Program Manager, Venture Creation

MSU Research Foundation; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The MSU Research Foundation is seeking a Venture Creation Program Manager to lead venture creation activities in West Michigan. This role involves managing the Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator, fostering startup growth, and collaborating with ecosystem partners to enhance resources and programming.

Qualifications

• Experience with accelerator programs and venture capital preferred.
• Deeply embedded in the Grand Rapids/West Michigan startup ecosystem.
• Experience with entrepreneurship and venture ecosystem valued more than formal degrees.

Responsibilities

• Execute the Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator program and support programming.
• Build a pipeline of high-potential startups for various portfolios.
• Guide startups in addressing market risks and fundraising efforts.

Skills

Research and technical-oriented

Customer discovery

Human-centered design

Highly organized

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The MSU Research Foundation is hiring a Venture Creation Program Manager to drive venture creation and programming activity for the West Michigan region by managing the Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator and broader venture creation programs. Additionally, this role will focus on generating and supporting a strong pipeline of startups in Grand Rapids and across our portfolios, working closely with founders, ecosystem partners, and internal teams to drive startup success.

Responsibilities

1. Execute the Conquer Grand Rapids Accelerator program, supporting new and existing programming through process documentation, program improvement, and ongoing training to ensure effectiveness.
2. Build a pipeline of high-potential startups for Conquer Grand Rapids, The Bridge, and the Spartan Innovations/Red Cedar Ventures portfolio, leveraging Venture Creation/BAF/Gateway pipelines and West Michigan ecosystem partners.
3. Collaborate with founders, mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners to enhance startup resources, programming, and strategic partnerships.
4. Guide startups in addressing market risks (regulatory, customer acquisition, product-market fit) and connect them with relevant resources, experts, and funding opportunities.
5. Support startups in their fundraising efforts by providing guidance on pitch materials, investor outreach, and financing strategies, while assessing and coordinating tailored support with Spartan Innovations and Red Cedar Ventures.
6. Promote venture programming through various channels, events, and outreach to attract startups and raise awareness.
7. Maintain accurate financial and program reporting using tools like Monday.com and CODA, while preparing and presenting high-level updates on program impact.

Qualifications

1. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
2. Experience with accelerator programs, venture capital, and startup incubation is highly desired.
3. Customer discovery and/or human-centered design experience preferred.

Required Skills

1. Research and technical-oriented, with credibility to collaborate and guide early-stage companies.
2. Deeply embedded in the Grand Rapids/West Michigan startup ecosystem or eager to develop strong relationships within it.
3. Passionate about entrepreneurship, venture development, and supporting early-stage companies.
4. Open-minded, collegial, and able to develop relationships based on trust, confidence, and respect.
5. Highly organized, takes initiative, and manages projects independently.

The role requires being on-site in our Grand Rapids office approximately four days a week, with some evenings and travel expected. Experience with entrepreneurship and the venture ecosystem is valued more than formal degrees. High empathy and a desire to help others succeed are critical qualities.

Join the MSU Research Foundation to work in a dynamic organization and make a meaningful impact!