Program Manager

Location: University of Maryland College Park

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement

Founded at the University of Maryland and headquartered at the E.A. Fernandez IDEA Factory, xFoundry transforms universities into solution engines that generate real ventures, develop entrepreneurial leaders, and advance meaningful societal outcomes. xFoundry empowers students to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges through multidisciplinary collaboration, AI-powered tools, and rigorous venture-building programs.

Our flagship Xperience program is a 15 to 18 month venture-building competition in which student teams develop investment-grade MVPs that address grand societal challenges in climate, education, food and water, health, infrastructure, and society. Winning teams compete for investments of up to $2 million and receive guidance from seasoned CXOs through our Xcelerate accelerator program.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Program Manager who will support student and university programs at the center of our competitions, as well as the events and gatherings that bring our community together. Reporting to the Director of Programs, this role carries a defined share of the day-to-day work in each area, from keeping student teams and campus partners on schedule to the logistics behind summits, dinners, and game-day gatherings.

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland catalyzes high-

quality research, innovation, and learning, preparing our students to create innovations that will address the 21st century Grand Challenges (e.g., energy, environment, security, and human health) and improve the human condition. The Clark School is dedicated to leading and transforming the engineering discipline and profession, accelerating entrepreneurship, and transforming research and learning activities into innovations that benefit millions.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience coordinating programs, events, or projects; or
• Master’s degree in a related field and three years of experience coordinating programs, events, or projects.

Skills

• Demonstrated experience supporting events or programs that involve logistics, vendors, and external guests
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Skilled at using AI tools for project management, writing, and content creation
• Proven ability to communicate clearly and warmly across students, faculty, and senior administrators

Physical Demands

This position requires extended periods of sitting, standing, or walking, as well as occasional bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying event materials weighing up to 30 pounds.

Preferences

• Experience supporting large, external-facing corporate events or conferences end to end
• Experience in partnerships, relationship management, and/or customer service, including facetime with C-suite
• Experience in an accelerator, university venture program, entrepreneurship center, or technology transfer office
• Advising, mentoring, or other student-facing experience
• Experience with CRM, event-management, or program-management tooling; graphic or web design familiarity
• Start-up or entrepreneurial experience

Licenses/ Certifications

NA

Additional Job Details

Additional Information

• UMD will not sponsor the successful candidate for work authorization in the United States now or in the future. This position can not support a F1 STEM OPT.