Program Launch Manager

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee the daily coordination of one or more Focused Research Organization (FRO) launches.

• Develop and manage launch plans from the approval of proposals and funding commitments to entity formation, operational activation, team onboarding, and initial execution.

• Collaborate with legal, finance, human resources, compliance, procurement, IT, fundraising, communications, and leadership teams.

• Facilitate launch meetings, monitor decisions and dependencies, identify risks, address obstacles, and manage launches in both U.S. and international contexts.

• Take responsibility for the operational delivery of FRO Founder Residencies, open calls, Launchpad programs, and initiatives led by partners.

• Oversee program design, participant experience, onboarding processes, programming, selection, and project closeouts.

• Act as a responsive point of contact and reliable partner for founders and FRO leaders.

• Articulate Convergent’s operating model, systems, decision-making rights, governance expectations, and available support.

• Establish feedback loops with FRO teams and transform recurring challenges into enhancements.

• Monitor operational readiness, manage handoffs, and assist FROs in transitioning to sustainable internal ownership.

• Maintain and enhance the FRO Launch Playbook, including templates, checklists, documentation, operational rhythms, and metrics.

• Utilize automation and AI as needed to ensure accurate information, documentation, and tracking.

• Assist with unique projects, new partner initiatives, and other tasks as required.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, operations, program management, account management, implementation, consulting, or a related area.

• Proven experience in coordinating complex, cross-functional projects that involve multiple stakeholders.

• Direct experience working with founders, executives, clients, partners, or other senior stakeholders.

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and follow-through skills.

• Experience in building or enhancing processes, playbooks, templates, or operating systems.

• Ability to work independently in a distributed and rapidly changing environment.

• Based on the U.S. East Coast, or willing to work East Coast hours and support projects in the United Kingdom.

• Openness to occasional travel to support programs and events.

• Experience in launching or scaling a startup, nonprofit, research organization, lab, program, or other new initiatives.

• Familiarity with working across countries, time zones, or international operational settings.

• Experience supporting scientific, technical, or mission-driven teams.

• Competence in managing external vendors, consultants, institutional partners, or funders.

• Awareness of AI-enabled tools for documentation, reporting, workflow automation, or project management.

🏝️ Benefits

• A unique opportunity to establish institutional frameworks for frontier science and collaborate with experts from various fields.

• Up to a 6% 401k match.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, with most options fully covered for you and your dependents.

• Company-paid life insurance, AD&D, long- and short-term disability insurance, along with voluntary supplemental insurance options.

• 19 holidays, including a full week off at the end of the year.

• 3 weeks of PTO, with increases based on tenure.

• Separate allotments for sick leave and parental leave.

• Generous fertility benefits and childcare reimbursement.

• Support for education and professional development.

• Wellness allowance for fitness and wellness activities.

• Quarterly offsite team retreats and additional chances to connect with teammates in person.