Program Manager, Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) – Tepper School of Business

The Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) is a joint initiative between the Tepper School of Business and the Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship at Carnegie Mellon University. CSL takes an interdisciplinary approach to helping companies explore new opportunities created by innovative technologies and shifts in the market, including areas such as artificial intelligence and robotics.

CSL connects corporations, startups, students, faculty, investors, and ecosystem partners as part of CMU’s broader innovation ecosystem. Through its programs, CSL applies startup and venture principles across all of its offerings, which include a capstone project course, a Fellows program, and a range of public-facing events and convenings such as the Emerging Tech Showcase. Joining CSL offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of corporate engagement, entrepreneurship, venture-backed startups, and higher education in a highly collaborative and evolving environment.

The Program Manager, Corporate Startup Lab (CSL) leads CSL’s external-facing programs and outbound activities, including events, partner convenings, ecosystem engagement, and marketing-aligned initiatives. This position reports to the Director of the Corporate Startup Lab.

The role focuses on translating CSL programs and outcomes into compelling experiences and materials that bring together leaders from corporations, startups, and the broader innovation ecosystem. The ideal candidate has strong marketing instincts and is comfortable working across digital channels, events, and partnerships in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Core responsibilities include:

• Plan and implement CSL’s external and public-facing programs, including flagship events (CSL Forum, Spring Summit, Demo Day, Emerging Tech Showcase) and targeted roundtables or small-group convenings that bring together corporations, startups, investors, and program partners

• Design and deliver high-quality event and convening experiences, managing logistics, partner coordination, and execution across a diverse set of participants

• Develop and manage CSL outbound materials and digital channels, including website content, LinkedIn, YouTube, newsletters, and program collateral

• Create and manage content calendars aligned with CSL programs, events, and ecosystem convenings

• Translate CSL programs and engagements into case studies, testimonials, and narratives that support partner engagement and program growth

• Coordinate with Tepper and CMU marketing and communications partners to ensure consistency and alignment across channels

• Participate in CSL growth and partnership discussions, including support for business development planning and the development of sales enablement materials

• Support CSL leadership in preparing for external meetings, pitches, follow-ups, and processes supporting partnership agreements

• Support and help deepen relationships across CSL’s partner network, including corporations, startups, investors, and regional and national ecosystem organizations

• Other duties as assigned

Adaptability, excellence, and passion are vital qualities within Carnegie Mellon University. We are in search of a team member who can effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• Experience managing digital platforms such as websites, social media, email/newsletters, or content management systems

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and adapt to changing needs

• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with ambiguity, similar to startup or entrepreneurial settings

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, cross-functional team

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

• 3-5 years of experience in program management, events, partnerships, marketing or related roles

• A combination of education and relevant experience from which comparable knowledge is demonstrated may be considered.

Requirements:

• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check

Additional Information:

• Sponsorship: Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. We will not sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. Carnegie Mel