Program Manager At Colmena66

Job Title: Program Manager (SBIR/STTR)

Reports to: Executive Director (Colmena66)

Location / Hours: San Juan, Puerto Rico / Full-Time

Type of Contract: Regular Position (Probationary Period)

Overview of the Organization

The Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust ("PRSTRT" or "Trust") is a private non-profit organization created in **** to encourage and promote innovation, transfer, and commercialization of technology and creation of jobs in the technology sector. We contribute to Puerto Rico's public policy for science, technology, research, and development. The Trust's mission is to invest, facilitate and build capacity to continually advance Puerto Rico's economy and its citizens' well-being through innovation-driven enterprises, science, technology, research, and public health. Our vision is that Puerto Rico is a globally recognized innovation hub.

Colmena66, a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust, makes entrepreneurship easier by connecting entrepreneurs to the resources they need so that anyone in Puerto Rico can start and grow a business. It is a program of the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust and an affiliate of the SourceLink national network. Colmena66 is the only organization throughout Puerto Rico that works with all types of businesses at any stage of business and connects people to the resources they need to start and grow businesses. This is done through one-on-one consultations, online inquiries, and community involvement.

The Trust's SBIR/STTR Federal Grants program supports scientific excellence, technological innovation, research and development, and the commercialization of their outcomes by providing a cash match program for Phase I and Phase II SBIR/STTR awardees, as well as outreach, educational programming and technical assistance. The Acércate al Grant program is designed to provide outreach, technical assistance and continued support for entrepreneurs and researchers as they develop competitive SBIR/STTR proposals.

Purpose

The Program Manager-SBIR/STTR leads efforts to help entrepreneurs and researchers secure Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grants. The role oversees technical assistance, educational programming, and outreach, and builds strategic relationships that expand access to these funding opportunities.

The incumbent also spearheads the Acércate al Grant initiative, aligning it with the organization's mission to nurture innovation-driven enterprises in Puerto Rico. This includes developing the curriculum, setting outreach strategies, fostering community engagement, and overseeing key activities for entrepreneurs and researchers. The role also supports, identifies and pursues funding sources, such as grants, sponsorships, and partnerships, to ensure the program's long-term sustainability.

This role manages and coordinates the structure entrepreneurs need to perform at their best during and after the program. The most important quality is a passion for giving back to Puerto Rico's entrepreneurship and innovation community. The program exists to ease entrepreneurs' paths, and we need people who will be there for them.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

Program Coordination and Execution:

Lead the assessment, compliance, and day-to-day management of the SBIR/STTR Matching Program and Acércate al Grant, including their program workspace. Oversee and coordinate the Acércate al Grant program, including curriculum development, stakeholder engagement, grant writing assistance and technical support for SBIR/STTR applications.
Coordinate projects and activities following the mission and goals of the SBIR/STTR Program.
Plan and implement workshops, webinars, and resources to educate entrepreneurs and researchers on the requirements and benefits of SBIR/STTR programs.
Connect the most prominent entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, companies, and/or other resources that can help them continue growing their businesses.

Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement:

Build and maintain relationships with universities, research institutions, and entrepreneurial support organizations to map and strengthen the innovation ecosystem network and increase program participation. Foster collaborations with mentors, funding partners and technical experts to enhance participant success.
Represent the program at local and national events, including conferences and seminars, to promote SBIR/STTR opportunities.
Lead periodic meetings with 'America's Seed Funding members and allies to discuss updates, progress, and opportunities.
Develop tailored content, workshops, and resources to address partner needs and enhance collaboration.
Maintain strong relationships with the Small Business Administration and its America's Seed Funding and FAST members to foster engagement, feedback, an