Program Manager

Sea Aheadis a Cambridge, MA-based public benefit corporation with the mission of supporting venture innovation for the ocean and ocean-related industries through accelerator programs, venture studio relationships, and investments.

Our ecosystem includes technologists, scientists, startups, foundations, corporations, governments,investors and other ocean stakeholders who come together to scale solution sand, in the process,generate positive environmental,socialand economic impact.

Our focus areas include shipping and ports, aquaculture and fisheries,ocean intelligence,dual-use defense technologies,offshore renewable energy, scalable solutions to ocean pollution, and ocean-centric approaches to the challenges of climate change including coastal resilience andinsurancetechnologies.

Startups are developing solutions to an array of intersectional challenges across theblueeconomy and can play a key role in building effective, competitive, and responsible ocean-based industries. However, it is often difficult for startups to gain traction in the market, as stakeholders and supply chains can be hesitant to adopt and rely on innovations withouta track recordof implementation.

As a comprehensivebluetechopen innovation platform,Sea Ahead serves as a bridge between startups and corporations, investors, government agencies, research institutions, and non-profits that are seeking innovative solutions to challenges in the Blue Economy and marine ecosystems.

Sea Aheadruns two accelerators designed for startups at two different stages.

Blue Swellis Sea Ahead ’soldest program. Built for early-stagebluetechstartups,Blue Swell accepts founders who are ready to commercialize their tech or product and share our commitment to ocean impact. The program is built to help founders convert their ocean-focused concepts into profitable and sustainable businesses. Workshops cover core topics such as product-market fit, capital formation, branding, team building, and governance.

Sea Aheadwill begin working with

BlueSwell’ssixth cohort of startups in January 2026.

Sea Aheadis also launching a new later-stage program for startups that are ready to start testing (“piloting”)their products with real-world customers. The program will teach startups how to prepareforand constructpaidpilot projects, and theSeaAheadteam will also act as a matchmaker between startups and customers. This program will run for the first time starting in January
2026.

Both programs have carefully constructedcontentand provide access to potential customers, investors, and partners from

SeaAhead'sbroad and deep blue economy ecosystem.

We are seeking a Program Manager to play a pivotal role in scaling

SeaAhead'simpact as we expand ourBlueSwellaccelerator program and launch our second initiative, Sea Ahead Pilot. In this position, you will own the operations of both programs from development through implementation, directly contributing to the growth of innovative startups that are shaping the future of the blue economy.

This is a cross-functional role where you will work collaboratively across the organization, manage semester-based interns, and represent

SeaAheadwithin the broader marine technology and sustainability ecosystem.

• Support the development and rollout ofadditionalprogram modules to enhance theBlueSwellaccelerator experience
• Collaborate with program leadership to ensure seamless onboarding and ongoing support forBlueSwellparticipants and interns
• Design, implement, and refine systems for tracking participant feedback and program outcomes to drive continuous improvement
• Build and strengthen the startup pipeline through targeted marketing initiatives and strategic partner engagement

• Lead the refinement and execution of theSea Ahead Pilot  program framework, ensuring alignment with
  
  SeaAhead'sstrategicobjectivesand partner needs
• Support the onboarding of strategic partners and corporate sponsors to advance program initiatives
• Develop templates, processes, and operational systems for sustainable program management and scalability