Program Manager

SEED SPOT is seeking a dynamic and experienced Program Manager to lead, manage, and execute SEED SPOT’s customized entrepreneurship programs created in collaboration with diverse external partners. This leadership role includes managing custom programs including, but not limited to, SEED SPOT’s Best Buy Youth Entrepreneurship Program, the Wacif Creative Business Accelerator, the Retail Brand Accelerator, and other custom partner initiatives. This role will build and contribute to an innovative and growth-oriented community for program participants. Furthermore, the Program Manager will support SEED SPOT’s core programs, which focus on providing foundational training, mentorship, and resources to early-stage, impact-driven entrepreneurs.

Reporting to SEED SPOT’s Vice President of Programs, the Program Manager will take ownership of creating and adpating curriculum, facilitating programming, onboarding partner program participants, and building a community of support around each program that benefits the entrepreneurs, including expert speakers, ecosystem partners, community resources, and more. They will also support the Recruitment Director in partner program recruitment, and lead applicant vetting, and selection. This role will be a leader in the local and national entrepreneurial ecosystem and should be passionate about building a learning and support community where diverse, social impact-driven entrepreneurs can thrive.

The Program Manager will play a vital role in guiding entrepreneurs through programming, fostering emerging business leaders and increasing accessibility to founders from all backgrounds. The ideal candidate will embody SEED SPOT’s mission to educate, accelerate, and invest in diverse, impact-driven entrepreneurs while working collaboratively as an integral part of the Programs team, including managing and training Program facilitators. 

Location: Remote, US-Based
Employment Type: Full-time

Requirements:
To be considered, applicants must have:

• 5+ years of experience directly training and/or mentoring entrepreneurs
• 3+ years of program and/or training facilitation experience
• 3+ years of project management experience with clients or external stakeholders
• 2+ years of experience managing team members or contractors to successful business outcomes
• Strong leadership, with demonstrated experience in public speaking and team management
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate diverse groups of both youth and adult learners
• Existing relationships with entrepreneurial ecosystem leaders at the local and/or national level
• Excellent demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities, including a can-do attitude and entreprenurial/innovative mindset
• Alignment with SEED SPOT mission, vision, and core values
• Self-starter who strives to set, meet, and exceed goals
• Responsive, empathetic, outgoing, and enthusiastic demeanor
• Highly organized, responsive, communicative, and driven
• Ability to lift and move at least 20 pounds
• Must be a permanent resident of the United States
• Ability to travel within the US approximately once a month

Preferred Experience/Skills:
Competitive candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Curriculum development for entrepreneurial programs
• Direct experience as an entrepreneur or working within an early-stage venture
• Experience with startup fundraising, due diligence, and/or investment
• Prior experience working with underserved populations
• Event management experience
• Grant fulfillment and reporting experience
• Data collection and analysis experience

Responsibilities:

Manage Partner Programming

• Serve as the main point of contact for SEED SPOT program participants and alumni of programs
• Manage and execute programs, including the Retail Brand Accelerator, Youth Entrepreneurship Program, Wacif Creative Business Accelerator, and other custom partner programs, to meet annual participation and impact goals, including setting up Google Classroom, coordinating guest speakers, and creating/refining curriculum
• Hire, train, and serve as the main point of contact for Program Facilitators of partner programs, including those at Best Buy Teen Tech Centers
• Ensure consistent quality of SEED SPOT facilitation across programming through facilitator training and routine check ins
• Recruit and manage all program volunteer roles for custom partner programs, including: speakers, content experts, event volunteers, and mentors, outsourcing support from team members as needed
• Connect participating entrepreneurs with additional resources and network within local ecosystem to further venture growth and relationships
• Coordinate additional SEED SPOT Content Experts to lead weekly classroom training
• Oversee entrepreneur progress and adjust program content and pace accordingly
• Work 1:1 with entrepreneurs weekly to fill in learning gaps and apply the overarching concepts to their individual businesses/use cases
• Coordinate and manage events (space, food/beverage, supplies, technology, equipment, communications, logistics, etc.) as needed

Program Team Collaboration

• Communicate needs with the Mentorship Program Manager to ensure mentorship representation at all relevant partner program events
• Collect, review, and share program feedback from all stakeholders with the support of the Measurement & Evaluation team
• Collaborate with the Program Team on program and curriculum enhancements and development
• Support ongoing and new strategic partnership conversations
• Be a collaborative brand ambassador within the entrepreneurial ecosystem by speaking at and attending key events 
• Elevate any program challenges or snags to SEED SPOT leadership in real time for visibility and support
• Design post program reports and share with full team
• Collaborate with Operations team to facilitate hiring and program processes

Compensations & Benefits:

• Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000

• Work Environment: 100% Remote with Travel Opportunities

• Benefits:

• • Fully paid Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance premiums
  • 403(b) retirement savings plan
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) that you’re encouraged to take!
  • Coworking membership of your choice
  • Generous parental leave
  • Professional development stipend
  • Employee recognition program (Bonusly)
  • Flexible work hours
  • Annual retreats

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

SEED SPOT is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace and hire the most qualified candidates without regard to age, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, language differences, nationality or national origin, family or marital status, pregnancy, parental status, physical, mental, and developmental abilities (or the perception of a disability), genetic information, medical condition, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, skin color, social or economic class, education, work and behavioral styles, political affiliation, military service, caste, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This application deadline is September 20th, 2024. Applications received after that date or from outside the United States will not be considered.