Innovation Lab Jobs Near Me

About the Columbus Partnership

The Columbus Partnership is a nonprofit organization of CEOs from Columbus’ leading businesses and institutions. Through our membership and other ally organizations across Central Ohio, the Partnership upholds a shared vision to make Columbus the most prosperous region in the country.

The Columbus Partnership team also includes One Columbus, one of the nation’s top economic development teams that serves the 11-county Columbus Region; and Smart Columbus, a civic innovation lab that advances what is new and next at the intersection of technology and community good.

Can you imagine Columbus as the most prosperous region in the United States, where more and more people are able to improve their economic and social well-being? We do, every day.

The Role

The program manager, ConnectUS leads efforts to expand access to affordable, reliable internet, devices and digital skills and create pathways for individuals to fully participate in today’s digital economy. ConnectUS is a community-wide initiative to close the digital divide in Franklin County and sits within the Smart Columbus innovation lab.

As a strategic leader and connector, the program manager oversees a portfolio of community projects, program management office (PMO) operations and a cross-functional team dedicated to advancing digital equity. The position drives high-impact initiatives by building partnerships, managing program delivery, coordinating stakeholder engagement and ensuring measurable outcomes that align with digital equity goals.

This senior-level opportunity is well suited for an experienced program leader who excels at the intersection of community impact, strategic operations and cross-sector collaboration. The role involves close partnership with nonprofits, educational institutions, public sector entities, funders and community leaders.

Note: This role is grant-funded through 2027. Continuation of the position beyond 2027 will depend on the organization successfully securing additional or diversified funding streams.

Reports to: Director, Smart Columbus

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program and Portfolio Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the ConnectUS program portfolio, including program design, implementation, scaling and continuous improvement.
• Lead and manage a high-performing team responsible for program operations, participant engagement and project delivery; provide coaching, performance management and professional development.
• Oversee program management office (PMO) functions, including standardized processes, reporting, risk management, data systems and cross-project coordination.
• Lead the development and execution of program strategy, annual goals, performance metrics and scaling plans.
• Identify new program opportunities, innovative approaches and funding prospects to sustain and expand digital equity initiatives.

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with ConnectUS Coalition and other key partners to ensure alignment with regional priorities.
• Lead the ConnectUS Coalition Steering Committee and associated workgroups to guide strategic program development, long-term sustainability and coordinated community impact.
• Develop and nurture strategic relationships with community partners, training providers, funders and stakeholders to co-design and deliver impactful digital equity programs.
• Represent ConnectUS and Smart Columbus at community forums, conferences and regional tables as a subject matter expert and advocate for digital equity.

Operations, Delivery and Evaluation

• Oversee centralized operations for program delivery, such as onboarding implementation partners, participant recruitment and registration, and outreach and adoption.
• In alignment with the director, Smart Columbus, manage program budgets, resources and financial accountability.
• Oversee program and financial reporting, ensuring timely delivery to funders and key stakeholders.
• Lead program evaluation efforts to measure short- and long-term outcomes, effectiveness of training models and overall impact.
• Ensure program compliance with grant requirements, data privacy standards and organizational policies.
• Contribute to grant writing, proposal development, and reporting to support current and future funding streams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, education, social sciences or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in program management, preferably in digital equity, workforce development, education or community impact initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing complex program portfolios.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong project and program management skills, including PMO operations, budget management, risk assessment and performance evaluation.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative partnerships across nonprofits, government, education and private sectors.
• Experience designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based programs, ideally across multiple partners.
• Excellent facilitation, communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Data-driven approach to program improvement, with experience using metrics to assess outcomes and impact.
• Strong organizational and leadership abilities, with a track record of successfully managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of digital equity, workforce development and community needs across Central Ohio is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, project management tools (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, or Smartsheet), and data analysis platforms.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion and advancing opportunities for underserved communities.
• Applies a service-oriented mindset to daily work and values continuous improvement.
• A passion for the Columbus Region.

Workplace Environment

• Some travel around the Columbus Region may be required.
• The Columbus Partnership is an in-person work environment based in Downtown Columbus. Currently, the team works from home on Friday.
• Work hours are generally 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Must be available to work occasional off-hours; events and meetings will involve some early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• May be required to work more than 8 hours during a workday as deadlines demand.

We Offer

• A front-row leadership seat impacting our community’s future.
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave and holidays.
• A 401(k) plan with an exceptional employer contribution.
• Professional development support.
• A modern downtown office with free parking.
• A high-impact, mission-driven team that’s doing big things for the Columbus Region.