Accelerator Program Manager

Job Description: Accelerator Program Manager

The Company

Founded in 1930 in Indianapolis, IN, The Heritage Group is a fourth-generation, family-owned business managing a diverse portfolio of more than 30 companies specializing in heavy construction and materials, environmental services, and specialty chemicals. With operations in North America, Europe, and Asia, and a client network that spans the globe, THG's focus is on innovation, quality, and service. In 2017 THG opened the Center, a state-of-the-art facility located in Indianapolis that serves as the company's hub for collaboration and innovation. Housed at the Center is the Heritage Research Group, an in-house R&D laboratory which provides innovative products, processes, and training to improve the way THG serves its customers and partners. The Center is also home to the HG Ventures and the strategy and M&A groups.

The Heritage Group Accelerator is a 13-week program that begins in the fall with a cohort of about 6-8 startups and ends with what we call Demo Day. Demo Day is where the founders each get to pitch their companies to a diverse audience for about 4 minutes, with an opportunity to further interact during the social hour afterwards. These startups are generally early stage and operate in the hardtech, sustainability, and closely adjacent spaces. It is imperative that we market the accelerator in the right places, in order to get the best companies into the sourcing funnel.

The Candidate

The Accelerator is looking to add a Program Manager to the team who will be working with each program's startups and founders, along with developing great working relationships with other stakeholders. This person will help with sourcing, screening and leading the event planning and logistics of the Program itself. They seek an individual who has a strong interest in working with startups, has an entrepreneurial/creative mindset, and enjoys no two days being the same. This person will work hand in hand with the Managing Director and will be mentored by them to help the cohort truly get the best possible experience during the program.

This position is based on-site in Indianapolis, IN. Qualified candidates must currently reside in the Indianapolis area or be willing to relocate.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Partner with the Managing Director to support the program plan and the overall responsibility for the successful execution of the accelerator
• Manage expectations of Stakeholders and provide the best possible experience for founders
• Develop relationships with The Center staff, AV/IT, THG mentors, and with the Indianapolis community at large
• Manage all logistics, administration, scheduling, and calendar/event management throughout the year
• Co-Lead pilot committee with the Platform Manager to help identify and define possible pilots in advance of the program
• During Program: This is a large part of the experience for the founders, and the value is in what they learn and the network they build.
  • Support relationship management with Program Director, mentors, and founders. This includes facilitating introductions and networking opportunities for the founders.
  • Plan and execute on-site and off-site events for the founders and staff
  • Plan out workshops, team meetings, and learning curriculum for the program based on the needs of the cohort
  • Lead and manage the social media outreach during the program to increase visibility with our network and local partners
• Demo Day: The whole program leads up to this. It is important that Demo Day meets and beats founder and THG expectations.

• • Lead communication with key attendees, and business leads across The Heritage Group
  • Coordinate marketing/PR in order to optimize attendance
  • Lead planning and execution of Demo day with The Center Staff and facilities. This includes preparation for the founders, ordering, and distribution of swag, and logistics

What you bring to the role:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of experience in fast-paced environments with a focus on project management, relationship management and logistics/operations
• Experience working with technical resources would be preferred
• Experience working with a start-up or a vertical company is strongly preferred
• Effective communicator and ability collaborate across stakeholders and audiences
• Can plan and prioritize to meet program and organizational goals
• Must be able to take the lead, work autonomously and be okay with some ambiguity
• Can do creative problem solving for continuous process improvement
• Can anticipate the needs and requests of multiple stakeholders
• Must be willing to "roll-up sleeves" to do all levels of work from making big business decisions to administrative tasks

The Heritage Group welcomes the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of all to work together to accomplish our goals

Current Openings for Accelerator Program Manager Jobs at The Heritage Group