Program Manager, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Location: Remote-first, with frequent events/meetings in the Seattle metro area. This is a remote position. Candidates must be located in Washington state or able to work within Washington state. FLSA Classification: ExemptGeneral Classification: Salary, Full Time, Regular, RemoteSalary Range: $85,000 $100,000 (position may be eligible for incentive compensation bonus)Benefits: WTIA offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, a flexible paid time off policy, plus company holidays.Position SummaryThe Program Manager, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, is responsible for overseeing and executing key elements of WTIAs accelerator programs for startup founders across local and international markets. This role ensures high-quality program delivery, strong participant engagement, and efficient coordination with internal teams, mentors, and partners. The Program Manager will manage logistics, communications, and relationship development to support the success of founders participating in WTIAs innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives.This position requires a detail-oriented, entrepreneurial professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys working directly with startup leaders, and can balance program execution with business development opportunities.Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Management & ExecutionOversee the day-to-day planning and execution of local and international accelerator programs.Coordinate program timelines, participant communications, mentor sessions, and event logistics.Manage applications, onboarding, and participant tracking through CRM and project management systems.Support curriculum development and ensure program content and guest speakers align with founder needs.Track program performance metrics, gather feedback, and develop reports for internal and external stakeholders.Design and deliver training workshops and educational programming for early-stage and student entrepreneurs (e.g., ideation, customer discovery, pitch development, and go-to-market strategy).Provide 1:1 and cohort-based coaching and mentorship to startup founders, supporting business model development, traction strategies, and founder readiness.Continuously refine curriculum and programming to reflect emerging startup trends, founder needs, and industry best practices.Partnerships & Relationship ManagementServe as a primary point of contact for founders, mentors, and program partners.Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders including investors, universities, and government partners.Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to promote programs and showcase founder success stories.Cultivate relationships with mentors, instructors, and subject matter experts to support high-quality training, coaching, and founder development experiences.International Program DevelopmentSupport expansion of international accelerator offerings through outreach and relationship building.Assist the VP of Entrepreneurship & Innovation in developing proposals and securing new international partners.Coordinate logistics for international programs, including travel, scheduling, and cultural alignment.Operational & Strategic SupportContribute to strategic planning and program design to enhance impact and scalability.Manage budgets and financial tracking for assigned programs.Ensure consistent processes and quality standards across all entrepreneurship initiatives.Represent WTIA at events, conferences, and ecosystem gatherings.Contribute to strategic program growth, identifying opportunities to expand offerings, increase participation, and deepen impact across Washingtons startup ecosystem.Support the development of new programs, funding strategies, and revenue streams, including grants, sponsorships, and partnership-based initiatives.Analyze program outcomes and ecosystem trends to inform data-driven decisions on program evolution and investment.Collaborate with leadership to scale successful programs and pilot new initiatives aligned with WTIAs long-term innovation strategy.Ecosystem Development & Thought LeadershipRepresent WTIA as a thought partner and connector within the regional innovation ecosystem.Facilitate workshops, panels, and discussions that strengthen connections between founders, investors, and industry leaders.Contribute to positioning WTIA as a leader in entrepreneurship training and startup ecosystem development.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelors degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, International Studies, or related field (Masters degree a plus).5+ years of experience in program or project management, ideally in startup, innovation, or nonprofit sectors.Experience working with accelerator programs, venture development organizations, or founder-facing initiatives preferred.Familiarity with international collaboration or cross-cultural partnership development is a plus.Skills, Travel, & CompetenciesStrong project management and organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Entrepreneurial mindset resourceful, adaptable, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.Proficiency with CRM systems, project management platforms (Asana, Airtable, Smartsheet), and MS Office/Google Workspace.Understanding of startup ecosystems, funding pathways, and innovation trends.Role may require domestic travel within Washington State and/or international travel.The preceding job description is not intended to describe in detail the multitude of tasks that may be assigned, but rather to provide a general overview of the expectations and responsibilities of this position. As business demands change, so may the functions of this position. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned.WTIA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact Human Resources.. Equal employment opportunity is a fundamental principle at WTIA. We are committed to maintaining a workplace where all individuals are treated with dignity, courtesy, and respect. WTIA provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment.
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