Program Manager - da Vinci Center, University College
Join to apply for the Program Manager - da Vinci Center, University College role at Virginia Commonwealth University
Program Manager - da Vinci Center, University College
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Join to apply for the Program Manager - da Vinci Center, University College role at Virginia Commonwealth University
Benefits of working at VCUAll full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.
Benefits of working at VCUAll full-time university staff are eligible for VCU's robust benefits package that includes: comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefit, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more. Learn more about VCU's benefits here.Job Code 19221Y-19223Y Recruitment Pool All Applicants Posting Number req7891 Unit University College Department da Vinci Center Department Website Link Location VCU Address 1015 Floyd Ave, Richmond, VA 23284 USA Duties & ResponsibilitiesSummaryThe da Vinci Center for Innovation at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), part of University College, is seeking a Program Manager to lead the Shelfie Program at Shift Retail Lab. This flagship initiative empowers VCU students to bring their products and ideas to life through curated retail exposure, mentorship, and entrepreneurial support. The Program Manager will oversee the full lifecycle of the Shelfie experience, including recruitment, onboarding, programming, and storytelling, ensuring students gain meaningful, real-world learning in innovation, product development, and entrepreneurship.Key ResponsibilitiesThe responsibilities of the Program Manager include, but are not limited to, the following:Program Leadership And Student Experience
- Lead all aspects of the Shelfie program lifecycle, including application management, cohort selection, onboarding, and participant support.
- Coach and mentor students on product strategy, pricing, branding, customer feedback, and retail readiness.
- Coordinate workshops, mentorship sessions, and community-building events to enhance student learning and entrepreneurial growth.
- Foster a culture of follow-through by developing and managing engagement strategies that keep participants informed and involved in future opportunities within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Curriculum and Resource Development
- Collaborate with the da Vinci Center team and external partners to develop and deliver engaging educational content aligned with entrepreneurial milestones.
- Build tools, templates, and guides to support student success within the Shelfie experience.
- Integrate feedback and performance data to continually refine and evolve the program.
Stakeholder Engagement and Storytelling
- Cultivate relationships with faculty, alumni, community partners, and mentors to support Shelfie participants.
- Collaborate with the communications team to highlight student stories and successes across digital channels and events.
- Represent Shelfie and Shift Retail Lab at campus-wide and community innovation events.
Program Evaluation and Operations
- Monitor program participation, retention, and outcomes; develop reports and recommendations for growth.
- Oversee the program budget, track inventory and product performance, and maintain records of participant progress.
- Ensure all Shelfie program components align with the mission and values of the VCU da Vinci Center.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree in business, design, education, entrepreneurship, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2 years of experience in program management, innovation education, or student support.
- Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with a passion for empowering emerging entrepreneurs.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication abilities.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Demonstrated experience working in and fostering an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from various backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in higher education, innovation labs, or startup ecosystems.
- Familiarity with entrepreneurship, product development, and customer-centered design.
- Experience with program assessment, data analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to tell compelling stories through digital media, newsletters, or visual content.
- A creative, student-centered mindset with a commitment to inclusive innovation.
FLSA University Employee Job FTE 1 Exemption Status Exempt Restricted Position No E-Class UF - University Employee FT Job Category University Employee ORP Eligible Salary Range Up to $75,000 Compensation Type Salaried Target Hire Date 8/25/2025 Contact Information for CandidatesManjari Kumarappan...@vcu.eduDocuments Needed to Apply CV/Resume and Cover LetterSeniority level
- Seniority levelEntry level
Employment type
Job function
- Job functionProject Management and Information Technology
- IndustriesHigher Education
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