"Program Specialist - Skandalaris Center"

Position Summary

This position supports faculty and students to increase interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among those who can support startups and help them grow (vs having a startup idea themselves). The Specialist aggregates entrepreneurship curriculum, research, and programs across campus with a goal of building momentum on successes and advancing the innovation environment. Provides operational support to new and special initiatives in the Skandalaris Center. Requires strong knowledge of entrepreneurial processes and the ability to guide others in applying those tools effectively.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Operations

• Oversees the day-to-day execution of entrepreneurship and innovation programs aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Administers programs like hackathons and IdeaBounce® that surface ideas, accelerate early-stage ventures, and provide practical exposure to entrepreneurial methods.
• Completes core tactical activities related to the Center's commercialization work (including the NSF Convergence Grant), such as customer discovery and startup modeling.
• Leads the Skandalaris summer internship program by managing both student interns and participating startups, ensuring a meaningful exchange that advances venture progress and student development.

Outreach and Engagement

• Advises and supports prospective and current students, faculty, alumni, and staff on entrepreneurship curriculum, venture-building resources, and Skandalaris co-curricular opportunities.
• Builds strong relationships through classroom visits, student organization and staff meetings, and one-on-one advising; communicates key information to academic advisors, student services teams, and career centers.
• Supports student founders and entrepreneurial groups in translating ideas into action.
• Partners with campus collaborators to plan immersive events and co-sponsor programming that expands access to entrepreneurial pathways.

Volunteer and Partner Management

• Recruits, coordinates, and supports a broad network of alumni and external partners who serve as mentors, judges, speakers, and advisors.
• Builds systems that ensure a high-quality volunteer experience and sustained involvement in the Center’s work.
• Engages these contributors in hands-on startup support and student-facing programs, leveraging their industry and entrepreneurial expertise to deepen impact.
• Collaborates with Advancement and other university stakeholders to strengthen alumni engagement and long-term partnerships in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Data and Reporting

• Tracks key Center metrics and maintains reporting systems tied to program performance, rankings, and venture development outcomes.
• Maintains a detailed database of Center volunteers, participants, and WashU-affiliated ventures (“DNA ventures”) to ensure accurate, real-time insights into Center reach and impact.
• Utilizes CRM tools and analytics platforms to evaluate performance and inform ongoing strategic decisions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location/Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations. Ability to work outside of normal business hours as needed, such as in the evenings and on weekends. Physical Effort: Typically sitting at desk or table. Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement. Occasional lifting (15 lbs or less). Equipment: Office equipment.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education. Certifications: No specific certification is required for this position. Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years). Skills: Not Applicable. Driver's License: A driver's license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

Familiarity with the Washington University campus and the St. Louis community. Familiarity with other cross-campus, interdisciplinary centers at Washington University. Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations. Ability to influence others and make an impact. Ability to counsel and advise, be sensitive to student needs and concerns, and handle confidential information. Knowledge of higher education challenges. Education: Master's degree. Certifications: No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section. Work Experience: No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section. Skills: Analytical Thinking, Business Research Methods, Communication, Confidentiality, Creative Process, Deadline Management, High Accuracy, Influencing Skills, Innovation Culture, Oral Communications, Oral Presentation, Organizing, Prioritization, Professional Report Writing, Report Writing, Stress Management, Taking Initiative, Team Collaboration, Work Collaboratively, Work Efficiency, Working Independently, Workload Management, Written Communication.

Grade

G10

Salary Range

$49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / Annually. The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Benefits Statement

Personal: Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time. Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance. Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%. Wellness: Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more! Family: We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered. WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us. For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.