Program Manager - Innovation & Entrepreneurship Ecosystem

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive benefits

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a Program Manager to support entrepreneurship, commercialization, and new venture activities across its research enterprise. You will coordinate initiatives with UT and regional partners to engage industry in programs, mentorship, and technology transfer.

The role recruits academic innovators, identifies instructors and mentors, and tracks program performance while fostering inclusive collaboration with regional resources and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience with start-up organizations and/or entrepreneurship programs.
• Ability to build and manage stakeholder relationships and engage with entrepreneurial leaders and groups.
• Knowledge of regional and national innovation communities.
• Ability to interact with technology teams to understand concepts, expertise, and capabilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively, develop networks, and build partnerships.
• Proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Experience handling confidential and sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and participate in programs and initiatives that contribute to UT's entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.
• Support team members to achieve shared goals by providing and encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Develop, implement, and maintain process improvement initiatives for entrepreneurship and new venture programs.
• Manage multiple projects and assignments independently or as part of a team.
• Lead and participate in program workshops, presentations, and events to promote collaboration and engagement.
• Coordinate the design and production of promotional materials, websites, and other content to raise program awareness.
• Manage recruitment, registration, and coordination of participants for assigned initiatives and prepare progress reports.

Skills

Written & Verbal Communication

Stakeholder Relationships

Innovation Networks

Cross-functional Collaboration

Proactive Communication

Team Collaboration

Confidential Information Handling

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in related field

Master’s Degree in related field

Job description

University of Tennessee, Knoxville seeks a Program Manager to support entrepreneurship, commercialization, and new venture activities across its research enterprise. You will coordinate initiatives with UT and regional partners to engage industry in programs, mentorship, and technology transfer.

The role recruits academic innovators, identifies instructors and mentors, and tracks program performance while fostering inclusive collaboration with regional resources and external partners.