Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Initiatives Battle Creek -- Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Program Manager

The Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (CEI) at the Seidman College of Business is seeking a part-time Program Manager to support two key initiatives at the GVSU Battle Creek Innovation Hub: the Momentum by Seidman student consulting program and the Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab (MVE-Lab) accelerator. This position is funded through a partnership with Battle Creek Unlimited.

The Program Manager will oversee operations, outreach, and coordination for both programs, connecting GVSU students, local entrepreneurs, and military-connected individuals to resources, training, and mentorship. The ideal candidate is highly organized, community-driven, experienced in program management, and passionate about student development, entrepreneurship, and economic development.

Program Management & Operations

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Momentum by Seidman and Michigan Veteran Entrepreneur Lab (MVE-Lab) programs at the Battle Creek Innovation Hub.
• Set and manage program schedules, locations, staffing needs, and weekly logistics, including catering, parking, and AV/technology setup.
• Recruit MVE-Lab participants and Momentum clients; follow up with leads to meet enrollment and engagement goals.
• Promote both programs across multiple channels, including email, social media, web, newsletters, and community events.
• Build and maintain partnerships with veteran groups, small business support organizations, and regional ecosystem partners to support recruitment and expand future cohort opportunities.

Student Consultant Oversight (Momentum by Seidman)

• Assist in recruiting, training, and supervising GVSU students and graduate assistants serving as consultants
• Develop and lead training workshops for the student consulting team
• Manage the client intake process, monitor business progress, and respond to client needs
• Schedule and facilitate both virtual and in-person meetings between students and clients

Participant Recruitment and Engagement (MVE-Lab)

• Establish program dates, locations, staffing, and logistics in collaboration with CEI leadership and stakeholders
• Manage weekly program delivery, including scheduling and communicating with guest speakers, mentors, and instructors
• Assist in recruiting participants and follow up on leads to meet the enrollment goal.
• Assist in identifying mentors, speakers, and judges

Grant, Budget & Reporting

• Assist in budget development and manage ongoing tracking and financial reporting.
• Coordinate with GVSU's grant analysts and prepare regular reports and financial statements.
• Collect and analyze program metrics and evaluations to inform impact reporting.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with close attention to detail and follow-through.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable using tools like Zoom, email marketing platforms, CRMs, and social media.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and contribute as part of a team.
• Strong commitment to working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Candidate based in the Battle Creek area, with existing connections to the local community.

Preferred Qualifications/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience managing programs, events, or entrepreneurial accelerator/incubator initiatives.
• Solid financial management skills, including budget tracking and grant reporting.
• Experience with marketing strategy or campaign development (digital or traditional).
• Familiarity with the veteran community and/or Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Comfortable working with a small, mission-driven team and able to collaborate effectively.
• Willing and able to travel as needed for events and cohort support.

For details about Seidman College of Business, visit .

For details about the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, visit .

Apply online at GVSU Careers to be considered; applicants must upload the following (in PDF format) to the online application:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Unofficial copy of transcript

If selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide the names, phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references. You will also be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview. If you have questions or need assistance, call Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Questions about this position may be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Shorouq Almallah, View email address on click.appcast.io.

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Sponsorship Disclosure: Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See . TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or View phone number on click.appcast.io (out of State).

Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.