OCHE Program Manager, Nucleus

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$70,000–$80,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Background Investigation, Business Development, Business Plan, Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Conferences, Disability Accommodations, Economic Development, Ecosystems, Employee Benefits, Entrepreneurship, Federal Grants, Funding, Grant Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Multitasking, Nucleus, Operational Communications, Organizational Skills, Performance Metrics, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Product/Service Launch, Project/Program Management, Proposal Development, Public Policy, Public Safety, Small Business, Startup, Technical Analysis, Technical Research, Technical Support, Technical Writing, University/School Policies, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Salt Lake City, UT
POSTED
17 days ago

Announcement

Details

Open Date 07/02/2026 Requisition Number PRN45546B Job Title OCHE Program Manager, Nucleus Working Title Nucleus Grow Program Manager Career Progression Track G Track Level FLSA Code Professional Patient Sensitive Job Code? No Standard Hours per Week 40 Full Time or Part Time? Full Time Shift Day Work Schedule Summary

Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm on-site

VP Area President Department 02488 - Nucleus Institute Location Other City Lehi, UT Type of Recruitment External Posting Pay Rate Range $70,000 to $80,000 Close Date 10/02/2026 Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time) Job Summary

Nucleus Grow supports Utah's innovation economy by helping entrepreneurs, researchers, startups, and small businesses develop and commercialize innovative technologies. Through training, technical assistance, funding guidance, and strategic connections, Nucleus Grow helps innovators access the resources needed to advance ideas from concept to market. This includes assisting companies in identifying and pursuing federal funding opportunities, including the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

The Program Manager works directly with founders, researchers, universities, investors, industry partners, and economic development organizations across Utah. The position provides innovation funding guidance, proposal and business review, entrepreneurship support, program delivery, and stakeholder engagement while helping strengthen Utah's statewide innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities

Program Management and Entrepreneurship Support:

  • Advise entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology companies on innovation funding opportunities, funding readiness, commercialization planning, proposal development, and customer discovery activities.
  • Support the planning and delivery of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology commercialization programs, workshops, and events.
  • Develop practical resources, tools, and guidance that help innovators navigate funding and commercialization pathways.

Technical Review & Funding Assistance:

  • Review and provide feedback on funding applications, proposals, commercialization plans, pitch materials, and other strategic documents.
  • Assist companies in evaluating federal, state, and other funding opportunities, including SBIR/STTR and other non-dilutive funding programs.
  • Analyze complex technical, scientific, and business concepts and communicate recommendations to diverse audiences.

Stakeholder Engagement & Ecosystem Development

  • Build and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, universities, investors, economic development organizations, and industry partners.
  • Represent Nucleus Grow at meetings, conferences, workshops, and community events.
  • Facilitate connections that support company growth, technology commercialization, and innovation collaboration.

Program Reporting & Operations:

  • Track program activities, outcomes, and performance metrics.
  • Support reporting, compliance, communications, and other operational requirements associated with grants, contracts, and organizational initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Associate's degree or recognized certificate or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for one year of related work experience) required; Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, science, public policy, entrepreneurship, or a related field strongly preferred.
  • 2- 4 years of experience in program management, entrepreneurship, business development, innovation, technology commercialization, or related fields.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to review, edit, and provide feedback on complex technical and business documents.
  • Ability to understand and evaluate scientific, engineering, technical, and business concepts.
  • Experience supporting startups, entrepreneurs, technology companies, research organizations, or innovation-focused programs.
  • Knowledge of business development, technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, economic development, or innovation funding.
  • Strong project management, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.

Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to work well with researchers and founders.

Preferences

  • Experience with SBIR/STTR, research commercialization, technology transfer, federal grant programs, or innovation-focused funding initiatives.
  • Experience reviewing grant proposals, technical applications, business plans, or commercialization strategies.
  • Familiarity with Utah's startup, research, and innovation ecosystem.

Type Benefited Staff Special Instructions Summary Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

  • Resume

Optional Documents

  • Cover Letter
  • Historical Only - Do Not Use - See Description for More Information - Appropriate discharge document (such as DD-2214) - Veteran Only
  • Historical Only - Do Not Use - See Document Description for More Information - Addendum to the University of Utah - Veteran Only

About the Company

U

University of Utah

The state’s oldest and largest institution of higher education, the University of Utah is the flagship university of the state. The University offers more than 100 undergraduate and 90 graduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students (23,500 undergraduate and 7,500 graduate). The University is noted for its high research profile, its diversity of ideas and people, its stunningly beautiful setting and the warmth, friendliness, and collegiality of its faculty staff, and students. Imagine yourself working in a collaborative, creative, respectful environment where everyone’s contribution is needed and appreciated – University of Utah!

COMPANY SIZE
1,500 to 1,999 employees
INDUSTRY
Education
FOUNDED
1850
WEBSITE
http://www.utah.edu/