Program Manager - AlphaLab Health

Innovation Works, Inc.
 

Job Description
Program Manager, AlphaLab Health

Overview of Position

The Program Manager, AlphaLab Health, leads the execution of the region’s most impactful early-stage accelerator program for life sciences startups. This role is responsible for managing the Health Track within AlphaLab, Innovation Works’ flagship accelerator, and focuses on supporting founders as they navigate the earliest and most challenging stages of building a life sciences company.

The Program Manager serves as the primary point of contact for the AlphaLab Health Track, representing the program to founders, partners, and the broader community. This individual oversees day-to-day operations, leads the startup selection process, and works hands-on with early-stage entrepreneurs, addressing complex challenges at the intersection of healthcare, science, and technology. The Program Manager also manages Innovation Works’ partnership with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), ensuring founders have access to critical clinical and research expertise.

This is a highly visible and mission-driven role, well-suited for someone with firsthand startup experience who is passionate about guiding early-stage founders through the complexity, ambiguity, and opportunity of launching a life sciences company.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Lead the AlphaLab, Health Track application and selection process, including recruitment strategy, application reviews, interviews, and final selection.
• Design and run a compelling, founder-focused program tailored to life sciences and healthcare, covering customer discovery, regulatory pathways, reimbursement, early product development, and fundraising.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all Health Track companies, holding bi-weekly check-ins and offering tactical support across a wide range of startup challenges.
• Drive the execution of program milestones and ensure the completion of deliverables such as founder surveys, site visits, and state reporting.

Partner & Ecosystem Engagement

• Manage the partnership with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), ensuring startups can access clinicians, researchers, and subject matter experts for mentorship, validation, and pilot opportunities.
• Connect founders with advisors, investors, and potential customers across the local and national healthcare ecosystem.
• Represent AlphaLab and the Health Track at relevant events, panels, and community activities to build visibility and support for the program and its companies.

Internal Collaboration

• Coordinate with the broader AlphaLab and Innovation Works teams to ensure alignment across all tracks (Software, Hardware, Health).
• Support investment and due diligence processes in collaboration with legal counsel and the investment committee. 
• Collaborate with marketing, platform, and operations teams to deliver a seamless and high-impact founder experience.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree in business, science, or healthcare-related fields is a plus.
• 5–10+ years of professional experience, ideally including firsthand founder experience or meaningful time supporting early-stage startup teams.
• Deep understanding of the unique challenges of starting a company—building something from scratch, finding product-market fit, and navigating ambiguity.
• Experience or strong familiarity with healthcare, life sciences, or medical technology industries—including exposure to clinical, regulatory, or commercialization paths.
• Excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills—direct, transparent, and empathetic.
• Ability to lead independently, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Comfortable with tools like Google Workspace, Slack, Calendly, Salesforce, and virtual communication platforms.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct startup founder experience, especially in healthcare or life sciences.
• Experience working in an accelerator, venture fund, or innovation program.
• Strong network in the healthcare innovation ecosystem—locally or nationally.
• Passion for supporting entrepreneurs and building community.

Innovation Works is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We value individual dignity, respect the rights of every person, and uphold a workplace environment built on fairness, personal responsibility, and equal opportunity for all.