Senior Program Manager- Ventures

Description

Job Title: Senior Program Manager- Ventures

Supervisor: Chief Ventures Officer

Pay Grade: 9 Pay Grade Range: $78,589- $141,522

Starting Salary Range: $90,000-$110,000

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.

Gulf of Maine Ventures, the entrepreneurship and innovation arm of GMRI, has supported over 80 early-stage blue tech companies in the past four years through company creation, industry networking, scaling, and investment.

The Senior Program Manager is a full-time, temporary position that will support the Gulf of Maine Ventures team in executing early-stage startup incubator and accelerator programs. The role primarily involves supporting 1-2 specific programs and their portfolio of blue economy startups. These companies are selected for their potential to advance GMRI’s mission, enhance social impact, and generate sustainable revenue over time. 

This temporary role starts in September 2024 and ends August 2025.  While this position is currently a one-year temporary role, there is a possibility of it becoming a full-time position, pending funding.  This role is based in Portland, Maine.

Responsibilities/Tasks:

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

Designing Curriculum and Program Structure:

• 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 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 sectors.

Business 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.

Program Management and Reporting:

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

Community Engagement and Workshops:

• Organize workshops, events, and educational programs focused on blue economy innovation, investment opportunities, 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.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• BA/BS in business, finance, or related field.
• Personal experience at an early-stage company and/or running early-stage accelerator programs.
• Interest in blue economy entrepreneurship.
• Understanding of startup company financing.
• Strong analytical skills combined with a creative mindset.
• Ability to network and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to complete tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while delivering high-quality work.
• At least 5 years of experience in busine