Partner Engagement Manager - Innovation Works

Partner Engagement Manager
Location: Pittsburgh, PA | Reports to: Director of Accelerator Programs

About the Role:

Innovation Works (IW) and its nationally recognized accelerator, AlphaLab, are growing our portfolio of innovation initiatives to expand access, drive regional impact, and support entrepreneurs beyond our core accelerator programs. We are hiring a Partner Engagement Manager to execute several of IW’s innovation programs and ensure their smooth, high-quality delivery. This is a high-ownership, outward-facing program and project management role. In this position, you will serve as the "general contractor" for assigned programs, acting as the primary delivery lead for funders, partners, and participants. Your main goal will be to ensure all stakeholders have a seamless, high-quality experience.

This role will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of key programs, including UpPrize, AI/Robotics Venture Day, IW Venture Expo, AlphaLab Demo Day, and other innovation competitions. In addition, this role will execute on IW’s rural engagement strategy, helping to expand our reach to entrepreneurs and innovators across Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The ideal candidate is a strong program operator with exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and owning external delivery relationships by directly handling issues, escalating when necessary, and maintaining trust throughout the program lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Program Execution & Operations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned programs, representing IW with partners and participants from kickoff through final delivery

• Ensure programs meet or exceed delivery commitments by fostering smooth execution, anticipating needs, and creating solutions that support success.

• Lead the full operational lifecycle of IW innovation programs, including UpPrize, AI/Robotics Venture Day, IW Venture Expo, AlphaLab Demo Day, and other innovation competitions

• Oversee logistics planning, timelines, application and judging processes, participant communications, and day-of execution for each program

• Develop and maintain tracking systems and documentation for program performance and operational delivery

• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth execution and unified messaging across all touchpoints
   

Rural Engagement Program Execution

• Execute IW’s rural engagement strategy across the eight outer counties surrounding Allegheny County

• Coordinate with the marketing team and community partners to support local events, workshops, and outreach efforts

• Support engagement with rural stakeholders and entrepreneurs in coordination with internal teams

• Track program metrics and produce regular reports on outcomes, trends, and opportunities for improvement
   

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work across IW teams, including marketing, platform, and business development, to align messaging, outreach, and program visibility

• Contribute to collateral development, storytelling, and promotion of program outcomes

• Maintain clear documentation, dashboards, and tracking systems to support visibility and reporting

• Play a key role in scaling IW’s innovation footprint by supporting the execution of strategic initiatives that serve founders, funders, and regional partners
   

What You Bring

• Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with external stakeholders, manage expectations, and deliver program commitments

• Ability to act as the primary delivery lead for external partners and funders, representing IW in professional and community settings

• 5–8 years of experience in customer-facing program or project management and strategic program delivery

• Proven ability to manage complex timelines, logistics, and multi-stakeholder coordination

• Experience leading multi-phase programs or competitions

• Excellent organizational and communication skills with strong attention to detail

• Familiarity with Southwestern Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is a plus

• Proficiency with Google Workspace, project management tools, and CRMs
   

About Innovation Works & AlphaLab

Innovation Works (IW) is one of the most active early-stage investors in the country and a vital player in Pittsburgh’s startup ecosystem. IW’s AlphaLab accelerator provides founders with resources, funding, and mentorship to rapidly grow their companies. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs and innovation-driven businesses that drive regional economic growth and social impact.

Equal Opportunity Employee

Innovation Works, Inc. is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate belonging and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.