Hybrid Manager, Economic Development – Partnerships

at Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

• Job title: Manager, Economic Development – Partnerships
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Waltham, United States

About the role

• Manager of Economic Development overseeing workforce partnerships and grant management at Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Collaborating with teams to execute competitive strategies for life sciences ecosystem growth.

Responsibilities

• Work with the entire Economic Development and Partnerships team to directly manage and direct every aspect of the Pathmaker workforce partnerships program—including information sessions, application processes, review, analysis, evaluation, and marketing
• Work with the Director of Economic Development and Partnerships to execute and advance the Center’s workforce partnerships and economic development strategy targeting companies both within and outside of Massachusetts that have potential for expansion in the Commonwealth
• Oversee grants, budgets, reimbursements, and compliance; track and analyze program data, maintain records, manage portals, and troubleshooting issues, to support Pathmaker and BioBoost operations, as well as administrative support for any additional future programs the team may run
• Manage relationships and engagements with companies and training providers in a professional, consistent, and positive manner
• Participate in regular external meetings with training providers and companies program management and finance teams, as well as leadership.
• Prepare materials for meetings and events
• Coordinate program logistics including availability and calendar invitations
• Assist in the Center’s participation in conferences, networking events, webinars, and other program related activities
• Meet and collaborate frequently with the entire Economic Development and Partnerships team on progress, targets, and updates to strategy
• Collaborate regularly with other teams at the Center including Marketing/Communications, Finance, Legal, and Workforce/Education
• Promote the Center’s other programs to appropriate companies and training providers
• Such other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Chief Business Officer

Requirements

• Preferred bachelor’s degree and/or minimum 3 years’ experience in project management, accounting, grant administration, economic development, business management, or similar
• Ability to manage the full life cycle of grants, including contracts, budgets, and administration
• Familiarity with reviewing invoices, processing reimbursements, and ensuring fiscal compliance with funding requirements
• Understanding of monitoring budgets and spending to maintain fiscal accountability and responsible use of grant funds
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records for reporting, compliance, and audits
• Familiarity with administering online grant portals, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating with system vendors
• Familiarity with tracking and synthesizing program data in Airtable, Salesforce, or similar CRM systems for reporting and performance tracking
• Ability to serve as an operational partner to program teams, supporting coordination and program delivery
• Interest in workforce partnership models that connect employers with training providers and expand access to career pathways
• Experience with data analysis, reporting, and program evaluation
• Knowledge of the life sciences / biotech / pharma ecosystem in New England and awareness of regional economic differences across Massachusetts
• Basic understanding of community college operations, workforce development programs, or similar training entities
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with sound professional judgment and discretion
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, remote file-sharing systems, and CRM platforms; willingness to learn Center-specific systems and processes
• A demonstrated interest in public service and advancing the Center’s mission
• Unflappable, kind, positive approach to problem-solving