Program Manager, Venture Development at Spartan Innovations L3C – Detroit, Michigan

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.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Hub & Healthcare Ecosystem Engagement

• 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.

Conquer Healthcare Accelerator Program Management

• 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.

Pre-Seed Fund Support

• 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.

Reporting & Cross-Functional Coordination

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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 (e.g., Monday.com), 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 leadership and external partners.
• Adept at identifying bottlenecks, proposing improvements, and implementing solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and founder experience.
• Passionate about healthcare innovation and related technological advancements.

• 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.
• Prior exposure to technology commercialization, translational research, or early-stage investment processes is strongly preferred.