Washington University in St. Louis
Program Specialist - Skandalaris Center
Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, 63146
Position Overview
This position supports faculty and students to increase interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among those who can support startups and help them grow (vs having a startup idea themselves). The Specialist aggregates entrepreneurship curriculum, research, and programs across campus with a goal of building momentum on successes and advancing the innovation environment. Provides operational support to new and special initiatives in the Skandalaris Center. Requires strong knowledge of entrepreneurial processes and the ability to guide others in applying those tools effectively. Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Oversees the day-to-day execution of entrepreneurship and innovation programs aligned with the Center’s mission. Administers programs like hackathons and IdeaBounce that surface ideas, accelerate early-stage ventures, and provide practical exposure to entrepreneurial methods. Completes core tactical activities related to the Center's commercialization work (including the NSF Convergence Grant), such as customer discovery and startup modeling. Leads the Skandalaris summer internship program by managing both student interns and participating startups, ensuring a meaningful exchange that advances venture progress and student development. Outreach and Engagement
Advises and supports prospective and current students, faculty, alumni, and staff on entrepreneurship curriculum, venture-building resources, and Skandalaris co-curricular opportunities. Builds strong relationships through classroom visits, student organization and staff meetings, and one-on-one advising; communicates key information to academic advisors, student services teams, and career centers. Supports student founders and entrepreneurial groups in translating ideas into action. Partners with campus collaborators to plan immersive events and co-sponsor programming that expands access to entrepreneurial pathways. Volunteer and Partner Management
Recruits, coordinates, and supports a broad network of alumni and external partners who serve as mentors, judges, speakers, and advisors. Builds systems that ensure a high-quality volunteer experience and sustained involvement in the Center’s work. Engages these contributors in hands-on startup support and student-facing programs, leveraging their industry and entrepreneurial expertise to deepen impact. Collaborates with Advancement and other university stakeholders to strengthen alumni engagement and long-term partnerships in innovation and entrepreneurship. Data and Reporting
Tracks key Center metrics and maintains reporting systems tied to program performance, rankings, and venture development outcomes. Maintains a detailed database of Center volunteers, participants, and WashU-affiliated ventures (“DNA ventures”) to ensure accurate, real-time insights into Center reach and impact. Utilizes CRM tools and analytics platforms to evaluate performance and inform ongoing strategic decisions. Perform other duties as assigned. Working Conditions
Normal office environment Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations Ability to work outside of normal business hours as needed, such as in the evenings and on weekends Physical and Other Requirements
Typically sitting at desk or table. Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement Occasional lifting (15 lbs or less) Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with the Washington University campus and the St. Louis community. Familiarity with other cross-campus, interdisciplinary centers at Washington University. Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations. Ability to influence others and make an impact. Ability to counsel and advise, be sensitive to student needs and concerns, and handle confidential information. Knowledge of higher education challenges. Education, Certifications and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education. Certifications: No specific certification is required for this position. Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years) Skills: Not Applicable Driver\'s License: A driver\'s license is not required for this position. Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / Annually. The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Benefits: Up to 22 days of vacation, holidays, sick time; health insurance packages; Metro U-Pass; retirement plan (403(b)) with employer contributions; wellness resources; caregiver leave; tuition assistance for eligible employees and family. Equal Employment Opportunity
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. The University is dedicated to an inclusive environment and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
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This position supports faculty and students to increase interest in innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly among those who can support startups and help them grow (vs having a startup idea themselves). The Specialist aggregates entrepreneurship curriculum, research, and programs across campus with a goal of building momentum on successes and advancing the innovation environment. Provides operational support to new and special initiatives in the Skandalaris Center. Requires strong knowledge of entrepreneurial processes and the ability to guide others in applying those tools effectively. Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Oversees the day-to-day execution of entrepreneurship and innovation programs aligned with the Center’s mission. Administers programs like hackathons and IdeaBounce that surface ideas, accelerate early-stage ventures, and provide practical exposure to entrepreneurial methods. Completes core tactical activities related to the Center's commercialization work (including the NSF Convergence Grant), such as customer discovery and startup modeling. Leads the Skandalaris summer internship program by managing both student interns and participating startups, ensuring a meaningful exchange that advances venture progress and student development. Outreach and Engagement
Advises and supports prospective and current students, faculty, alumni, and staff on entrepreneurship curriculum, venture-building resources, and Skandalaris co-curricular opportunities. Builds strong relationships through classroom visits, student organization and staff meetings, and one-on-one advising; communicates key information to academic advisors, student services teams, and career centers. Supports student founders and entrepreneurial groups in translating ideas into action. Partners with campus collaborators to plan immersive events and co-sponsor programming that expands access to entrepreneurial pathways. Volunteer and Partner Management
Recruits, coordinates, and supports a broad network of alumni and external partners who serve as mentors, judges, speakers, and advisors. Builds systems that ensure a high-quality volunteer experience and sustained involvement in the Center’s work. Engages these contributors in hands-on startup support and student-facing programs, leveraging their industry and entrepreneurial expertise to deepen impact. Collaborates with Advancement and other university stakeholders to strengthen alumni engagement and long-term partnerships in innovation and entrepreneurship. Data and Reporting
Tracks key Center metrics and maintains reporting systems tied to program performance, rankings, and venture development outcomes. Maintains a detailed database of Center volunteers, participants, and WashU-affiliated ventures (“DNA ventures”) to ensure accurate, real-time insights into Center reach and impact. Utilizes CRM tools and analytics platforms to evaluate performance and inform ongoing strategic decisions. Perform other duties as assigned. Working Conditions
Normal office environment Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations Ability to work outside of normal business hours as needed, such as in the evenings and on weekends Physical and Other Requirements
Typically sitting at desk or table. Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement Occasional lifting (15 lbs or less) Preferred Qualifications
Familiarity with the Washington University campus and the St. Louis community. Familiarity with other cross-campus, interdisciplinary centers at Washington University. Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations. Ability to influence others and make an impact. Ability to counsel and advise, be sensitive to student needs and concerns, and handle confidential information. Knowledge of higher education challenges. Education, Certifications and Experience
Education: Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education. Certifications: No specific certification is required for this position. Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years) Skills: Not Applicable Driver\'s License: A driver\'s license is not required for this position. Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range: $49,700.00 - $82,100.00 / Annually. The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Benefits: Up to 22 days of vacation, holidays, sick time; health insurance packages; Metro U-Pass; retirement plan (403(b)) with employer contributions; wellness resources; caregiver leave; tuition assistance for eligible employees and family. Equal Employment Opportunity
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. The University is dedicated to an inclusive environment and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
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