Manager of Programming

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Founded in the heart of Kendall Square in 2013, Lab Central 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.

Lab Central 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 Lab Central with resident startup C‑level founders, sponsors, and ecosystem stakeholders.

• Lead the end‑to‑end execution of Lab Central'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 Lab Central resident companies.
• Coordinate closely with Events, Marketing, and Partnerships teams to ensure programs are delivered smoothly and professionally.

• 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.

• Help operationalize and scale Lab Central'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 Lab Central at external meetings, panels, and ecosystem events as appropriate.

• Sound judgment, professional maturity, and high ethical standards, with the ability to represent Lab Central 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…