Program Manager, Fintech Accelerator (SMU)

The Organization: MassChallenge

The Role: Manager, Fintech Accelerator and Programming –Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Location: Dallas, TX

Reports to: Senior Director, Programs

Compensation: $80,000 – $85,000

About MassChallenge

MassChallenge is the global network for innovators working to solve massive challenges. We connect startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. Our mission is to equip bold entrepreneurs to disrupt the status quo and create meaningful change. Our mission is BIG, and thus we are a team that gives 100% every day. Our values ensure that we stay true to our mission and our core beliefs.

Our university partner, SMU enrolls more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students from all 50 states and over 80 countries, offering small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programming. Situated in Dallas, the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions, SMU provides a launch pad for global impact through distinctive learning, research, social, and career opportunities.

MassChallenge is currently seeking a Manager, Fintech Accelerator and Programming to join our Dallas team.

Position Summary

The Manager, Fintech Accelerator and Programming is a core member of the Fintech Coalition teamfocusing on our fintech acceleration program in partnership with the Southern Methodist University (SMU). This person willberesponsible forthebest-in-classday-to-day operations and programming executionand deliverythat make the SMUCoxFintech Accelerator run atthehighest performinglevel. This role supports the full accelerator lifecycle, fromlogisticsand scheduling through founder support, mentorselection andcoordination, sessionand eventdelivery, and milestone tracking, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for everyparticipantin the cohort.

This individual will work closely with the Vice President, FinTech Coalition and serve as the operational backbone of the program. They will be deeply involved in shaping and delivering programming, managing the details that create a great founder experience, and helping MassChallenge and SMU build a fintech accelerator that founders choose and recommend to peers.

Location

This role is Dallas-based and dedicated full-time to the SMU Cox Fintech Coalition. The Manager will be expected to work from the Dallas area and be present on the SMU campus and partner venues for all major program activities. Periodic evening and weekend availability will be necessary to support program execution and events. Occasional travel to Boston and other markets may be required.

What You'll Do

Program Operations

• Manage day-to-daylogisticsfor the full accelerator lifecycle, including scheduling, calendar management, venue coordination, vendor communication, and internal planning across all program phases
• Support the configuration and management of the MassChallenge Accelerate platform, including application tracking, review tools, founder dashboards, and milestone records
• Coordinate cohort onboardinglogistics, including orientation sessions, readiness assessments, startupgoal setting, mentor introductions, and kick-offconveningpreparation
• Track startup milestone completion throughout the program andmaintainorganized, up-to-date records of founder progress, session attendance, and engagement metrics
• Support the multi-stage startup selection process, including reviewerlogistics, scoring tool management, and deliberation coordination

Programming and Curriculum Delivery

• Support the design and delivery of structured curriculum sessions, workshops, and expert programming across the five Accelerator modules
• Coordinate expert and mentor sessionlogistics, including scheduling, preparation materials, participant briefings, and follow-up
• Develop andmaintainprogram-facing materials such as agendas, session guides, founder-facing resources, and communications templates
• Assistinfacilitatingworkshops and programming moments as needed, contributing to a high-energy and well-organized founder experience
• Gather participant feedback after sessions and programming touchpoints, helping the teamidentifywhat is working and where to improve

Mentor and Founder Engagement

• Coordinate mentor and expert matching, scheduling, and engagement tracking across the cohort, ensuring each startup hastimelyaccess to the right support
• Serve as a day-to-day point of contact for founders on operational and logistical questions, responding promptly andmaintaininga warm, professional relationship with the cohort
• Support onboarding and orientation for mentors, reviewers, and judges, including preparation of materials and coordination of orientation sessions
• Monitor mentor engagement quality and flag concerns to the Vice President, FinTechCoalitionasneeded

Events and Convenings

• Support planning and on-the-ground execution of program events, including the Accelerator Kickoff Convening, Midpoint Founder and Partner Convening, and the SMUCoxFintech Accelerator Finale and Showcase
• Coordinatelogisticsfor Executive Circle events, founder salons, and other platform activities in partnership with the Marketing and Events Associate
• Manage run-of-show preparation, day-of coordination, and post-event debrief and documentation

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Vice President, FinTech Coalition to ensure smooth program execution and proactive identification of operational risks or gaps
• Collaborate with the Dallas-based team and Boston-based MassChallenge program staff on cross-team initiatives and shared operational standards
• Contribute to organizational knowledge and best practices in accelerator operations, bringing a continuous improvement mindset to the role

Who You Are & What You Bring

About You: The ideal candidate is a highly organized, founder-centric program operations professional with experience in accelerators, startup ecosystems, innovation programs, or related fields. This role is a great fit for someone who thrives in the details, cares deeply about execution quality, and wants to grow within a mission-driven, high-impact organization.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degreerequired
• Three or more years of experience in program management, operations, accelerator or incubator coordination, innovation ecosystems, or a related field
• Experience supporting complex, multi-stakeholder programs with high attention to detail and multiple simultaneous workstreams
• Familiarity with fintech, financial services, or startup ecosystems is strongly preferred
• Experienc