Program & Events Manager
Plug and Play
WHO WE ARE:
Plug and Play Tech Center is the ultimate innovation platform, bringing together the best startups and the world’s largest corporations to create the most meaningful connections that bring innovation to anyone, anywhere. We are on a mission to bring the benefits of Silicon Valley to all corners of the world. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurs join our vertical-specific accelerator programs to team up with our corporate members or receive a direct investment from Plug and Play. Plug and Play has over 45 locations across the world and our corporate members include: Daimler, Prologis, PG&E, Nissan, Volvo, BP, Walmart, Nokia, Coca Cola, Doosan Bobcat, and over 500 more. Plug and Play’s corporate members utilize Plug and Play to identify the best startups to meet their challenges. Plug and Play’s proven investment track record includes Honey, Dropbox, Lending Club, Kustomer, Einride, and many more.
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WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:
We’re a diverse team with backgrounds in technology and entrepreneurship and we’re growing rapidly to deliver on our mission. We’re actively seeking a Program Manager who is an operational powerhouse, organized, and can manage multiple projects at one time. As a Program Manager you will be running the 6-12 months acceleration program up to twice a year by setting up events and networking sessions, own startup relationships, support business development with their corporate accounts and deal flows, prepare marketing collateral, order promotional materials and supplies for the team, and more.
HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
Program + Corporations/Startup Facing
- Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders within our partner organizations and support adoption, renewals, and new revenue opportunities. Eventually, take over some of those engagements to manage, nurture and grow such projects.
- Host events, track corporate participation with high attention to detail and design new ways to increase corporate engagement.
- Own relationships with startups in the accelerator program.
- Hold intake interviews, exit interviews, and make sure all startups are on track to meet program goals.
- Grow an ecosystem of mentors and VCs to bring more value to the program.
- Set up sessions for startups to meet with mentors, VC’s and corporate partners for the program.
- Collect feedback and develop an evaluation method to assess program strengths and identify areas for improvement.
- Wrap up the program with a batch analysis report and individual startup report cards.
Event Management Responsibilities:
- Organize and execute meetups, mentor sessions, office hours, and deal flows to enhance program engagement.
- Coordinate venue bookings, develop event content, engage speakers, and manage project tasks for the team.
- Inform corporate partners and startups of upcoming Plug and Play Real Estate events.
- Prepare event materials, such as name tags, demo table signs, registration lists, and necessary printouts.
- Delegate tasks and communicate effectively with the Events Team to ensure smooth operations.
- Oversee event setup, including seating arrangements and table organization, and troubleshoot technical issues if needed.
- Serve as the primary contact for external catering services and maintain relationships with vendors.
- Ensure proper seating and room arrangements for all events.
- Design and distribute marketing materials, including flyers for events like Selection Day, Focus Week, and EXPO.
- Reserve venues for key events such as Selection Day, Focus Week, and EXPO.
Marketing Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create and distribute flyers and event printouts for major events.
- Coordinate and manage a monthly newsletter, tracking subscriber engagement and click rates.
- Ensure corporate partners receive all newsletters and maintain an up-to-date subscription list.
- Support content development, including event videos, partner announcements, and relevant industry news.
- Assist in brand awareness initiatives, working with the Marketing team to post updates and news on social media.
- Create marketing links and case study videos featuring partners and startups.
Corporate Engagement Responsibilities:
- Manage the subscription list and monitor partner engagement with newsletters and marketing materials.
- Develop content such as news articles, industry updates, and announcements for new members or partners.
- Ensure startup-related news and partnerships are communicated effectively.
- Collaborate with partners to create and share relevant case studies.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Operations, or Human Resources.
- 3+ years of experience in operations or customer service; startup experience is highly valued.
- Project management and process improvement experience are beneficial.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities.
- Demonstrated accountability, self-awareness, a strong work ethic, and reliability.
- Passion for and understanding of entrepreneurial communities.
- Bilingual skills are highly preferred.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Military background.
- Established knowledge and a professional network within the aerospace and defense sectors.
- Alumni status from Texas A&M University.
- Experience engaging and educating diverse stakeholders, including corporations, governments, and non-profits.