Program Manager - AlphaLab Gear / Robotics Factory Accelerate - Innovation Works

Innovation Works, Inc. - Job Description

   Program Manager - AlphaLab Gear / Robotics Factory Accelerate

 Job Description:

Overview of Position:

The Program Manager role is highly visible within the startup community and will have the opportunity to shape the overall AlphaLab Gear and Robotics Factory accelerator programs within the IW family of accelerators. S/he will play a leading role in the application selection process and will be the main point of contact with the AlphaLab Gear / RF Accelerate companies during the program. The Program Manager will have the opportunity to build relationships within the Pittsburgh startup community and to develop relationships outside of Pittsburgh through our hardware/robotics networks and our involvement in Morrow, a global network of accelerator programs.

The ideal candidate has prior experience managing and executing entrepreneurial programs that help startups get to the next stage of growth. Ideally, s/he has prior startup experience, can teach entrepreneurship to startup Founders, and is comfortable working with a diverse team at a startup pace. Outstanding leadership, communication, and collaborative interpersonal skills are essential. This position requires strong organizational skills, an ability to be hands-on to drive results (both individually and collaboratively in the accelerator team), and comfort communicating with substance in a transparent, direct, and empathetic manner.

Primary Responsibilities:

Program Operations

• Lead AlphaLab Gear and Robotics Factory to accelerate recruiting strategy and efforts. In particular, lead accelerator application recruitment and selection processes, including application office hours, review of applications, interviews, follow-up due diligence efforts, and selection.
• Define, implement, and lead accelerator programming and general hardware/robotics programming, including educational sessions, bi-weekly 1:1s with each participating company, project and program planning, mentor support and coordination, and partner and community events that enhance support for companies.
• Leverage domain expertise and functional skills to assist companies as applicable.
• Ensure completion of Administrative (and CRM systems) requirements including state reporting, final client reporting, client surveys, and site visits.

Partner and Network Relationships

• Work in coordination with the Manufacturing team to support and implement manufacturing and technical programming.
• Manage and support relationships with the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, including integration of the PRN mentor network and regional marketing and branding initiatives.
• Represent Innovation Works / AlphaLab Gear / Robotics Factory at community and partner events, through attendance, participation, and speaking.

Internal Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the Accelerator Team to drive an accelerator foundation across IW’s family of programs (AlphaLab, AlphaLab Gear, AlphaLab Health, Robotics Factory).
• Work collaboratively with internal partners (e.g. Legal Counsel, Investment Committee) to execute Accelerator investments, including legal and commercial due diligence.
• Work collaboratively with the Platform Manager and Managing Director of Hardware to deliver cohesive offerings for AlphaLab based on evolving hardware/robotics company needs
• Deliver against team and individual performance against KPIs around network development, engagement with companies, and NPS score.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree, minimum 5 - 10 years of experience.
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and time-sensitive issues for various stakeholders with attention to detail, deadlines, and overall quality.
• Ability to execute individually on program operations while working with the accelerator team.
• Needs to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-moving environment.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Ability to drive results (both individually and collaboratively) in an organization.
• Ability to use productivity tools such as Google Apps, Slack, Calendly, and Salesforce.
• Strong interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork, optimism, and verbal and written communication are a must.
• Comfort communicating with substance in a direct, transparent, and empathetic manner.
• Ability to drive operational decisions and lead projects independently, with minimal supervision
• The ability to maintain confidential information is a must.
• Ability to exemplify our core values of integrity, innovation, inclusion, collaboration, and service.

Preferred:

• Prior experience working in a startup company or with startup companies
• Domain and industry expertise in hardware/robotics-related domains, including various business models and customer acquisition methods.
• Advanced degree in a business and/or technical field
• Online presence and passion for the entrepreneurial/startup community. Demonstrated ability to build community and partnerships is a strong plus.
• The ability to use productivity tools such as Google Apps, Slack, Calendly, and Salesforce is important. Individuals should be comfortable using various social networks to promote AlphaLab Gear, Innovation Works, and its companies and to engage with the startup community.
• To include any other duties assigned.

Innovation Works provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.