Program & Events Manager | LifeTech

Plug and Play Platform Spain S.L; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Plug and Play Tech Center seeks a LifeTech Program Manager to launch and grow the LifeTech Accelerator in Indianapolis, on-site.

You will design curriculum, recruit startups, engage corporate partners, and develop the local life sciences ecosystem.

Bachelor's degree and 3–5+ years in program management; strong communication and organizational skills required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3–5+ years in program/accelerator management within Life Sciences.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, refine, and deliver the LifeTech accelerator curriculum for Life Science startups.
• Manage day-to-day accelerator operations, including workshops and mentorship sessions.
• Recruit and onboard high-potential Life Science startups with partners.
• Engage corporate partners, identify pilot projects, and build collaborations.
• Develop the ecosystem, recruit mentors, and represent Plug and Play at events.

Skills

Project management

Startup operations

Life sciences knowledge

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Plug and Play Tech Center is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together startups and the world’s largest corporations to create meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We work to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all corners of the world. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs join our vertical-specific accelerator programs to collaborate with corporate members or receive direct investment from Plug and Play. Plug and Play has over 45 locations worldwide with corporate members including Daimler, Prologis, PG&E, Nissan, Volvo, BP, Walmart, Nokia, Coca Cola, Doosan Bobcat, and many more. Our corporate members identify the best startups to meet their challenges, and Plug and Play’s proven investment track record includes Honey, Dropbox, Lending Club, Kustomer, Einride, and many more.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Note: This description reflects the original language. The role described is the LifeTech Program Manager responsible for launching, operating, and growing the Plug and Play LifeTech Accelerator in Indianapolis. The candidate should be dynamic, highly organized, and capable of managing all aspects of the accelerator program, including curriculum design, startup support, corporate partner engagement, and ecosystem development to ensure a seamless and impactful experience for all participants and stakeholders.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE

• Program Design and Execution
  • Lead the development, refinement, and delivery of the accelerator's curriculum and program structure, tailoring content to Life Science startups (e.g., regulatory pathways, clinical development, market access strategies, fundraising).
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the accelerator, ensuring smooth execution of all program components, including workshops, mentorship sessions, expert lectures, and networking events.
  • Ensure the program stays on schedule, within budget, and adheres to Plug and Play's global quality standards.
• Startup Recruitment and Management
  • Collaborate with the Ventures Associate to attract, recruit, and onboard high-potential Life Science startups for each accelerator batch.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact and dedicated resource for participating startups, building strong relationships and providing ongoing support and guidance to help them achieve their milestones.
  • Track startup progress, identify needs, and connect them with relevant Plug and Play resources, mentors, and corporate partners.
• Corporate Partner Engagement & Relationship Management
  • Work closely with the Plug and Play team to understand corporate innovation priorities within the Life Science sector.
  • Facilitate meaningful connections and collaborative opportunities (e.g., pilot projects, strategic partnerships) between startups and key corporate partners in Indianapolis and beyond.
  • Ensure corporate partners derive maximum value from their engagement with the program.
• Ecosystem Development & Mentorship
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships within the Indianapolis and broader Indiana life sciences ecosystem, including universities, research institutions, investors, industry associations, and government entities.
  • Identify, recruit, and manage a network of mentors and industry experts to support startups.
  • Represent Plug and Play and the LifeTech Accelerator at relevant industry events, conferences, and community gatherings.
• Reporting & Analytics
  • Monitor and track key program metrics and startup outcomes.
  • Prepare regular reports on program performance, impact, and achievements for Plug and Play leadership and partners.
  • Gather feedback from startups and partners for continuous program improvement.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 3-5+ years of experience in program management, accelerator management, startup operations, or a related role within the Life Sciences industry (e.g., biotech, pharma, medical devices, digital health).
• Demonstrated understanding of the startup ecosystem and the unique challenges faced by life sciences companies.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills (both written and verbal).
• Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive, resourceful, and capable of building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and making a tangible impact in the life sciences sector.
• Must be willing to work on-site in Indianapolis, Indiana.