Manager of Programming

** Our office closes during the winter holiday season and as such there will be a delay in resume reviews until the 2nd week in January. Thank you for expressing your interest if you apply during the holiday season, and we'll look forward to exploring fit and any potential next steps in the new year ** 

Who are we?  

Founded in the heart of Kendall Square in 2013, LabCentral is a network of shared laboratory spaces and scientific communities that serve as a launchpad for high-potential life-sciences and biotech start-ups. We deliver first-class facility and operational support, skilled laboratory personnel, and an expansive events program designed to add value to the community and promote connectivity‒ as well as the other critical services and support that early-stage companies need to begin start-up operations.   

What is this role?

LabCentral is seeking a Manager of Programming to own and evolve several of our highest-impact startup founder and partner-facing programs. This is a hands-on role centered on program execution, well suited for someone who enjoys solving problems, working externally, and owning outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Reporting into the Senior Director of Partnerships, Programming, and Community, and potentially managing one direct report, the Manager of Programming will be responsible for leading established programs like Ignite Golden Tickets and the Startup Success Mentoring Program while also helping bring new strategic initiatives to life, including Soft Landing programs for international startups and other ecosystem-driven efforts.

The right candidate brings sound judgment, professional maturity, and comfort running point independently while representing LabCentral with resident startup C-level founders, sponsors, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Great people, a collaborative environment, strong benefits, and the opportunity to support early-stage innovators bringing new medicines into the world. If this sounds like your kind of role, we want to hear from you

What will I do?

Responsibilities:

Ignite Golden Ticket & Sponsored Programs

• Lead the end-to-end execution of LabCentral's Ignite Golden Ticket and pharma-sponsored Golden Ticket programs, from program design through finalist selection and award.
• Manage application cycles, selection committees, and pitch events, keeping timelines tight and stakeholders aligned.
• Partner with sponsors to shape program structure, founder engagement, and related content.
• Build and maintain strong applicant pipelines to drive competitive Golden Ticket applicant pools and support conversion into LabCentral resident companies.
• Coordinate closely with Events, Marketing, and Partnerships teams to ensure programs are delivered smoothly and professionally.

Startup Success Mentoring Program

• Own up to two annual cycles of the Startup Success Mentoring Program.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for mentors and participating founders.
• Recruit resident CEOs, manage mentor matching, and oversee program meetings and milestones.
• Build and maintain mentor relationships with experienced operators, executives, and entrepreneurs across the life sciences ecosystem.

New & Strategic Initiatives

• Help operationalize and scale LabCentral's Soft Landing programs for international startups, ensuring a high-quality, high-impact experience.
• Support new initiatives as they are developed, including early-stage fund-related efforts, pilot programs, or partner-driven programming.
• Contribute to shaping how new programs run in practice, identifying what works, what doesn't, and where adjustments are needed.
• Represent LabCentral at external meetings, panels, and ecosystem events as appropriate.

What do I bring?

Desired behaviors & competencies:

• Sound judgment, professional maturity, and high ethical standards, with the ability to represent LabCentral thoughtfully and credibly with founders, sponsors, and ecosystem partners.
• Ability to independently establish priorities, run point on programs, and manage multiple initiatives with strong ownership and follow-through.
• Curiosity and a genuine desire to learn, with the initiative to seek out information, ask good questions, and continuously improve how work gets done.
• Highly adaptable with comfort operating in a dynamic environment, making decisions, solving problems, and keeping work moving forward as priorities evolve.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external stakeholders, including resident startup C-level founders and senior partners.
• Clear, proactive communication style, both verbal and written, that keeps stakeholders aligned and work on track.
• High degree of personal accountability, including openness to feedback and the ability to apply learnings to future work.
• Flexibility and composure when shifting gears across priorities, while maintaining focus and professionalism.

Desired qualifications & technical knowledge:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) with 5–7 years of relevant experience in program management, partnerships, operations, or ecosystem-facing roles.
• Experience working with startups, founders, or innovation-driven organizations strongly preferred.
• Life sciences, biotech, or healthcare experience preferred but not required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent platform - Google Suite / Mac OS etc.) with advanced skills in MS Outlook and MS Teams with the ability to manage documentation, timelines, and communications efficiently.
• Familiarity with program management, partnership coordination, or ecosystem-facing work, including tracking deliverables and managing stakeholder touchpoints.
• Understanding of how programs support broader organizational goals, with the ability to align day-to-day execution to LabCentral's mission and strategic priorities.

Work environment:  

• Ability to work after hours
• Fully onsite during regular business hours
• Ability to sit for long periods, ability to move around an office environment, and ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 25 pounds

What do we offer?  

Benefits:  

• Fully Covered Medical, Dental and Vision Premiums:We have you and your dependents covered, including deductible costs. 
• Long and Short-Term Disability & Life Insurance: Life can be unexpected; we've got your back.
• Flexible Vacation: Enjoy the flexibility to take the time you need. 
• Three Months Fully Paid Parental Leave: We'll help support you during life's important moments.
• 401K Match Up to 6% with Immediate Vestment: Know your future is secure with our 401K match.
• Transportation Reimbursements: We'll cover commuting costs for a parking pass, MBTA, or bike maintenance so you can get to work hassle-free.
• Health & Wellness: Relax and enjoy reimbursements for fitness, yoga, massage therapy, and other holistic health practices.
• Technology Stipend: To ensure you stay connected, we offer a monthly cell phone stipend as well as yearly reimbursements for cell phone repairs.
• Professional Growth: We offer a stipend for continuing education and training to invest in your career growth, and we help ease the burden of student loans by providing reimbursement.
• Fantastic Work Environment: Be inspired by colleagues and residents, and work in vibrant spaces that are stocked with a variety of snacks. Plus, we offer in-house programming on thought-provoking and diverse topics

Compensation:

Our compensation philosophy is intentional and researched to align with average market salaries; comprehensive, generous benefits to support overall well-being; and parity with our existing and future team members. Below details the value of what our compensation package may look like, but specific details pertaining to an individual will vary.    

Salary range: $83k-95k along with the potential to earn a bonus of 12% based on company performance.   

Approximate monetary value of benefits (based off an individual – dependents increase value): $24,000. 

Equal Opportunity Employer:      

LabCentral is committed to building teams that reflect the fabric of the city around us. We welcome all candidates regardless of race, color, ancestry, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, Veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Any other human expressions and experiences not mentioned here are equally welcome. If you require an accommodation, please let us know. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.