Program Manager - Entrepreneurship Programs

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• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), pleaselogin to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and completethe application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

TheOffice of Entrepreneurship (OE) within theOffice of the Senior Vice President for Research seeks an experienced and creativeProgram 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 theEducation Program Specialist - Intermediate Professional ORAdvanced 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 forPenn 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

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

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 ourBenefits 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 reviewhere.

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.

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