Operations & Programming Manager - Member Exp

Portal Innovations LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Flexible PTO

401K Program

Coffee and snacks

Job summary

Portal Innovations LLC is seeking an Operations & Programming Manager to join the UChicago Science Incubator at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago. The role focuses on onboarding members, managing facilities, and coordinating events to build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The position emphasizes cross-team collaboration with the Polsky Center, development of standard operating procedures, and ongoing member engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience in programming and events, entrepreneurship, or early-stage science start-ups is preferred.
• Administration, hospitality, project management, event management, or related experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the member orientation and onboarding process, including managing incubator security access and serving as the primary contact with building facilities.
• Manage incubator event logistics and execution, own internal event marketing and promotion with Polsky Center marketing.
• Develop SOPs to support operations and programming execution with Portal Member Experience sites nationwide.
• Collaborate with Portal team and Polsky Center to organize value-added programming for members and ecosystem.
• Build relationships with members through regular check-ins to improve service delivery.
• Oversee day-to-day site operations, supply ordering, and budget management.
• Welcome incubator visitors at the front desk and lead site tours, fostering ecosystem partnerships.
• Support outreach and follow-up communications to prospective members and pipeline leads.

Skills

Programming & events

Entrepreneurship

Customer service

Communications

Organization

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Suite

Job description

Operations & Programming Manager - Member Exp

Full Time Manager/Senior Mgr Chicago, IL, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1030

Salary Range: $68,000.00 To $75,000.00 Annually

About This Role:

Portal Innovations is seeking a dynamic person to join the UChicago Science Incubator at Hyde Park Labs. This person will work with our team to deliver a white glove experience to our members and help foster a vibrant, collaborative community that connects entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, industry leaders, and ecosystem partners and encourages meaningful engagement among UChicago Science Incubator members. This partnership between the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago and Portal Innovations supports innovative science-based companies in the areas of life sciences, clean technology, quantum, and AI.

This is a FULL-TIME role. This role offers a dependable routine from Monday through Friday. While we primarily stick to our standard business hours, our team does need to have flexibility and occasionally extends the day and week to meet the evolving needs of our growing business. Applicants must have a process- and customer-oriented mindset and the ambition to succeed in a fast-paced environment. Experience with programming and events, incubator programming, entrepreneurship, or early-stage science start-ups is preferred. Administration, hospitality, project management, event management, or other related experience is also a plus.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the member orientation and onboarding process, including managing incubator security access; serve as the primary point of contact with building facilities and engineering, monitoring systems and submitting work orders for facility-related issues and needs.
• Lead incubator event logistics and execution. Own internal event marketing and promotion, along with the relationship with the Polsky Center marketing team, to support the incubator's broader marketing strategy across the website and social media.
• Develop SOPs to support operations and programming execution, partnering with Portal Member Experience sites nationally to leverage best practices.
• Collaborate with the broader Portal team and the Polsky Center to organize programming that adds value to members and the broader ecosystem.
• Build ongoing relationships with members through regular check-ins to understand their satisfaction and needs, translating that insight into improved service delivery for current and prospective members.
• Own day-to-day site operations, including ordering supplies and managing site amenity areas(kitchen, common area, office), and manage the operations budget.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for incubator visitors, welcoming guests at the front desk and leading site tours, while fostering relationships with ecosystem partners to expand the breadth of available resources for incubator members.
• Support the Executive Director with outreach and follow-up communications to prospective members, including tour inquiries and pipeline leads, helping move prospects through the membership sales pipeline and gaining direct exposure to Portal's business development process.

What We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrated relevant experience in programming and events, entrepreneurship, customer service, communications
• Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
• Knowledge and interest in life sciences, quantum, clean tech, or AIis a plus.
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field preferred
• Excellent Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life and Disability Benefits
• Flexible PTO Policy
• 401K Program
• In Office Perk: Unlimited Coffee and Snacks to keep you going throughout the day

Work Authorization/Security-Clearance Requirements:

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Portal is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis under provincial, federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances.