Program Manager

Program Manager – First Flight Venture Center

Location: Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Job Type: Full-time
Salary:  Based on experience
Benefits: Retirement plan matching, health insurance, paid time off, professional development assistance, and more

About First Flight Venture Center

First Flight Venture Center (FFVC) is North Carolina’s premier science and technology business incubator, dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth startups in industries such as biotech, healthcare technology, and cleantech. Our mission is to propel early-stage science companies through the delivery of comprehensive resources and empower innovators to transform good ideas into great successes.

FFVC offers a turnkey approach to early-stage company growth, providing affordable office and lab space, advanced prototyping tools through Hangar6, and business development programs to help entrepreneurs succeed. As part of a much larger entrepreneurial ecosystem, we work closely with government agencies, venture capital firms, universities, and other innovation hubs across the country.

The Role: Program Manager

We are looking for an organized, detail-oriented, and entrepreneurial-minded Program Manager to develop, manage, and execute First Flight’s business and innovation programs. The Program Manager will oversee program development, support commercialization efforts, engage with key stakeholders, and drive initiatives that foster innovation and startup success.

This role requires someone who can think strategically while executing operationally, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborate with a range of stakeholders, from startup founders to federal agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Program & Project Management:
• Develop, manage, and execute First Flight’s programs to support early-stage startups.
• Track program success, manage timelines, and oversee reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with internal teams, partners, and stakeholders to enhance programming.
• Organize and execute networking events, educational workshops, and accelerator programs.
• Entrepreneurial Support & Commercialization Assistance:
• Work directly with startups to provide guidance on business development, funding opportunities, and commercialization strategies.
• Identify and connect companies with relevant federal funding programs, such as SBIR/STTR grants, BARDA DRIVe, EDA initiatives, and other funding sources.
• Assist with proposal writing, grant administration, and reporting.
• Help entrepreneurs navigate the product development lifecycle, from ideation to commercialization.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development:
• Build and maintain relationships with venture capital firms, technology transfer offices, federal agencies, university partners, and corporate sponsors.
• Represent First Flight in regional and national innovation networks.
• Assist in the planning and execution of events that raise First Flight’s visibility and strengthen partnerships.
• Data, Research & Continuous Improvement:
• Conduct market and industry analysis to identify trends and opportunities.
• Track program impact using KPIs and implement improvements based on data insights.
• Research best practices in incubator/accelerator management and bring innovative approaches to FFVC.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, science, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, or related fields.
• 2+ years of experience in startup ecosystems, technology commercialization, accelerators/incubators, or venture funding.
• Strong project and program management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience working with entrepreneurs, startups, federal programs (SBIR, BARDA DRIVe, etc.), or commercialization efforts.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research, compile data, and prepare professional reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Zoom, and project management tools (Monday.com, Asana, etc.).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal agencies such as SBA, NIH, BARDA, NSF, or EDA.
• Background in biotechnology, medical countermeasures, infectious disease research, or product development.
• Experience working in a lab environment, business incubator, accelerator, or prototyping facility.
• Knowledge of GrowthWheel, Wendy Kennedy Institute methodology, or other entrepreneurial frameworks.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A growth mindset—always looking to improve and learn.
• An ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• A passion for innovation, technology, and economic development.
• The ability to build relationships with startup founders, investors, and policymakers.
• A proactive and independent work ethic—taking initiative to get things done.

Work Environment & Additional Information:

• Location: This is an in-person role based at First Flight Venture Center in RTP, NC.
• Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour shifts, occasional evening events.
• Travel: Some travel may be required for conferences, meetings, and networking events.

Why Join First Flight Venture Center?

At First Flight, you’ll work at the intersection of science, business, and technology—helping startups grow, secure funding, and bring life-changing innovations to market. You’ll be part of a passionate, mission-driven team that values collaboration, creativity, and impact.

How to Apply:
To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the role to Krista Covey at KCovey@ffvcnc.org with the subject line "FFVC Program Manager Application."

For more information about First Flight Venture Center, visit www.FFVCNC.org.