The Role: Program Director, Breakthrough Bio

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Reports to: Sr. Director of Programs

Compensation: $110,000 - $120,000

MassChallenge is currently seeking a Program Director to join our team.

Position Summary

The Program Director will be responsible for the successful delivery and execution of Breakthrough Bio, a global accelerator for elite healthcare and life sciences startups. Breakthrough Bio brings together high-potential biotech and medtech companies from multiple countries, supporting them through a milestone-driven, six-month acceleration journey that spans virtual programming, U.S. ecosystem immersion as well as a finale showcase and demo day, across different cities.

This role will dedicate approximately 70% of time to program delivery, ensuring startups and stakeholders receive the tools, resources, and support needed for success. About 30% of the time will be focused on partner relationship management, market engagement, and network building to enhance the program's ecosystem and partnerships. This role requires flexibility to accommodate partners and startups based internationally, including Israel and Taiwan, which may include early morning or evening calls outside standard business hours.

The ideal candidate will be a client-facing, relationship-driven leader with deep global experience and a strong network in healthcare and life sciences (HCLS), specifically in Biotech. As a natural convener, this individual will bring together founders, partners, and industry stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive program impact. Based in Boston, the Program Director will help establish Breakthrough Bio as the go-to accelerator for HCLS innovation; building the kind of partner relationships and program reputation that creates lasting ecosystem impact.

Location

This Program Director will be expected to work from the MassChallenge Boston office as well as attend key industry events including in Philadelphia and San Diego to successfully deliver the program. Occasional work after-hours will be necessary to support the execution of programs and other healthcare-focused events. Travel may be required.

What You'll Do

Program Management

• Lead end-to-end delivery of Breakthrough Bio across all program phases, from strategic design and startup recruitment through Boston kickoff, virtual acceleration, California Market Access Sprint, and Philadelphia finale
• Allocate most of the time (70%) to hands-on program delivery, including curriculum development and execution, founder support, and operational excellence
• Build and activate a strong network of founders, mentors, partners, and industry leaders, particularly across healthcare, life sciences, and biotech
• Serve as a client-facing representative and trusted relationship manager with program partners including government innovation agencies, fostering meaningful connections and acting as a natural convener within the regional innovation ecosystem
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships to support program success, including sourcing mentors, speakers, and industry collaborators
• Establish feedback loops and performance metrics to continuously improve program delivery and outcomes
• Contribute to broader organizational initiatives and support additional accelerator programs as needed

Ecosystem Development

• Recruit experts, evaluators, mentors, and lecturers through strategic networking
• Onboard recruited experts, evaluators, mentors, and lecturers to programs
• Cultivate relationships with universities, research hospitals, and innovation hubs to expand Breakthrough Bio's startup pipeline and network.
• Attend, support, and represent MassChallenge at local ecosystem events in Boston and elsewhere as needed by the program

Team Empowerment

• Manage the program delivery team
• Add to collective knowledge and best practices on startup acceleration and commercialization
• Be a collaborative colleague across the program and network team nationally
• Support the greater MassChallenge program execution team as needed

Who You Are & What You Bring

• You have 7-10 years of work experience and a specific skillset in project management or operations
• You have exceptional project leadership and management skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment
• You excel at maximizing team productivity and are able to make decisions that take into consideration a variety of stakeholder needs, team capacity/bandwidth and organizational growth goals
• You enjoy and are adept at making connections and networking in business event and other social settings
• You are capable of setting priorities and goals for others, removing barriers to success, coaching, and providing regular and direct feedback, communicating important business information, leading by example in following policies and processes, and enabling growth and career development
• You can deal with ambiguity and changing priorities and circumstances
• Thoughtful, energetic, and diplomatic change ambassador; an experienced professional in understanding organizational dynamics, guiding individuals and teams through complex and changing environments
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Previous accelerator management experience ideal but not required
• Knowledge of the dual use innovation ecosystem ideal but not required
• You are excited to work with MassChallenge team members across the country.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Seven or more years of experience in project/program management
• Experience in accelerator operations, recruitment, and supporting small businesses
• Knowledge of the healthcare, life sciences (HLS), and/or biotech industry, with familiarity with both biotech and medtech commercial and regulatory landscapes
• Familiarity with major industry conferences such as BIO International Convention or LSI USA is a plus
• Experience managing international cohorts or working with government agency partners is a plus
• Record of strong business skills, leadership, people management, strategic thinking, and sound judgment
• Willingness and ability to engage business, philanthropic, civic, and academic leaders in business networking settings

Compensation

• MassChallenge offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment.
• Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with skills and experience.
• For this position, the base salary range is $110,000 to $120,000.
• Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed before making a final offer.