Startup Accelerator Program Manager

Portland State University; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 67,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland State University is seeking a PSBA Program Manager to drive startup acceleration and translational research initiatives. You will manage founder engagement, milestone tracking, and the development of commercialization assets under the PSU Business Accelerator.

The role emphasizes day‑to‑day operations, mentoring student participants, and collaboration with campus partners to advance portfolio ventures toward investment and partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 4 years of professional experience in entrepreneurship, program management, business development, or related field.
• Preferred: experience in startup ecosystems, business incubators, tech commercialization, or entrepreneurial support programs.
• Experience advising project teams or founders on growth, market outreach, or fundraising readiness, with university collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary operational liaison for participating startup founders and project leads, managing routine advising sessions and day‑to‑day venture support.
• Enforce structured accountability for outbound milestones and guide teams to meet target benchmarks and engagement metrics.
• Plan and execute cohort programming, workshops, and community events to advance milestones and program goals.

Skills

Entrepreneurship

Program management

Business development

Commercializing innovation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Portland State University is seeking a PSBA Program Manager to drive startup acceleration and translational research initiatives. You will manage founder engagement, milestone tracking, and the development of commercialization assets under the PSU Business Accelerator.

The role emphasizes day‑to‑day operations, mentoring student participants, and collaboration with campus partners to advance portfolio ventures toward investment and partnerships.