Manager, Economic Development & Partnerships

Massachusetts Life Sciences Center; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading life sciences organization in Waltham is seeking a Manager of Economic Development and Partnerships. In this role, you will oversee workforce partnerships and grant management activities to support the growth of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree and at least three years of relevant experience, particularly in project management and grant administration. Excellent organizational, communication, and analytical skills are crucial for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in project management or similar role.
• Ability to manage grants and ensure fiscal compliance.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage workforce partnerships and coordinate related programs.
• Oversee grants, budgets, and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with external partners and stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Grant administration

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Airtable

Salesforce

Microsoft Office

Job description

General Summary

The Manager of Economic Development and Partnerships for the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (the "Center") is responsible for supporting all aspects of business development activities. The Manager will work with the Director of Economic Development and Partnerships, as well as the rest of the team, to execute and advance Center's competitive strategy to support the growth of the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem. This role's primary responsibility is managing the fiscal integrity of grant‑funded workforce initiatives through reimbursement oversight, fiscal monitoring, compliance, and grantmaking support. The Manager plays a critical role in reviewing and processing reimbursement requests, ensuring appropriate use of funds, and maintaining adherence to grant requirements. This position also manages grant documentation and reporting, supports workforce partnership initiatives that connect life sciences employers with training providers, data management, and contributes to programs such as Pathmaker and BioBoost, expanding equitable access to career opportunities across the Commonwealth while cultivating innovative partnerships informed by a strong understanding of the Center's programs.

Essential Job Functions

• Work with the entire Economic Development and Partnerships team to directly manage and direct every aspect of the Pathmaker workforce partnerships program—including information sessions, application processes, review, analysis, evaluation, and marketing.
• Work with the Director of Economic Development and Partnerships to execute and advance the Center's workforce partnerships and economic development strategy targeting companies both within and outside of Massachusetts that have potential for expansion in the Commonwealth.
• Oversee grants, budgets, reimbursements, and compliance; track and analyze program data, maintain records, manage portals, and troubleshoot issues, to support Pathmaker and BioBoost operations, as well as administrative support for any additional future programs the team may run.
• Manage relationships and engagements with companies and training providers in a professional, consistent, and positive manner.
• Participate in regular external meetings with training providers and companies program management and finance teams, as well as leadership.
• Prepare materials for meetings and events.
• Coordinate program logistics including availability and calendar invitations.
• Assist in the Center's participation in conferences, networking events, webinars, and other program related activities.
• Meet and collaborate frequently with the entire Economic Development and Partnerships team on progress, targets, and updates to strategy.
• Collaborate regularly with other teams at the Center including Marketing/Communications, Finance, Legal, and Workforce/Education.
• Promote the Center's other programs to appropriate companies and training providers.
• Such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chief Business Officer.

Competencies

• Decision Making – Makes decisions that are guided by general instructions and practices requiring some interpretation. May make recommendations for solving problems of moderate complexity and importance.
• Problem Solving – Addresses problems that are varied, requiring analysis or interpretation of the situation using direct observation, knowledge and skills based on general precedents.
• Independence of Action – Follows precedents and procedures. May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines. Seeks assistance when confronted with difficult and/or unpredictable situations. Work progress is monitored by supervisor/manager.

Preparation, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Preferred bachelor’s degree and/or minimum 3 years' experience in project management, accounting, grant administration, economic development, business management, or similar.
• Ability to manage the full life cycle of grants, including contracts, budgets, and administration.
• Familiarity with reviewing invoices, processing reimbursements, and ensuring fiscal compliance with funding requirements.
• Understanding of monitoring budgets and spending to maintain fiscal accountability and responsible use of grant funds.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records for reporting, compliance, and audits.
• Familiarity with administering online grant portals, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating with system vendors.
• Familiarity with tracking and synthesizing program data in Airtable, Salesforce, or similar CRM systems for reporting and performance tracking.
• Ability to serve as an operational partner to program teams, supporting coordination and program delivery.
• Interest in workforce partnership models that connect employers with training providers and expand access to career pathways.
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Knowledge of the life sciences / biotech / pharma ecosystem in New England and awareness of regional economic differences across Massachusetts.
• Basic understanding of community college operations, workforce development programs, or similar training entities.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with sound professional judgment and discretion.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, remote file‑sharing systems, and CRM platforms; willingness to learn Center‑specific systems and processes.
• A demonstrated interest in public service and advancing the Center's mission.
• Unflappable, kind, positive approach to problem‑solving.

Supervisory Responsibility

No direct reports planned; future possibility of supervising an intern.