Program Manager - Entrepreneurship Programs

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Program Manager to lead entrepreneurship programs connecting students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members with Penn State's innovation ecosystem. This in-person role offers occasional remote work and oversees diverse statewide programming.

You will drive startup week initiatives, partner with LaunchBox, manage budgets and sponsors, and evaluate outcomes to continuously improve offerings.

Qualifications

• Experience developing, managing, and adapting programs or events for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and execute initiatives with limited supervision.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in program design and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for Penn State Startup Week, the University's flagship entrepreneurship event.
• Lead all aspects of program planning and execution, including theme development, speaker recruitment, sponsorship engagement, volunteer management, logistics, and assessment.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to create engaging experiences that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Develop statewide entrepreneurship programming with LaunchBox and Innovation Network across campuses.
• Coordinate shared resources, calendars, speakers, sponsors, curricula, and materials for scalable programs.
• Manage budgets, contracts, registrations, marketing, logistics, and on-site operations.
• Establish and track performance metrics to evaluate effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities.
• Recommend enhancements and new initiatives to advance Invent Penn State mission.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Event planning

Budget management

Program evaluation

Communication

Independent worker

Continuous improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Office of Entrepreneurship (OE) within the Office of the Senior Vice President for Research seeks an experienced and creative Program Manager to lead and execute entrepreneurship programs that connect students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to entrepreneurial resources across Penn State's innovation ecosystem.

This position will be filled at the Education Program Specialist - Intermediate Professional OR Advanced Professional level.

Reporting to the Director of Economic Development and Student Programs, this position provides leadership for a portfolio of entrepreneurship initiatives, with responsibility for program development, stakeholder engagement, event execution, sponsor relations, budget oversight, and program evaluation. This role supports both University Park-based initiatives and shared programming delivered in collaboration with the LaunchBox and Innovation Network.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for Penn State Startup Week, the University's flagship entrepreneurship event.
• Lead all aspects of program planning and execution, including theme development, speaker and entrepreneur recruitment, sponsorship engagement, volunteer management, logistics, and program assessment.
• Collaborate with campus and community partners to create engaging experiences that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

Statewide Program Development

• Partner with the LaunchBox and Innovation Network Central Services team to develop and coordinate entrepreneurship programming across Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses.
• Facilitate collaboration among LaunchBox directors and staff to identify programming opportunities, share best practices, and address emerging needs.
• Coordinate shared resources, including calendars, speakers, sponsors, curricula, and program materials to support scalable programming across the network.
• Support local adaptation of statewide initiatives to align with regional audiences and industry priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Program Operations

• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with faculty, student organizations, entrepreneurial alumni, industry partners, community organizations, and Invent Penn State resources.
• Serve as a liaison among stakeholders across Penn State's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Manage program budgets, contracts, registrations, marketing coordination, logistics, and on-site operations.
• Establish and track performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Recommend enhancements to existing programs and contribute ideas for new initiatives that advance the Invent Penn State mission.

Compliance and Administration

• Ensure programs operate in compliance with University policies, legal requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Develop and maintain processes, procedures, and documentation that support operational excellence, consistency, and program growth.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience developing, managing, and adapting programs or events for diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple programs and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Ability to work independently, execute initiatives with limited supervision, and assess program outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in program design and delivery.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, economic development, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating large‑scale events, conferences, or multi‑site initiatives.
• Knowledge of entrepreneurial ecosystems, startup support services, and innovation programming.

Work Arrangement: This is primarily an in‑person position, but may work remotely one to two days per week.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Education Program Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications:None

If filled as Education Program Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree3+ 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. 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 $54,060.00 - $86,400.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. 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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.