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University Accelerator Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brookhaven National Laboratory

It will consist of two intersecting accelerators, one producing an intense beam of electrons, the ... universities, and international collaborators to ensure successful execution of the EIC technical ...

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University Accelerator Director information

What does a university accelerator director do?

A University Accelerator Director oversees the operations and strategy of a university-affiliated accelerator program, which supports startups and entrepreneurs, often among students, faculty, and alumni. Their responsibilities include managing program staff, recruiting promising startups, connecting participants with mentors and investors, and ensuring the program provides valuable resources such as funding, training, and networking opportunities. The Director also builds relationships with industry partners and helps measure the impact of the accelerator on the university and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university accelerator director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a University Accelerator Director, you need expertise in entrepreneurship, program management, and higher education, often supported by an advanced degree and experience in startup ecosystems. Familiarity with business incubator software, project management tools, and data analytics platforms is typically required. Exceptional networking, leadership, and communication skills help build strong relationships with students, faculty, mentors, and industry partners. These skills ensure the effective development and scaling of university startups, fostering innovation and external engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by university accelerator directors when supporting early-stage startups?

University Accelerator Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of startups with varying levels of experience, securing sustainable funding for accelerator programs, and fostering strong connections between university resources and external mentors or investors. Additionally, directors must manage relationships among faculty, students, and industry partners while ensuring compliance with university policies. Being proactive in communication and adaptable in problem-solving is essential for navigating these complexities and driving the success of both the accelerator and its participating ventures.

What is the difference between University Accelerator Director vs University Startup Program Manager?

AspectUniversity Accelerator DirectorUniversity Startup Program Manager
Required CredentialsTypically requires a master's or doctoral degree in business, entrepreneurship, or related fields; experience in startup ecosystemsOften requires a bachelor's or master's degree; experience in program coordination and entrepreneurship
Work EnvironmentLeadership role overseeing accelerator programs, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagementOperational role managing startup programs, events, and mentorship activities
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, innovation hubs, and acceleratorsUniversities, research institutions, and startup support organizations

The University Accelerator Director focuses on strategic leadership and program development for university-based accelerators, while the University Startup Program Manager handles day-to-day operations and program execution. Both roles require entrepreneurial experience but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to University Accelerator Director jobs?

For University Accelerator Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various University Accelerator Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Program Manager - Alabama Forestry Accelerator

Dothan, AL • On-site

gener8tor
Investment Clubs and Venture Capital Companies • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about gener8torexternal

$60K - $70K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Program Manager - Alabama Forestry Accelerator
Location: Dothan, AL, in-person
Salary: $60,000 - $70,000
Are you ready to find and work with the best and brightest entrepreneurs? Do you get excited about supporting startups so they can bring new innovations to life? Are you passionate about supporting the startup ecosystem connected to Southeast Alabama and Dothan? If so, this position is for you.
gener8tor fosters innovation ecosystems through its accelerator programs, venture capital funds, and skills-based workforce initiatives. With a strong track record of supporting high-growth companies, gener8tor has expanded across the U.S. and internationally, building partnerships with governments, corporations, universities and economic development organizations to drive entrepreneurship and economic impact. gener8tor operates accelerators across 50 cities, 32 states and 9 countries, working with more than 300 startups per year. To date, gener8tor has worked with more than 2,300 startups that have cumulatively gone on to raise more than $3B in financing and employ more than 15,600 people.
gBETA is a free, seven-week accelerator program that helps startups build and scale.
As the Alabama Forestry Accelerator Program Manager, you will play a critical role in the Alabama entrepreneurial ecosystem. You will take the lead as the face of gener8tor in Southeast Alabama and Dothan and be our local frontline in coaching founders, fostering meaningful connections, and helping startups succeed. You will engage with startup founders, students, universities, mentors, investors, and community partners while driving the success of Alabama Forestry Accelerator. Success looks like becoming the "unofficial mayor" of startup activity in Dothan. We are looking for an ambitious community advocate who is hungry to support entrepreneurs, connect with mentors and investors, and strengthen the startup ecosystem.
Recruitment and base building:
    • Recruit startup applicants and lead the selection process for two cohorts.
    • Capture 20+ eligible applications per Alabama Forestry Accelerator cohort, executing gener8tor's established recruitment strategies.
    • Find and develop relationships with 30+ mentors, 25+ investors and other industry/ecosystem partners who can help support the programs and participating companies.
    • Lead base building efforts, attending meetings with key investors and mentors to ensure consistent support of our partners.
    • Schedule and attend office hours with startups.

Program execution and founder support
    • Run two accelerator programs.
    • Manage logistics and ensure the operational success of all aspects of the Alabama Forestry Accelerator.
    • Ensure all program KPIs are met.
    • Actively plan and participate in all aspects of the gener8tor accelerator program including, but not limited to recruitment, team meetings, Mentor Swarms, Investor Swarms, Lunch & Learns and networking events.
    • Serve as the primary point of contact and day-to-day coach for participating startups, helping founders set goals, maintain momentum, and make progress against key milestones.
    • Provide structured 1:1 guidance and accountability to founders on topics such as customer discovery, traction and pitching/storytelling, business model refinement, and fundraising readiness.
    • Connect founders to the right mentors, investors, customers, and ecosystem resources based on their specific needs, and ensure follow-through on introductions and next steps.
    • Continuously support gener8tor and Alabama Forestry Accelerator alumni.
    • Be the #1 cheerleader for the startup ecosystems, the startups and the entrepreneurs we work with.

Measure and Report Program Metrics and Operations:
    • Work with cohort participants and alumni to gather and track data and metrics related to the progress and outcomes of the startups.
    • Gather and track data and metrics related to the progress and outcomes of the program.
    • Analyze and report data and metrics to the Managing Director, and in turn our partners and gener8tor broadly.

Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across Alabama.
    • Manage relationships with our Alabama Forestry partners.
    • Attend regular meetings with our partners.
    • Provide weekly update reporting.

Community Involvement:
    • Support the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem centered in Dothan, serving Southeast Alabama, with a focus on activating the incubator space.
    • Represent gener8tor, the Southeast Alabama startup community; actively participate in the Alabama startup ecosystem by attending events and building relationships.

gener8tor Support:
    • Contribute to the gener8tor team's broader initiatives, including supporting other accelerator programs, engaging in ecosystem-building efforts, and assisting with strategic projects as needed.

Requirements
  • Residence in or relocation to Dothan to fully engage in the startup ecosystem's network and events in the Dothan area.
  • Deep commitment to the startup ecosystem in Alabama, with a passion for supporting founders and fostering entrepreneurship.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset, with a proactive, problem-solving attitude and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
  • Highly organized self-starter, capable of managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and working with self-initiative.
  • Ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and adapt quickly, balancing cohort management, stakeholder engagement, and operational responsibilities.
  • Enthusiastic, hands-on, team-player mentality, willing to take on any task-big or small-to ensure program success.
  • Curiosity and willingness to rapidly learn new skills, and deepen expertise in different industries, startups and venture capital.
  • Flexibility in schedule, including availability for occasional nights and weekends as needed for events and programming.
  • Broader gener8tor program support and participation, willing to support programs and gener8tor efforts beyond Alabama Forestry Accelerator.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally around the region for in-person events and meetings.

At gener8tor we...
  • See genius in every community. We believe the company has a chance to accomplish a generational challenge in bridging genius with opportunity.
  • Never self-defeat and have a "play to win" mentality. We revolve everything we do around helping the entrepreneurs in our programs.
  • Are curious. We work hard to find hidden gems others overlook.
  • Believe no job is beneath us. We wipe down the tables and load up the U-Hauls with enthusiasm. Work as a team to get things done!
  • Strive for "that guy emailed me." Based on a story from our founders, we share a commitment to take a bottom-up approach to building strong, personal, 1-1 relationships. We believe that the best way to quality is through quantity.

Our values are core to how we work. If they don't resonate with you, this role might not be the right fit.
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