PantherlabWorks Manager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pantherlabworks Manager

Pantherlab Works, the commercialization center of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence (IEE) at the University of Pittsburgh, assists startups and business owners in the Pittsburgh region by providing product development-based consulting, educational workshops, and networking opportunities.

The IEE is seeking a Manager for Pantherlab Works (PLW). The PLW Manager leads the center's product-commercialization consulting program, advising startups and established businesses across the Pittsburgh region as they bring new products, services, and technologies to market. In addition to executing direct client work, the Manager designs and delivers educational programming and builds relationships across the regional innovation and economic development ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert consulting to businesses across PLW's service areas—including product development, go-to-market and commercialization strategy, market research, brand and marketing strategy, and financial advising—while leading client intake, scoping, and planning toward launch and growth.
• Design and execute PLW educational programming and events; recruit and coordinate instructors, guest speakers, and mentors, and lead instruction on core entrepreneurship topics such as lean startup methodology, customer discovery, and capital readiness.
• Conduct market research to inform advising strategies and connect clients with funding resources and opportunities (e.g., SBIR/STTR, VCs).
• Represent PLW at networking and outreach events to build partnerships and sponsor ships, monitor and report program outcomes and impact, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of resources supporting Southwestern PA startups.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, science, or related field, plus three or more years of relevant experience in product management, commercialization, a startup or accelerator environment, entrepreneurial support, economic development, or small business consulting.
• Proactive and highly organized, with the ability to anticipate client needs, manage multiple priorities and deadlines, and deliver exceptional customer service in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with product management, technology companies, manufacturing, and business strategy, and operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with familiarity with economic-development organizations, small-business funding, SBIR/STTR and government contracting, and SBA/SBDC compliance.

The job is mostly sedentary but may require travel to attend events and meetings both on and off campus.

Assignment Category:
Full-time regular Job Classification:
Staff.

Pantherlabworks Manager Job Family:
Research Job Sub Family:
Laboratory Campus:
Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level

Required:

Bachelor's Degree Minimum Years of Experience

Required:

3 Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience:
Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule:

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m. Work Arrangement:
Hybrid:
Combination of On-Campus and Remote work as determined by the department. Hiring Range: TBD Based Upon Qualifications Background Check:
For position finalists, employment with the University will require successful completion of a background check Child Protection Clearances:
The following PA Act 153 clearances and background checks are required prior to commencement of employment and as a condition of continued employment: PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI Criminal Record Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance. Required Documents:
Resume Optional Documents:
Cover Letter Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.