Cohort Program Manager

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Nebraska–Lincoln seeks a Cohort Program Manager to advance the Center for Entrepreneurship’s mission by managing the Accelerator and Catalysts cohorts, coaching student teams through startup development, and nurturing mentor, service provider, and investor networks.

Ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in startup or venture development, and demonstrated use of AI tools to enhance coaching on customer discovery, market assessment, and go-to-market strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of relevant experience in a startup environment or equivalent- including direct experience founding a company, working in a key operational role alongside a founder (e.g., chief of staff, co-founder, early employee), or comparable experience in venture development, accelerator/incubator leadership, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools in a professional or entrepreneurial context.

Responsibilities

• The Cohort Program Manager will support the advancement of the mission and purpose of the Center for Entrepreneurship.
• This position is primarily responsible for managing and enhancing the Center’s cohort programs (the Accelerator and the Catalysts cohort), coaching student teams through the startup development process and maintaining mentor, service provider, and investor relationships.

Skills

Startup experience

AI tools experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Position Information

Working Title

Department

Department Center for Entrepreneurship-1302

Requisition Number

Requisition Number S_260655

Posting Open Date

Posting Open Date 08/12/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date)

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/27/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Cohort Program Manager will support the advancement of the mission and purpose of the Center for Entrepreneurship. This position is primarily responsible for managing and enhancing the Center’s cohort programs (the Accelerator and the Catalysts cohort), coaching student teams through the startup development process and maintaining the mentor, service provider, and investor relationships that make those programs successful. This position also co-advises the Husker Venture Fund, the Center’s student-run venture capital fund, and supports the Cornhusker Venture Capital Investment Competition. Occasional evening and weekend hours will be required. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of relevant experience in a startup environment or equivalent- including direct experience founding a company, working in a key operational role alongside a founder (e.g., chief of staff, co-founder, early employee), or comparable experience in venture development, accelerator/incubator leadership, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI tools in a professional or entrepreneurial context.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coaching or mentoring early-stage entrepreneurs.
• Experience teaching or facilitating workshops in a higher education or accelerator setting.
• Familiarity with venture capital, angel investing, or student-run investment funds.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep network within regional or national startup ecosystems. AI fluency is a baseline expectation throughout this role: the person in this position should naturally leverage current AI tools to improve their work, including in coaching students on customer discovery, market assessment, and go-to-market strategy. We are seeking a self-starter, connector, and practitioner who can teach, coach, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required No

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Managerial/Professional

Job Type

Job Type Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Work Location (City, State) Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding? Yes

If Temporary, indicate end date

If Temporary, indicate end date

Planned Hire Date:

Planned Hire Date: September 2026

Appointment End Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).