Senior Program Manager, Ventures

Description

Job Title: Senior Program Manager, Ventures

Supervisor: Rhiannon Hampson, Vice President of Economic Development 

Pay Grade: 9

Salary Range: $78,589 - $99,600

Overview

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more, visit gmri.org.

Position Description

The Senior Program Manager, Ventures, will lead GMRI’s work to catalyze the growth of the blue economy by managing and growing our entrepreneurial programming and investment initiatives. This role will guide a dynamic team at the intersection of innovation, impact, and the blue economy—collaborating with startups, investors, researchers, industry experts, and partners to accelerate sustainable marine solutions in Maine and beyond.

This position requires a high degree of independence, analytical thinking, and judiciousness. They must drive cross-functional projects, fundraise to support team priorities, prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, and communicate effectively across each entity, ranging from senior management/Board members to field staff. They will interact with peer networks, government officials, thought leaders, and key stakeholders. The Senior Program Manager, Ventures, role is a senior-level, strategic role responsible for sustaining the team and growing its impact in support of GMRI’s mission. 

This position enjoys ~18 months of fully encumbered institutional salary support thanks to a mix of philanthropic gifts and federal grants, enabling runway support as the incumbent gets established. Thereafter, as is standard practice for Program Managers at GMRI, the incumbent will have primary responsibility for working collaboratively to sustain the position and program through competitively awarded grants and other fundraising efforts.

Responsibilities/Tasks

The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for various aspects of the Ventures team’s programmatic work, including:

Company Support Program Structure Design:

• Refine the curriculum for incubator/accelerator programs tailored to the needs of blue economy startups.
• Define program milestones, workshops, and mentorship sessions to guide companies through stages of growth and scaling.

Recruitment and Partnership Development:

• Actively recruit a pipeline of startups, mentors, advisors, and strategic partners aligned with the blue economy sector.
• Establish and nurture existing relationships with corporate partners and potential investors to support startups in pilot programs and strategic partnerships.

Due Diligence and Evaluation:

• Conduct thorough due diligence on incoming startups to assess their potential for success in the blue economy.
• Evaluate market viability, scalability, and impact of businesses within the blue economy sector.

Company Support and Mentorship:

• Provide or coordinate operational and technical assistance to startups, including market research, business planning, and customer acquisition strategies.
• Facilitate mentorship opportunities with industry experts to guide startups in navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities.

Company Support Program Management and Reporting:

• Manage the day-to-day operations of incubator/accelerator programs, ensuring program objectives and milestones are met.
• Develop key metrics and outcomes that demonstrate the impact of the program on participating startups and the broader blue economy sector.

Community Engagement Events and Workshops:

• Oversee the strategy, planning, and delivery of workshops, events, and educational programs focused on blue economy innovation, investor education, and sector-specific trends.
• Engage with local economic development agencies and stakeholders to promote the blue economy and foster an innovation ecosystem in the region.

Strategic Planning and Collaboration:

• Collaborate with strategic partners, government agencies, and local stakeholders to develop and promote a blue economy innovation corridor.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing to support the growth and sustainability of blue economy startups. 

Funding Strategy and Execution: 

• Develop strategy to fund program activities through a