"Community Program Manager, HatchBridge"

Community Program Manager, HatchBridge

Job ID: 295953

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Summary

Supports the mission of the university's business incubator by developing and managing programs that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional economic development. Serves as a program manager to support the program needs of the KSU community and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Designs, coordinates, and manages incubator programs, workshops, speaker series, and cohort-based initiatives that support early-stage startups and university-affiliated entrepreneurs
2. Aligns programming with university priorities in teaching, research, innovation, and workforce development
3. Supports student, faculty, and alumni participation in incubator programs
4. Serves as a primary point of contact for incubator members, including student founders, faculty innovators, staff, alumni, and community entrepreneurs
5. Fosters an inclusive, collaborative environment that supports interdisciplinary engagement
6. Coordinates mentor networks, including faculty experts, alumni, and industry professionals
7. Collaborates with academic departments, research centers, technology transfer, career services, and other campus units
8. Manages program logistics including recruitment, application processes, onboarding, scheduling, space coordination, and materials
9. Tracks program budgets, expenditures, and procurement in coordination with incubator leadership and university policies
10. Maintains accurate records and databases for participants, mentors, and program outcomes
11. Partners with university marketing and communications teams to promote incubator programs and events
12. Assists with content creation for websites, newsletters, and social media
13. Supports outreach and recruitment efforts targeting students, faculty, and community entrepreneurs
14. Collects and analyzes data on program participation, outcomes, and impact
15. Prepares reports for university leadership, grant sponsors, and external stakeholders
16. Ensures programs align with university policies, grant requirements, and reporting standards

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree in business, public administration, higher education administration, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field.

Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license

Required Experience
Three (3) years of experience in program management, community engagement, higher education administration, entrepreneurship support, and/or economic development.

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of startup development, commercialization, or technology transfer
Familiarity with academic environments and shared governance structures

Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience
Experience working in a university-based incubator, accelerator, innovation hub, or research center
Experience supporting student-focused or faculty-led initiatives
Experience with grant-funded programs and reporting

Proposed Salary

The midpoint of the salary range is $83,400. Offers are based on relevant experience. Comprehensive benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, 13 paid holidays, vacation, generous retirement plans, tuition waiver, wellness options, and much more! Visit hr.kennesaw.edu/benefits.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES
Able to work effectively across academic and administrative units
Builds relationships with local and regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and entrepreneurial support organizations
Represents the incubator at campus events and community outreach activities
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines

SKILLS
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Collaborative and service-oriented approach
Attention to detail and comfort navigating institutional policies and processes
Strong relationship-building and facilitation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette