Program Manager, Venture Development

Description

The Program Manager, Venture Development is responsible for program delivery, healthcare innovation strategy, and ecosystem engagement, with a core focus on the Conquer Healthcare Accelerator and the Henry Ford + MSU Innovation Hub. This role serves as a connector across Spartan Innovations, Henry Ford Innovations, startup founders, and regional ecosystem partners. The position blends program management, pipeline development, partnership coordination, and early-stage commercialization support.

• 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.
• 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.

• Excellent at cultivating strong relationships and building stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of startup development, accelerator programming, and early‑stage venture ecosystems.
• Familiarity with healthcare innovation, clinical environments, and regulated industry dynamics.
• Knowledge of technology commercialization pathways, including market assessment, IP considerations, and translational research funding.
• Awareness of regional and national healthcare innovation stakeholders, including entrepreneur support organizations, health systems, and research institutions.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, project management platforms, and standard business tools (Microsoft Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel).
• Highly organized, takes initiative, and manages projects independently.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences.
• Strong ability to manage concurrent projects, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely follow‑through on action items and stakeholder commitments.
• Skilled at generating KPI reports and preparing concise summaries for…