Entrepreneurship Program Manager

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $52,705 and $66,672, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Entrepreneurship Program Manager, under the guidance of the Senior Director for Entrepreneurship, is responsible for supporting the day-to-day operationalization of entrepreneurial programs, spaces, and initiatives at Sears think[box], anchored by the Cray Center for Venture Creation on Floor 6 and the Sears think[box] Incubator on Floor 7.

Serving as the primary operational point of contact for founders, tenants, mentors, partners, and visitors, this position is responsible for implementing operational processes, coordinating logistics for entrepreneurial programming, managing administrative functions, and ensuring a high-quality experience across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The program manager also plans and executes activities and events that strengthen the think[box] entrepreneurial community in informal and formal ways while identifying opportunities to improve day-to-day operations and enhance the effectiveness of programs, services, and spaces in alignment with departmental priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Sears think[box] Incubator on Floor 7, managing day-to-day operations and ensuring a high-quality experience for tenants. Monitor tenant and facility needs, resolve routine operational issues, and coordinate access requests, maintenance concerns (e.g. HVAC issues), and monitoring of shared resources in collaboration with the Operations team. Working closely with the senior director for entrepreneurship and director of business operations, manage routine financial and administrative activities, including invoicing and payment processing and maintenance of tenant records (e.g. license agreements) and operational documentation. Maintain and continuously improve standard operating procedures, onboarding and move-out materials, tenant handbook, and other operational resources to support consistent, scalable operations. Communicate with internal and external partners such as the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship, LaunchNet, MAGNET, Jumpstart, and others to implement entrepreneurial programming, support startup success, and foster an engaged, collaborative Incubator community. Coordinate the collection of operational and program assessment data via regular check-ins, surveys, and other quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools to support reporting, resource allocation, and continuous improvement. (40%)

2. Lead the daily operations of the Cray Center for Venture Creation on Floor 6, serving as a central point of contact for founders, mentors, and partners visiting the floor to use coworking spaces or seek support for their ideas. Coordinate and deliver entrepreneurial programs, events, and initiatives that support venture growth and innovation, including workshops, networking events, mentor engagements, speaker series, and showcases. Administer the Expert-in-Residence (EIR) program by organizing schedules, communications, meetings, and follow-up activities to ensure smooth engagement between experts and founders. Develop strong working relationships with entrepreneurs, students, faculty, alumni, mentors, and ecosystem partners, to identify needs, connect participants with appropriate resources, and ensure consistent, responsive customer experience. Represent the Cray Center and Sears think[box] entrepreneurship through tours, outreach initiatives, and community events as needed. (35%)

3. Manage the data and administrative operations supporting entrepreneurial activities at Sears think[box], including license agreements, tenant information, mailbox memberships, invoices, calendars, and related records using Airtable and similar platforms. Ensure entrepreneurship spaces, hotel offices, meeting rooms, signage, digital displays, and common areas remain organized, welcoming, and operationally ready. Keep all signage, digital and printed, current, high-quality, and on brand. Maintain accurate documentation and recommend operational improvements that enhance efficiency, participant experience, and program effectiveness. (20%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous interaction with Sears think[box], LaunchNET, and Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship staff and student employees to accomplish the mission.

University: Frequent interaction with administrative offices, schools, and departments, including but not limited to; the Provosts office, Office of General Counsel, Case School of Law, and Case Alumni Association to complete administrative tasks and to collaborate on activities in support of startups and entrepreneurs.

External: Frequent interaction with alumni and community entrepreneurs to connect them with the entrepreneurship opportunities at Case Western Reserve University. Frequent interaction with the local entrepreneurship ecosystem (MAGNET, Jumpstart, SCORE, etc.), funding agencies, foundations, donors, and nonprofits to provide, coordinate, and exchange information in support of entrepreneurship.

Students: Continuous interaction with undergraduate and graduate students to provide support and mentorship, and to connect them with resources, on and off campus, in support of entrepreneurship activities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

None

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of related experience required, preferably in a field related to entrepreneurship, project management, higher education or non-profit.

Education: Bachelors degree required.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Enthusiasm for Cleveland, community, entrepreneurship, and people.

2. A proven demonstration of developing, delivering, and managing successful programs and events. Project management skills are essential.

3. Ability to consistently deliver top-notch customer assistance; skillful at navigating problematic scenarios and adept at managing and resolving issues.

4. Knowledge of entrepreneurship journey, startup environment/culture, and/or venture capital.

5. Superior time management skills; ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, rapidly-changing work environment, and comfortable with concurrent deadlines and fast turnaround times.

6. Proven ability to mentor and motivate students from multiple backgrounds (i.e.: art, business, music, liberal arts, engineering, science) to ensure they remain engaged and informed.

7. Thoughtful and empathetic advocate committed to student well-being.

8. Ability to develop and effectively manage relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and community members

9. Strong writing skills and demonstrated knowledge of digital communication mediums.

10. Ability to handle confidential, sensitive information.

11. Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.

12. Ability to meet consistent attendance.

13. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

14. Willingness to learn and work with Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to enhance efficiency.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The general office environment involves some lifting of common office supplies, storage, retrieval of items, or re-arranging of space. Evenings and weekend availability required to support programming and facility needs. Occasional travel.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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