Nucleus Grow Program Manager

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Utah is seeking a skilled program manager to help support Utah's innovation economy by aiding entrepreneurs and technology companies. This role involves advising on funding opportunities, reviewing proposals, and developing resources for innovators. Candidates should have 2–4 years of relevant experience, strong communication skills, and familiarity with the local startup ecosystem.

Preferred qualifications include experience with SBIR/STTR and technology commercialization. The position is vital for contributing to the growth and success of Utah's technological landscape.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in program management, business development, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reviewing and editing documents.
• Experience supporting startups and understanding of business development.

Responsibilities

• Advise entrepreneurs on funding opportunities and commercialization planning.
• Review and provide feedback on funding applications and proposal development.
• Build relationships with entrepreneurs, universities, and investors.

Skills

Program Management

Entrepreneurship Support

Technical Review

Funding Assistance

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Job Summary

Nucleus Grow supports Utah's innovation economy by helping entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, and small businesses develop and commercialize innovative technologies. Through training, technical assistance, funding guidance, and strategic connections, Nucleus Grow helps innovators access the resources needed to advance ideas from concept to market, including assistance with federal programs such as Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR).

Responsibilities

• Program Management and Entrepreneurship Support: Advise entrepreneurs and technology companies on funding opportunities, commercialization planning, proposal development, and customer discovery; support the planning and delivery of workshops, events, and programs; develop practical resources, tools, and guidance.
• Technical Review & Funding Assistance: Review and provide feedback on funding applications, proposals, commercialization plans, pitch materials, and other strategic documents; assist companies in evaluating federal, state, and non‑dilutive funding opportunities; analyze complex technical, scientific, and business concepts and communicate recommendations.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development: Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, universities, investors, economic development organizations, and industry partners; represent Nucleus Grow at meetings, conferences, and community events; facilitate connections that support company growth and innovation collaboration.
• Program Reporting & Operations: Track program activities, outcomes, and performance metrics; support reporting, compliance, communications, and other operational requirements associated with grants, contracts, and organizational initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or recognized certificate or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for one year of related work experience); Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in program management, entrepreneurship, business development, innovation, technology commercialization, or related fields.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to review, edit, and provide feedback on complex technical and business documents.
• Ability to understand and evaluate scientific, engineering, technical, and business concepts.
• Experience supporting startups, entrepreneurs, technology companies, research organizations, or innovation‑focused programs.
• Knowledge of business development, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, economic development, or innovation funding.
• Strong project management, organizational, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Preferences

• Experience with SBIR/STTR, research commercialization, technology transfer, or federal grant programs.
• Experience reviewing grant proposals, technical applications, business plans, or commercialization strategies.
• Familiarity with Utah’s startup, research, and innovation ecosystem.