Program Manager - Hackathons

Hack2skill; Dadri; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Hack2skill in India is seeking a Program Manager to own end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of hackathons. You will be the trusted partner for enterprise clients and a central hub for internal teams, ensuring flawless events on time and within budget.

You should have 3–5+ years of PM/PM or Senior Event Manager experience, strong client-facing and organizational skills, and proficiency with Jira and Google Workspace. This role offers onsite work with a dynamic, collaborative team.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years as a Program/Project Manager or Senior Event Manager in tech or events.
• Exceptional client-facing communication and relationship management.
• World-class organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong understanding of developer/student communities and hackathons.
• Calm, solutions-oriented approach to complex project challenges.
• Solid technical aptitude for tech-enabled projects and stakeholder dialogue.
• Proficiency with Jira and Google Workspace tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of multiple hackathons.
• Be the primary client contact post-handoff and ensure satisfaction.
• Develop project plans, timelines, scope, and resource allocation.
• Coordinate Marketing, Outreach, Operations, and SME teams.
• Identify risks, implement mitigations, and maintain quality standards.
• Manage budgets and scope, handling changes with verification techniques.
• Coordinate with vendors/partners for seamless event delivery.
• Document progress and escalate issues to clients and leadership.

Skills

Client-facing

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Tools

Jira

Google Workspace

Job description

As a Program Manager at Hack2skill you are the single point of ownership responsible for the end-to-end planning, execution, and delivery of our hackathons. You will be the trusted partner for our clients and the central hub for all internal teams, ensuring that every event is delivered flawlessly, on time, and within budget. This role is for a natural leader who thrives on structure, excels at communication, and has a passion for turning ambitious ideas into reality.

What You'll Do

• End-to-End Project Ownership: Lead the entire lifecycle of multiple hackathons simultaneously, from the post-sales kickoff to the final post-mortem report.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for our enterprise clients after the project is handed over from sales. Build trust, manage expectations, and ensure client satisfaction through proactive communication and exceptional delivery.
• Strategic Planning: Develop comprehensive project plans, defining scope, objectives, timelines, and resource allocation. Ensure technical and logistical feasibility for all project components.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate and lead a diverse group of internal stakeholders from Marketing, Outreach, Operations, and SME teams to ensure all project deliverables are met.
• Risk & Quality Management: Proactively identify potential project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and maintain a high bar for quality in every aspect of the event, from the participant experience to the final client presentation.
• Budget & Scope Control: Meticulously track project performance, ensuring all hackathons are delivered within the agreed-upon scope and budget. Manage any changes using verification techniques.
• Vendor & Partner Coordination: Manage relationships with third-party vendors and partners to ensure seamless execution of all event-related services.
• Reporting & Escalation: Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation. Report on progress, milestones, and potential issues to both clients and internal leadership as needed.

You Should Have

• Proven Experience: 3-5+ years of proven experience as a Program Manager, Project Manager, or Senior Event Manager, preferably in a tech, event-driven, or community-focused environment.
• Exceptional Client-Facing Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with enterprise-level clients and stakeholders effectively. You are a polished, professional communicator.
• Master of Organization: World-class organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities without breaking a sweat.
• Developer Community Acumen: A strong understanding and appreciation for the developer and student community. You know what makes a great hackathon experience.
• Problem-Solving Mindset: The ability to think on your feet, anticipate challenges, and navigate complex situations with a calm, solutions-oriented approach.
• Technical Aptitude: While not a coding role, a strong technical understanding of tech-enabled projects is essential for ensuring feasibility and communicating effectively with technical stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Tools: Experience with project management software Jira and Google Workspace tools.

Why Join Us?

• Lead from the Front: Own and execute high-visibility projects for some of the biggest and most innovative companies in the world.
• Direct Impact: Your work is our product. The success of our hackathons is the success of Hack2skill, and you are at the center of it all.
• Career Growth: Work in a performance-driven culture with clear opportunities for advancement and taking on greater responsibility.
• Dynamic Team: Be part of a young, passionate, and collaborative team that is driving innovation at a massive scale.