Project Specialist

Do you believe in the power of innovation to change the world? At Activation Capital, our mission is to foster high-growth entrepreneurship for the Commonwealth of Virginia, translating science and technology into world-changing companies. We are a self-sustaining, mission-driven organization at an inflection point in our growth.
ROLE
The Project Specialist plays a vital role on our small entrepreneurial and highly dynamic team, supporting key initiatives across entrepreneurship, ecosystem development, and organizational projects. We are executing life science business ecosystem development grants that involve multiple connected projects and tasks. This role provides essential project coordination, focusing on execution, resource management, and process optimization, serving as a key contributor to Activation Capital's mission to advance innovation and economic growth. This is a full-time, salaried position with attractive benefits in Richmond, Virginia.  The Project Specialist reports to the Senior Program Manager of Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Development.
The ideal candidate:

• is data-driven with project management experience
• is a self-motivated and results-oriented individual always seeking continuous improvement and system optimization
• is a relationship builder and team player with solid communication, technology, and analytical skills
• is a dynamic, entrepreneurial thinker with a can-do attitude and a horizontal skillset
• is highly organized with a keen attention to detail

Activation Capital is aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals targeting Gender Equality, Decent Work & Economic Growth, Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure, and Reduced Inequalities . The organization values collaboration, impact, agility, inclusion, entrepreneurial thinking, and future-focus. Learn more at
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Coordination

• Support coordination across multiple projects within Activation Capital’s entrepreneurship and ecosystem development initiatives.
• Contribute to planning, budgeting, resource management, and risk identification.
• Assist in the optimization of project management tools such as MS Project.
• Provide event management support across organizational efforts.

Grant Management

• Assist with grant management, including resource allocation and overall execution
• Apply consistent management processes across grant portfolio to ensure 100% compliance and excellence in execution
• Support onboarding for new grants monitoring KPIs across Activation Capital’s grant portfolio and ensuring alignment to internal requirements
• As necessary, lead project management of individual grants (from thousands to millions of dollars in value)
• Help establish the organization as a leader in state and federal grants pursuit and management; expanding statewide presence outside of Richmond

Entrepreneurship & Ecosystem Development

• Aid in the management of Activation Capital’s deep tech acceleration programs, which builds a startup company around promising new technologies
• Additional projects ad hoc

Governance

• Work closely with leadership to manage projects related to Board governance and committee engagement/deliverables; could include occasional meeting note taking

Data Management

• Assist in maintaining data continuity and accuracy across various projects; potential work to include light database management

Also, includes other duties not otherwise specified.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Ability to form successful partnerships and build/maintain relationships with diverse partners, organizations, and stakeholders; a collaborative team player with strong verbal and written communication skills
• Professional who can effectively communicate with executives, staff, grantors, and key stakeholders including board presentations; strong PPT and/or data visualization skills strongly preferred
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in project or organizational management; a science related background is a plus, as is a PMP, but not required
• Experience managing projects and using project management software
• Experience with grant management – federal/state; strongly preferred
• Experience/interest in life science innovation and entrepreneurship/ecosystem development

Offer of employment is contingent upon successfully completing pre-employment background screening and professional references.
Competitive Salary & Rich Benefits Package including health, dental, life & AD&A, LTD, STD, LTC, FMLA, paid holidays, paid time off, retirement with matching contributions.
Professional development reimbursement and work-life balance/flex schedule opportunity.
About Activation Capital
Activation Capital, located in Richmond, VA, is an independent authority of the Commonwealth of Virginia dedicated to growing life sciences and advanced technology startups. We connect innovators, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to drive the growth of Central Virginia's innovation ecosystem. We provide office and lab space, connect entrepreneurs with resources, and build physical and digital infrastructure to foster education and networking opportunities for tech entrepreneurs. For more information, visit Equal Employment Opportunity
Activation Capital is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability/handicap, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited