Program Manager Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead and manage our startup program offerings, focusing on the success of our founders through personalized support. In this role, you will be responsible for the effective planning, execution, and delivery of key initiatives such as Startup Sprint, ColaStarts, and other signature programs, ensuring they align with our strategic goals.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Program Manager will coordinate and promote community-oriented programs, events, and initiatives that support predominately new ideas to early stage founders (top of funnel) and our mission to create an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship at the Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo.

This role may be an excellent fit for you if you:

1. Have a strong understanding of building startup communities, embody an entrepreneurial spirit, and are a proactive self-starter.
2. Are passionate about advocating for founders, supporting innovative ideas, and promoting existing startups within the Columbia, SC startup community.
3. Are eager to contribute to the rapidly growing Columbia, SC ecosystem from the region’s founder-led ESO (entrepreneur support organization).

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Management:

- Oversee the delivery of program curriculum, ensuring high-quality instruction and engaging learning experiences and fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.

- Conduct regular founder/team check ins and address any issues in a timely manner. Utilize CRM software to track founder information and ongoing updates.

- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key individuals, including participants (new founders), mentors, and other speakers.

-Design and implement metrics to evaluate program effectiveness, participant satisfaction, and impact on startup success. Collaborate with program participants to identify opportunities for program improvement and expansion.

- Act as the primary point of contact for program-related inquiries and concerns.

2. Event Management:

- Organize and manage various events, such as Ask Me Anything sessions, pre-accelerator program events, monthly happy hours, weekly coffee meetups, and other events to drive engagement within the community.

- Coordinate event logistics, including venue selection, catering, audiovisual requirements, and participant registration.

- Monitor post-event surveys and gather feedback to continually improve event experiences.

3. Community Engagement:

- Build and nurture a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and community supporters.

- Develop and implement outreach strategies to attract potential program participants, partners, and sponsors, promoting the value of our offerings to a wider audience.

- Create communication materials (newsletters, social media posts, flyers) to keep the community informed about upcoming events, program updates, and success stories.

- Actively participate in local entrepreneurial initiatives and networks to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Boyd Innovation Center.

-Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Prior experience in a startup community across operations, program/project management and/or administration is required. Past experience in supporting an accelerator, incubator, venture fund, innovation center, or other ecosystem actor is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, articulate success stories, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Highly organized with the ability to effectively handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly independent environment and juggle multiple ongoing projects, responsibilities, and relationships while remaining results-oriented.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Strong computer skills, including Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc.)
• Experience with MailChimp, Luma, or other event/marketing/web management platforms is a plus.
• Knowledge of the local Columbia, SC business landscape and commercial real estate market is a plus

About Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo

GrowCo is the powering agent behind the Boyd Innovation Center, a destination where forward-thinking individuals can come together to develop groundbreaking ideas that change the world. GrowCo’s mission is to inspire and support high growth/high tech founders along their entire entrepreneurial journey and create an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in the Columbia metro region at the Boyd Innovation Center.

Learn more at www.boydinnovationcenter.org

Application Process

Applicants should submit their application using the LinkedIn job posting.

This application will be open until December 16, 2024 or until filled.

Please contact Caroline Crowder, Executive Director, via email (caroline@grow-co.org) with any questions.