Reports to: Director of Entrepreneurial Services
Location: bwtech@UMBC, Baltimore, MD
Employment Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week). Occasional early morning and early evening hours are required for events. The Research Park Corporation (TRPC) Employee.
Note: This is a strictly in-office position; remote work is not available. Candidates must be local or willing to relocate to the Baltimore, MD area at their own expense. Relocation reimbursement is not provided.
FLSA Classification: Exempt
About bwtech
bwtech@UMBC [dba: The Research Park Corporation (TRPC)] is a leading business multiphase incubator/accelerator/mature-stage facility providing support and resources to a diverse range of technology and life sciences companies. We are dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development by offering a dynamic environment for startups and established companies alike.
Job Summary
The Research Park Corporation (TRPC) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Program Manager to manage the day-to-day execution and coordination of our signature programs and events, under the direction of the Director of Entrepreneurial Services. The Program Manager plays a crucial role in planning, organizing, and executing high-impact programs and events that align with bwtech’s mission and the needs of our clients. This role is the central coordinator across bwtech’s functional teams—directing the contributions of Marketing, Facilities, Finance/Administration, and the Entrepreneurs in Residence toward program goals rather than duplicating their day-to-day functions. The Director sets program strategy and direction; the Program Manager is responsible for making the programs run reliably and independently. This position requires excellent project management and computer skills, attention to detail, and the ability to engage with a variety of team members and stakeholders. A full range of bwtech’s programs can be found on our bwtech@UMBC .
Reporting Relationship and Authority
This position reports to the Director of Entrepreneurial Services and is responsible for managing program execution, not for setting program direction.
Operates with delegated authority to manage day-to-day program execution and make routine operational decisions independently. Escalates decisions involving budget beyond pre-approved spending limits, program design or strategy, and new external commitments to the Director. Serves as a capable point of coverage for the Director during travel or absences, carrying programs forward against an established plan.
Decides independently: day-of event adjustments, vendor logistics within an approved budget, routine client questions, and task sequencing to meet deadlines. Checks with the Director first: spending beyond pre-approved limits, any change to a program’s content or goals, new sponsor or partner commitments, and client issues that carry reputational or funding risk.
Growth Path
This role is designed to grow. In the first year, the focus is on mastering execution and the day-to-day management of bwtech’s programs. As the Program Manager demonstrates strong command of the programs, they will increasingly contribute to program strategy and planning alongside the Director—becoming an active partner in shaping the direction of bwtech’s programming over time.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management and Execution
- Manage the implementation, logistics, and coordination of signature programs such as the Maryland NEW Venture, START UP Accelerator, SCALE UP Maryland, and the Maryland GLOBAL Gateway Program, along with events that support the growth and development of bwtech clients and its partners; serve as a capable point of coverage for the Director when needed.
- Serve as the central point of coordination for internal and external groups—including marketing, facilities, finance/administration, and Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs).
- Ensure program goals, objectives, and desired outcomes established by the Director are met on schedule.
- Manage the program budget for each event (estimated $5,000–$8,000 per event), including resource allocation and vendor negotiation, working within finance/administration’s established purchasing and approval processes rather than handling financial processing directly.
- Support grant- and sponsor-funded program requirements by tracking deliverables, deadlines, and reporting obligations, and by maintaining organized records for compliance.
- Monitor and evaluate program performance (through surveys, focus groups, etc.), and recommend improvements and implement approved adjustments to ensure continuous improvement.
- Own data collection, analysis, and reporting of key performance indicators (KPIs) and client success metrics (e.g., capital raised, jobs created) for all programs, and prepare required sponsor or grant partner recaps.
Program Recruitment, Selection, and Engagement
- Manage the application and intake process for signature programs, including outreach to prospective applicants, application collection, and assist with screening logistics.
- Coordinate the cohort selection process and prepare materials for the Director and selection reviewers, who make final selection decisions.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients participating in signature programs, providing ongoing support and guidance and helping them navigate bwtech resources and opportunities.
- Gather feedback from clients to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Maintain relationships with program alumni and track long-term outcomes that feed client success metrics.
External Partnerships and Network Coordination
- Manage and support bwtech’s partnership with the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC), including coordinating and co-hosting shared lunch-and-learns and other joint events.
- Coordinate the mentor and Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) pool, including scheduling, startup matching, and session logistics, in support of program goals set by the Director.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with ecosystem partners and represent bwtech at partner events as needed.
Event Planning and Execution
- Plan and coordinate events, including workshops, seminars, conferences, networking sessions, and other client-focused activities.
- Coordinate event logistics end to end—submitting room and venue reservation requests, scheduling vendors, and overseeing attendee registration—while relying on Facilities for space booking and setup and on Marketing for event promotion.
- Ensure events run smoothly and address any issues that arise promptly and effectively.
Marketing and Communication (Liaison Role)
- Provide program details, timelines, and source content to bwtech Marketing, which develops and executes the marketing and promotional strategy for programs and events, and review Marketing’s drafts for program accuracy.
- Assist in collecting event and program information for maintaining the bwtech database (Salesforce).
- Act as the program liaison to Marketing for keeping program-related information on the bwtech website and other communication channels current.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Event Management, or a related field. A Master’s degree is a plus.
- Minimum 3 years, with 5+ preferred experience in program management, event planning, or a related role.
- Proven track record of successfully managing and executing programs and events.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and run day-to-day operations independently.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Comfort facilitating sessions and representing the Director when needed.
- Data and reporting fluency, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience preparing KPIs or impact reports.
- Connections and experience in dealing with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Maryland (MBIA, incubators, accelerators, USM, MD Dept of Commerce, MD Tech Council, etc.).
- Experience working in an entrepreneurial community in technology, med-tech, or bio/life sciences innovation-focused environments is preferred.
- Experience supporting grant- or sponsor-funded programs is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and event management software.
- Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce, Monday.com, or others.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally within the Maryland ecosystem as needed.
- Demonstrated strategic planning and high-level problem-solving abilities, with the interest and potential to grow into a strategy-contributing role over time.
Physical and Schedule Requirements
- Ability to work occasional early morning and evening hours for events.
- Ability to be on-site for events, including standing for extended periods and moving or setting up event materials as needed.
- Ability to lift, transport, or position event materials, tables, and program equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary starting at $70,000 (commensurate with experience) and a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, holiday, and leave benefits.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth, including a defined path toward contributing to program strategy over time.
- A collaborative and innovative work environment.
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on the success of our clients and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
This position includes/requires an initial six-month probation period.
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
