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MSU Research Foundation · 17 hours ago

Program Manager, Venture Development

Detroit,MI,US

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

MSU Research Foundation is focused on healthcare innovation and ecosystem engagement. The Program Manager, Venture Development is responsible for program delivery and managing relationships within the healthcare innovation ecosystem, particularly through the Conquer Healthcare Accelerator.

Higher EducationNon ProfitUniversities

Responsibilities

Coordinate with the Henry Ford and MSU Innovation Hub teams to align startup engagement around healthcare priorities and pilot readiness

Continuously assess startup standing, document support opportunities, and propose tailored next steps for each company

Track and categorize startups by industry vertical, coordinating with internal stakeholders for next steps

Build a living landscape model of key healthcare innovation stakeholders aligned with the broader Henry Ford and MSU Innovation Hub strategy

Engage with Detroit-area entrepreneur support organizations, clinicians, and community stakeholders

Serve as a liaison between Spartan Innovations and Henry Ford Innovations in meetings, communications, and events

Stay visible and available to companies in key spaces; offer hands-on, in-person support whenever possible

Execute the implementation, continuous improvement, and documentation of the Conquer Healthcare Accelerator

Contribute to training materials, playbooks, and documentation to ensure consistent program delivery

Build and maintain a strong pipeline of startups in advance of each cohort cycle

Conduct eligibility reviews, screen applications, and ensure all required documentation is complete

Serve as the first point of contact for applicants, providing clear communication and timely updates

Conduct initial screening meetings and refer startups to the appropriate internal programs or partners

Identify ways to streamline intake, evaluation, and referral processes to increase efficiency and transparency

Support management and tracking of pre-seed fund activities under Red Cedar Ventures

Assist with investment memos, due diligence notes, and founder meeting summaries

Maintain accurate deal flow and CRM records

Coordinate pitch meetings, internal reviews, and investor communications

Conduct preliminary research on companies, markets, and technologies

Provide regular updates to Spartan Innovations and Henry Ford Innovations leadership

Maintain accurate company records, financial data, and project tracking in Monday.com

Prepare PowerPoint summaries for stakeholder presentations

Participate in monthly Venture Programming meetings and leadership check-ins

Support cross-functional diligence efforts for Spartan Innovations, Michigan Rise, and Red Cedar Ventures

Qualification

Venture developmentAccelerator programmingHealthcare innovationTechnology commercializationCRM systemsProject managementStakeholder engagementKPI reportingCommunication skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Minimum of a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and education

Demonstrated experience in venture development, accelerator programming, innovation management, healthcare innovation, or related startup-support roles

Experience in creating a strategic partnership and alliance amongst key stakeholders

Ability to be present on-site in Detroit-area innovation spaces to engage directly with founders and partners