Program Manager at Colmena66 in San Juan, Puerto Rico at Puerto Rico Science Technology & Research Trust
Job Description
Job Title: Program Manager (SBIR/STTR)
Reports to: Executive Director (Colmena66)
Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Full-Time
Type of Contract: Regular Position (Probationary Period)
Overview of the Organization
The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust (“PRSTRT” or “Trust”) is a private non-profit organization created in 2004 to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico’s public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust’s mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens’ well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.
Colmena66, a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, makes entrepreneurship easier by connecting entrepreneurs to the resources they need so that anyone in Puerto Rico can start and grow a business. It is a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust and an affiliate of the SourceLink national network. Colmena66 is the only organization throughout Puerto Rico that works with all types of businesses at any stage of business and connects people to the resources they need to start and grow businesses. This is done through one-on-one consultations, online inquiries, and community involvement.
The Trust’s SBIR/STTR Federal Grants program supports scientific excellence, technological innovation, research and development, and the commercialization of their outcomes by providing a cash match program for Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR awardees, as well as outreach, educational programming and technical assistance. The Acércate al Grant program is designed to provide outreach, technical assistance and continued support for entrepreneurs and researchers as they develop competitive SBIR/STTR proposals.
Purpose
The Program Manager-SBIR/STTR leads efforts to help entrepreneurs and researchers secure Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. The role oversees technical assistance, educational programming, and outreach, and builds strategic relationships that expand access to these funding opportunities.
The incumbent also spearheads the Acércate al Grant initiative, aligning it with the organization’s mission to nurture innovation-driven enterprises in Puerto Rico. This includes developing the curriculum, setting outreach strategies, fostering community engagement, and overseeing key activities for entrepreneurs and researchers. The role also supports, identifies and pursues funding sources, such as grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
This role manages and coordinates the structure entrepreneurs need to perform at their best during and after the program. The most important quality is a passion for giving back to Puerto Rico’s entrepreneurship and innovation community. The program exists to ease entrepreneurs’ paths, and we need people who will be there for them.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Program Coordination and Execution:
- Lead the assessment, compliance, and day-to-day management of the SBIR/STTR Matching Program and Acércate al Grant, including their program workspace. Oversee and coordinate the Acércate al Grant program, including curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, grant writing assistance and technical support for SBIR/STTR applications.
- Coordinate projects and activities following the mission and goals of the SBIR/STTR Program.
- Plan and implement workshops, webinars, and resources to educate entrepreneurs and researchers on the requirements and benefits of SBIR/STTR programs.
- Connect the most prominent entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, companies, and/or other resources that can help them continue growing their businesses.
Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurial support organizations to map and strengthen the innovation ecosystem network and increase program participation. Foster collaborations with mentors, funding partners and technical experts to enhance participant success.
- Represent the program at local and national events, including conferences and seminars, to promote SBIR/STTR opportunities.
- Lead periodic meetings with ’America's Seed Funding members and allies to discuss updates, progress, and opportunities.
- Develop tailored content, workshops, and resources to address partner needs and enhance collaboration.
- Maintain strong relationships with the Small Business Administration and its America’s Seed Funding and FAST members to foster engagement, feedback, and mutual success.
- Establish and maintain relationships with partner organizations and private entities that can become allies in advancing program goals and initiatives.
Program Monitoring & Reporting:
- Design and manage effective processes and tools for evaluating and improving the program performance, budget, operations efficiencies, and participant outcomes.
- Create and manage long-term goals and strategies.
- Prepare accurate and timely reports for funders and other stakeholders, including program achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. This includes the development of an annual program report for the PRSTRT.
SBIR/STTR Cash Matching Fund Oversight:
- Manage the complete lifecycle of the SBIR/STTR Cash Matching Fund, including application intake, evaluation, and approval of fund disbursement. Ensure adherence to program guidelines and objectives while supporting applicants through the process.
- Oversee and evaluate the progress and compliance reports of funded projects, ensuring the appropriate use of funds and alignment with the program’s goals. Provide recommendations for improvements based on performance insights.
Team Leadership & Development:
- Supervise and develop designated team members. Lead the SBIR and AAG team and relationship with contractors in the execution of the program’s strategies by setting clear goals, providing ongoing feedback, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
- Support SBIR and AAG team members in professional development by identifying training opportunities, offering mentorship, and conducting regular performance evaluations to help them achieve their individual and collective potential.
Sustainability & Resource Development:
- Identify and pursue additional funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships, to enhance program offerings and sustainability.
Since our organization is going to change to meet the needs of new designations, you can expect, anticipate, and assume that your job description will change to meet this challenge.
Qualifications & Technical Job Requirements
Innovation Expertise:
- Knowledge of and hands-on experience with innovative projects, such as technology-driven ventures, research commercialization, or innovation programs.
- Deep knowledge and experience with SBIR/STTR and other non-dilutive funding programs, with proven grant writing experience or the ability to develop it quickly.
- Stays current on emerging technologies, tools, and funding and partnership opportunities, and applies them to benefit entrepreneurs and researchers.
- Understanding of the innovative ecosystem in Puerto Rico, including universities, research institutions, and support organizations.
- Uses data analytics to assess program performance, identify trends, and guide evidence-based decisions.
Leadership & Execution:
- Proven experience managing a team.
- Works independently with minimal supervision.
- Execution-driven, with the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure while maintaining quality.
- Outstanding time management and organizational skills. Dependable, accountable and punctual.
Mindset & Approach:
- Passionate, with a positive can-do attitude.
- Fast learner and resourceful, with a strong entrepreneurial and problem-solving approach.
- Ethical and professional, with a strong motivation to make a positive impact in Puerto Rico.
Communication and Technical Skills:
- Fully bilingual (Spanish and English), with outstanding verbal and written skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Translate complex topics into clear concepts and actionable plans.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
- Skilled in data analysis and visualization (e.g., advanced Excel, Power BI, or similar tools) to track metrics, measure impact, and report outcomes.
- Comfortable adopting new digital tools and platforms that support program delivery.
- Strong grant writing skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive proposals and guide entrepreneurs and researchers through the application process.
Experience & Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s in business, Industrial Engineering, STEM field, or related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience managing SBIR/STTR programs.
- At least one year’s experience in technology entrepreneurship, research commercialization, or federal grant development.
- Direct experience with the entrepreneurial process, proposal and grant writing, community outreach, and/or community building.
- Bilingual capacity (English and Spanish) is required.
- Project management tools application required.
- Demonstrated understanding and familiarity with the early-stage business/technology development process and innovation ecosystem.
- Prior product management and data analysis experience, preferably in reporting and dashboard development preferred.
“The Trust is an equal opportunity employer; we strive to maintain a workplace atmosphere that is free from discrimination. To those ends, the Trust provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, national origin, social status, political affiliation, religion, physical or mental disability, veteran status, perceived or real domestic violence victim status, sexual harassment victim status, stalking victim status, and/or any other basis protected by law.”
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