Strategic Ecosystem Growth Manager

Syracuse University; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Syracuse University is seeking a Program Manager for Strategic Ecosystem Initiatives to design, launch, and manage a portfolio of initiatives that support veteran entrepreneurship through collaboration with corporate, nonprofit, public-sector, academic, and entrepreneurial partners.

The role requires executive-level communication, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to translate broad innovation priorities into actionable plans with measurable impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, entrepreneurship, public policy, nonprofit management, economic development, higher education administration, communications, or related field.
• Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.
• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in program management, ecosystem development, partnership strategy, business development, entrepreneurship support, strategic convening, innovation portfolio management, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional initiatives and complex external stakeholder relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing executive-ready briefs, partner communications, and strategic recommendations.
• Ability to translate ambiguous strategic priorities into initiative plans, operating structures, and measurable outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Ecosystem Initiative Design and Portfolio Management: design, launch, and direct a portfolio of strategic ecosystem initiatives with defined charters, goals, budgets, and success measures.
• Direct External Engagement and Partner Activation: manage relationships with strategic partners and develop activation plans and measurable outcomes.
• Develop Business Opportunity and Ecosystem Connection Pathways: identify pathways connecting veteran-owned businesses to market opportunities and resources.
• Lead Strategic Convenings, Pilots, and Field-Building Engagement: organize convenings and pilots to surface barriers and advance priorities.
• Own Insight Translation, Measurement, and Reporting: design concise performance frameworks and translate findings into leadership recommendations.

Skills

Executive communication

Cross-functional coordination

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Executive-ready briefs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, entrepreneurship, public policy, nonprofit management, economic development, higher education administration, communications, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Syracuse University is seeking a Program Manager for Strategic Ecosystem Initiatives to design, launch, and manage a portfolio of initiatives that support veteran entrepreneurship through collaboration with corporate, nonprofit, public-sector, academic, and entrepreneurial partners.

The role requires executive-level communication, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to translate broad innovation priorities into actionable plans with measurable impact.