Portfolio Manager - Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Penn State University; State College, Northern (Centre County, KY); Hybrid; USD 103,000 - 154,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking an experienced Portfolio Manager to advise founders, executives, and investors while leading search, evaluation, and support of innovative technology companies across Central Pennsylvania.

The role requires building relationships with entrepreneurs, universities, and partners to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem and drive job creation in the 32-county region.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree and 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Required Certifications: None.

Responsibilities

• Find and assess high-potential technology companies for investment and support.
• Lead due diligence and evaluate business models, markets, teams, commercialization plans, and investment readiness.
• Advise founders on growth, go-to-market, customer acquisition, pricing, scaling, capital planning, and team development.
• Present investment recommendations and portfolio updates to leadership and boards.
• Connect companies with internal and external experts to accelerate success.
• Track company progress and investment outcomes, helping to protect and grow Ben Franklin's portfolio.
• Support TechCelerator and other entrepreneur programs, while building connections across the regional innovation ecosystem.

Skills

Executive leadership

Venture investing

Business strategy

Relationship building

Decision making

Education

Master's Degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Build Pennsylvania's Next Generation of Technology Companies! Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central & Northern Pennsylvania seeks an experienced executive to find, assess, invest in, and support innovative technology companies in Central Pennsylvania. In this role, you will advise entrepreneurs, manage investments and portfolios, and foster a thriving innovation ecosystem that drives job creation and economic growth across the region.

Why this role matters

As Portfolio Manager, you will advise founders, executives, investors, and community partners while leading the search, evaluation, and support of promising companies. Instead of managing a single organization, you will help shape the success of many technology and advanced manufacturing businesses across the region.

What you will do to make an impact

• Find and assess high-potential technology companies for investment and support.
• Lead due diligence and evaluate business models, markets, teams, commercialization plans, and investment readiness.
• Advise founders on growth, go-to-market, customer acquisition, pricing, scaling, capital planning, and team development.
• Present investment recommendations and portfolio updates to leadership and boards.
• Connect companies with internal and external experts to accelerate success.
• Track company progress and investment outcomes, helping to protect and grow Ben Franklin's portfolio.
• Support TechCelerator and other entrepreneur programs, while building connections across the regional innovation ecosystem.

Who we're looking for

We seek candidates with strong business judgment, executive leadership, and a proven track record of driving growth, transformation, or innovation. Experience building, leading, investing in, or scaling businesses. Knowledge of venture investing, commercialization, business strategy, or corporate development. Ability to assess markets, teams, competition, financials, and growth potential. Executive presence with the ability to influence founders, investors, boards, and community leaders. Excellent communicator with strong relationship-building and decision-making skills. Experience in one or more of the following environments is particularly valuable: Technology-based businesses Founder-led organizations Manufacturing and industrial technology Software or SaaS companies Engineering organizations Healthcare or life sciences Advanced materials or product development Venture-backed or investor-supported companies Organizations experiencing rapid growth or transformation. Many successful candidates have been founders, CEOs, presidents, COOs, CROs, general managers, business unit leaders, or growth executives. We also welcome applicants with comparable executive leadership and a record of organizational impact. Experience with boards, investors, universities, partners, or economic development organizations is a plus, but not required.

Preparing Your Application

In your resume and cover letter, showcase specific business impact, such as: Quantifying business growth, operational improvements, commercialization successes, or investment outcomes. Describing organizations you built, led, advised, or transformed. Highlighting fundraising, strategic partnerships, market expansion, or executive leadership accomplishments.

Why Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Ben Franklin is one of Pennsylvania's most respected technology-based economic development organizations. You'll collaborate with entrepreneurs, investors, universities, manufacturers, economic development partners, and experienced professionals while helping innovative companies commercialize technology, create jobs, and generate lasting economic impact across a 32-county region.

Work Arrangement

This is an in-person role and is based in our office in State College, PA. Occasional overnight travel may be needed to visit business clients and partners across our 32-county PA region. If you have built organizations, evaluated business opportunities, developed leaders, or helped innovative companies grow, we encourage you to apply and help shape Pennsylvania's next generation of technology companies.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Master's Degree 8+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $102,936.00 - $154,452.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies regarding campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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