate in projects that contribute to UT's entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.

• Support team members to achieve shared goals by providing and encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail.

• Develop, implement, and maintain process improvement initiatives for entrepreneurship and new venture programs.

• Manage multiple projects and assignments independently or as part of a team.

• Lead and participate in program workshops, presentations, and events to promote a culture of collaboration and engagement.

• Coordinate the design and production of promotional materials, websites, and other content to raise program awareness.

• Manage the recruitment, registration, and coordination of participants for assigned initiatives and prepare progress reports.

• Develop a structured approach for timely project updates, ensuring fluid communication across the team.

• Monitor activities related to entrepreneurship and venture development programs and provide updates to university leadership as needed.

• Support strategic planning and road map development for future initiatives related to innovation and entrepreneurship.

Collaborative communication:

• Establish strong networks across the university and with external partners to support strategic objectives for the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development.

• Actively seek opportunities for collaboration with other departments and promote an engagement culture across the university.

• Use effective communication methods to foster interaction and collaboration.

• Support activities promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for underrepresented groups.

• Provide advice on university policies and procedures to advance entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development.

• Act as a liaison between the university and external stakeholders.

Relationship Building and Outreach:

• Establish and maintain relationships within the university to ensure open communication and collaborative work practices.

• Develop and manage relationships with external groups that promote innovation and entrepreneurship within Tennessee’s ecosystem.

• Foster trust and maintain confidentiality in relationships with stakeholders.

• Build a broad network of contacts inside and outside the university.

• Identify opportunities for collaboration and joint engagement with internal and external partners.

• Demonstrate a positive, entrepreneurial attitude with a passion for innovation and creativity.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree - any relevant field of study will be considered

Experience: 

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience with start-up organizations and/or entrepreneurship programs.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships and engage with entrepreneurial leaders and groups.

• Knowledge of regional and national innovation communities.

• Ability to interact with technology teams to understand concepts, expertise, and capabilities.

• Ability to work collaboratively, develop networks, and build partnerships.

• Proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ability to work effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.

• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information. 

Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Master’s Degree - any relevant field of study will be considered

Experience: 

• Four (4) years of experience with a high-growth start-up and/or entrepreneurial programs related to technology development and commercialization.

• Research Experience in an academic laboratory.

• Demonstrated experience in program and/or project management. 

• Prior participation in a regional or national I-Corps program

• Proven experience in delivering compelling presentations and providing expert coaching for business pitches, with a focus on clarity, persuasion, and strategic communication.

Work Location 

• Knoxville, TN onsite, hybrid, or remote

Compensation and Benefits 

• UT market range: MR 11
• Anticipated hiring range: MR 11
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

Candidates should submit a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references. 

About The Department

Here at the University of Tennessee, thousands of world-class faculty, staff, students and postdoctoral fellows are engaged in research, scholarship and creative work on a daily basis. With a shared commitment to creating a more just, prosperous, and sustainable world for the citizens of Tennessee and communities far beyond, the UT community is creating new knowledge and generating solutions to some of the most challenging issues of our time.

The Office of Research, Innovation & Economic Development is here to support you, our community of researchers, scholars and creatives, from ideation to impact. Our dedicated team is here to help you develop competitive proposals and sources of support for your work, seed investments in promising new areas, nurture new and established multidisciplinary communities of scholars and support and sustain a strong culture of research integrity.

The university’s strategic relationships with corporate, venture, community, non-profit and government partners help extend the impact of our community’s work across the state and around the world. In collaboration with these partners, we are working to establish Tennessee as a go-to destination for cutting-edge research, innovation and a skilled workforce.

We understand that a creative, productive, and empowered community of researchers, scholars, and creatives is critical to the university’s future as a world-renowned research institution.

With over 225 years dedicated to education and research, and as one of the 100 largest employers in Tennessee, there is endless potential to discover at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. This advanced academic center comprises 17 degree-granting colleges and schools, 900 programs of study, 547 graduate programs, and is home to over 7,500 employees statewide who support the continued growth of the state’s flagship land-grant university. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Anthropological Research Facility, Space Institute, and the UT Institute of Public Service are acclaimed entities of the UT system and with nearby affiliate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Rocky Top is a university on the rise. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset and with values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovative leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices that attract and retain a diverse community and that support a culture where everyone matters and belongs. Apply today and join the Vol Family for life!

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