Program Officer, I&E Education & Curriculum Design

Role overview

VentureWell is looking for a Program Officer to lead the design and delivery of immersive learning experiences focused on STEM innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and ecosystem development. This role supports the growth of higher education ecosystem work by building learning models for higher education leaders, faculty, industry professionals, and researchers. The position is centered on helping participants strengthen the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to advance research and development translation and broaden innovation pathways across the country.

The role sits within the Higher Education Innovation Ecosystems team and works with universities, innovation professionals, workforce partners, investors, and government agencies to support inclusive and equitable innovation ecosystems. The Program Officer reports to the Director of Higher Education Ecosystems and requires travel approximately 25% of the time.

Program administration

• Act as an internal specialist in instructional design and create, develop, and deliver customized STEM innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, and ecosystem development training programs aligned with VentureWell’s strategy.
• Lead the creation and coordination of immersive formats such as communities of practice, workshops, trainings, and convenings.
• Oversee logistics to ensure programs run smoothly and effectively.
• Represent the organization at conferences and meetings through panels, presentations, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Use prior experience to improve delivery approaches, capture lessons learned, and strengthen learning outcomes.
• Apply social learning concepts to help spread ideas and effective practices.
• Build competency models and skills frameworks for different audiences by translating invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship concepts into clear learning goals and materials.
• Offer recommendations that support continuous improvement and organizational learning.
• Carry out program goals through facilitated discussions, teaching, presentations, and one-on-one engagement with students, faculty, and professionals.

Collaboration and project management

• Participate in internal and external communication and coordination to support program success using project management tools and structured practices.
• Work with external experts, consultants, and vendors as needed.
• Plan and facilitate productive meetings.
• Draft, organize, and synthesize written updates and reports for funders.

Departmental collaboration and relationship management

• Collect and synthesize key information to support expansion strategies and the development of new projects.
• Contribute to program design, program growth, and renewal efforts through reporting content and funder-facing writing.

External relationships and engagement

• Identify new ways to engage higher education institutions in programming, with attention to their specific training needs.
• Maintain relationships with university leaders and faculty to understand institutional goals, priorities, and challenges related to STEM innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.
• Conduct virtual and in-person site visits when needed.
• Support membership-related activities.

Qualifications and experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in higher education, including instructional design and training administration, along with subject-matter experience in areas such as science and technology innovation, entrepreneurship, commercialization, or tech-based economic development.
• At least 5 years of experience in higher education program development, curriculum design, implementation, assessment, grant administration, program design, and stakeholder management, with direct experience working with faculty, staff, administrators, and other university stakeholders.
• Experience creating STEM innovation and entrepreneurship training for higher education, industry, and government audiences is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of needs assessment methods.
• Ability to perform well in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
• A BS/BA degree is required.

Core working style

• Ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines.
• Strong collaboration skills and a service-oriented approach to teamwork.
• Commitment to equity in internal practices, culture, and programming.
• Openness to personal, professional, and organizational learning.
• Curiosity and interest in institutional sustainability.
• Self-directed work style with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly learn new tools and work processes independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $85,000, based on experience and internal equity. Benefits include a 403(b) plan with a 200% match up to a maximum employer contribution of 10% when the employee contributes 5%, with match eligibility after one year of service, as well as medical, dental, and vision coverage. A $1,000 home office stipend is provided upon hire. The organization emphasizes work-life balance and aims for this role to stay within a 40-hour workweek. Additional paid time off includes 20 vacation days, 12 paid holidays, and 12 paid wellness days. Benefits are reviewed annually and may change.

About VentureWell

VentureWell supports the growth of science and technology inventors and the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems that help them succeed. Since 1995, the organization has funded or trained more than 20,500 early-stage inventors and innovators, contributing to the launch of over 6,700 ventures working on technologies in biomedicine, healthcare, sustainable energy, materials, and low-resource solutions. These ventures have gone on to raise more than $9.0 billion in follow-on funding and reach millions of people worldwide.

Additional information

This role is full-time, based onsite in the United States, and includes around 25% travel.