Manager of Student Programs

The Manager of Student Programs at the Big Idea Center (BIC) serves as the primary lead for the planning, coordination, and execution of all BIC core student programming throughout the academic year. Reporting to the Assistant Director, this position works at the intersection of program strategy and hands on delivery, ensuring exceptional experiences for student innovations and the entrepreneurship stakeholders across the University.

This role requires Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in program management, event coordination, or a related role. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are essential. Experience in higher education, familiarity with CRM/project management platforms, and a background in budget management or staff or student worker supervision preferred.

• Leads end-to-end planning, development, and execution of all Big Idea Center core student programming, including large-scale competitions, pitch events, and workshops; manages budgets, purchasing arrangements, and award payout processes; coordinates with marketing/communications teams to develop and deploy promotional materials and campaigns aligned with program timelines.

• Maintains and updates program management platforms (e.g., Monday.com) to ensure timelines, tasks, and program details remain current; oversees program surveys and feedback mechanisms and implements improvements in coordination with BIC leadership; develops and maintains standard operating procedures and documentation to support consistent, scalable program delivery.

• Designs and enhances the participant experience across programs and opportunities to ensure accessibility, engagement, and value for students.

• Supervises one BIC staff member; coordinates student workers supporting program logistics and events; collaborates with the Assistant Director and Director to align programming with broader BIC strategy.

• Manages the full lifecycle of mentor, judge, and speaker engagement; maintains relationships with internal University offices and external community partners to support program delivery and an exceptional stakeholder experience.

• Assists with the planning and execution of strategic outreach initiatives to promote program awareness and engagement, including organizing and staffing tabling events, delivering presentations to diverse audiences, and working with external stakeholders on program collaborations and activities.

• Oversees BIC physical space utilization, including room reservations, setup coordination, and staffing coverage; coordinates with facilities management and University offices on space-related needs.

• Occasionally serves as an in-person presence at the Big Idea Center, including acting as front-desk staff for day-to-day student questions, general greeting, and other organizational duties as needed.

The Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship inspires, educates and enables others to make an impact on society, improve the regional economy and transform their own careers. The office is composed of four units: The Innovation Institute, the Office of Industry and Economic Partnerships, the Big Idea Center for student innovation, and the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence. For more information please visit the website at: innovation.pitt.edu.

Performs all administrative and operational functions of a program. Coordinates all program events and personnel and provides services directly to customers. Develops and implements program policies and procedures. Performs budgetary functions and oversees media communications, website updates, and newsletters.

• Program planning and execution

• Staff and team coordination

• Stakeholder and partner relationship management

• Space and operations management

This role will require occasional rearranging of furniture for program set-up. Additionally, this role may require moving boxes of supplies, equipment, and program materials (reaching 10-15 pounds) within the Big Idea Center facility and on campus for events and other purposes. Frequent foot travel to buildings across the Pitt campus is a regular aspect of this position.