The Role: Sr. Manager, Programs - Breakthrough Bio

Location: Dallas, TX

Reports to: Sr. Director of Programs

Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000

MassChallenge is currently seeking a Sr. Manager of Programs to join our team.

Position Summary

In this role, the Sr. Manager of Programs leads the design and delivery 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.

Leveraging your developing expertise in program management, operations, and ecosystem engagement, you are a hands-on executor for our small, fast-paced organization. You deliver high-impact programs while also rolling up your sleeves to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Your key tasks include developing and recommending structured program models, drafting operational playbooks, and working with small agile teams, all while actively engaging with startups, corporate partners, and mentors. You are a key player in representing MassChallenge externally, supporting and participating in key events and industry conversations.

Success in this role is measured primarily by end-of-program Net Promoter Score (NPS) from participating startups and Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) scores collected from founders and mentors throughout the program.

Location

This Sr. Manager of Programs will be expected to work from the MassChallenge Dallas office and as otherwise required 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

• Program Support and Delivery:Support the structure, execution, and continuous improvement of Breakthrough Bio across all program phases, ensuring alignment with MassChallenge's strategic goals
• Operations Manager:Develop and implement operational playbooks that standardize and scale program processes
• Stakeholder Engagement:Serve as a key liaison between startups, corporate partners, mentors, and internal teams to drive program success
• Team Collaboration:Collaborate with small, modular teams to execute program components efficiently and effectively
• Events and Representation:Represent MassChallenge at industry events, facilitate workshops, and participate in panel discussions or public speaking engagements
• Continuous Improvement:Identify and address pain points for founders, judges, and mentors, recommending scalable solutions that enhance the program experience
• Founder Experience Metrics:Ensure programs meet or exceed NPS and CSAT targets, using data to refine program execution and improve the startup experience
• Business Development:Support business development efforts by identifying partnership opportunities, maintaining stakeholder pipelines, and contributing to proposal development and partner engagement
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:Support initiatives that enhance DEI across all programs, ensuring equitable access and support for underrepresented founders

Who You Are & What You Bring

Education & Experience Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in program management, startup support, or innovation ecosystem leadership, with a strong cross-functional and multi-program track record
• Adept in program design, operations, and execution, with experience developing playbooks and managing scalable processes
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with a growing network in the startup and innovation ecosystem
• A data-driven and strategic mindset, with the ability to assess program impact through NPS, CSAT, CES, and other performance metrics
• Passion for entrepreneurship and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports diverse founders and innovators
• Comfort with public speaking and external representation, including participating in panels, facilitating discussions, and engaging with key stakeholders
• Familiarity with the healthcare, life sciences, medtech, or biotech sector is a plus
• Experience managing multi-phase, hybrid program logistics including virtual and in-person components across time zones is a plus
• Comfort supporting institutional or government partner reporting is a plus

You have the opportunity in this role to help shape MassChallenge programs, implement operational best practices, and directly impact startups solving some of the world's most pressing challenges.

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 $85,000 to $90,000.
• Internal equity considerations and the average salary of the peer range will be reviewed before making a final offer.