Program Manager, Industry Strategy and Investments - Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President, Industry Strategy and Investments, this individual is responsible for supporting all aspects of the execution of the Center’s industry programs including: conducting research and gathering support for the Center’s programs; initiating program launch; implementing application processes; and coordinating applications evaluation through review processes. This person will also serve as the Center’s point person for managed programs, providing updates to teams and external stakeholders when necessary. This individual will manage ongoing support for existing and new initiatives by identifying problems, defining success metrics, determining the audience, utilizing data to produce program evaluations. The Program Manager will assist in preparation for key meetings including coordination and interaction of participants, materials preparation, and meeting planning. This staff member will collaborate extensively with other departments at the Center on an as needed basis.

FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Works alongside the VP, Industry Strategy and Investments, the Director, Program Managers and Associates, and student co-op(s) on projects to further the Center’s mission.
• Supports program implementation and manages processes of program-specific workflow.
• Provide guidance to program applicants, including general outreach and application-specific information.
• Represents the Center at MLSC board meetings; in addition to participating in conferences, exhibitions, and other activities (panels, speaking engagements) to promote the MLSC strategy.
• Interacts and coordinates with program applicants, scientific review panel members, Board of Directors, and other industry stakeholders related to program review process, meeting planning and attendance.
• Manages respective program portfolio for deliverables and reimbursement materials by reviewing submissions, monitoring compliance and terms of the Agreement.
• Recommends program reform initiatives that are dynamic and proactive to shepherd pieces through operational needs.
• Coordinates with other staff from the Center to provide information needs from programs.
• Provides scientific and/or industry related content input where possible for program conceptualization, marketing outreach to industry sectors or geographic regions for the purpose of program development, while leveraging this content at trade shows and industry meetings.
• Provides additional research, support, and perspectives for future initiatives relating to other state activity and life science trends; also supports the Center’s management team in fostering ongoing relationships with agencies outside of MA.
• Participates in efforts including preparation for and attendance at company meetings; follow-up calls and emails; maintains and develops portfolio company relationships beyond programs.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned or requested.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• There may be supervisory responsibilities with this position; this position will collaborate with all other departments and may work with summer interns or co-ops.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, and/or PhD in STEM (advanced degree in life sciences or heavy science coursework preferred).
• Professional experience with possible roles in program coordination, program development, product development, technology transfer, or grant management.
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
• Discreet, able to maintain confidentiality and possess good judgment.
• Must be proactive in anticipating the needs of senior staff.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Must be detail oriented and demonstrate strong organizational skills.
• Must have excellent computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, database, and presentation software (MS Outlook, MSWord, Excel, NetSuite, and PowerPoint). Must be willing to learn new software to manage the grant application and life cycle processes.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and demands.
• Ability to exercise initiative in following through on assignments within stated deadlines.
• Desire to engage in process optimization.

EXTENT OF PUBLIC CONTACT

• Contact with internal and external stakeholders, applicants and reviewers.
• Contacts with all levels of the organization.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed primarily in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. Currently, work is being conducted in-person at the office in Waltham 2 days per week (Wednesdays and Thursdays), and remotely for 3 days a week. When state guidelines stipulate that it is safe to fully return to an in-person office environment, additional in-person attendance at the office will be expected, with flexibility as needed.

• Must be able to work a regular work schedule of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and attend occasional evening events
• Occasional adjustments to schedule may be required
• This position requires attendance (approximately 10%) at events throughout the Commonwealth (some of which are not easily accessible to public transportation). Reliable transportation is needed to meet the required participation at these events.
• Some local, domestic and international travel required (no more than 10 percent)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the primary functions of this job. The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, or hear; must be able to operate office equipment; occasional reaching above shoulder heights or below the waist; lift and/or move up to 15 pounds as required to file documents or store materials during the workday. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and color vision. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing; must be able to establish and maintain professional interpersonal relationships. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions