Program Operations Manager

About the role

You will architect and own the core operational systems that support Convergent Research's portfolio of programs and initiatives. This role requires you to design and implement workflows, tools, documentation, and metrics from the ground up. You will turn complex, evolving demands into clear, scalable structures that allow the organization to operate efficiently. You will act as the primary builder of information systems rather than a passive coordinator of existing processes. You will work closely with distributed teams to ensure that information is captured, shared, and used effectively. You will help define what success looks like by establishing the right data and accountability structures. You will enable scientists and operators to focus on high-impact work by reducing friction in the system.

Key facts

What you'll do

Establish a unified view of program performance by designing and maintaining a lightweight portfolio dashboard that tracks outcomes across initiatives.

Design and implement end-to-end workflows for applicant intake, selection, reviewer coordination, and founder onboarding that scale as the portfolio grows.

Own the documentation of operating procedures, ensuring that processes are clear, accessible, and continuously updated as systems evolve.

Create and iterate on project plans and timelines that coordinate cross-functional workstreams and manage dependencies across teams.

Develop metrics and reporting cadences that provide actionable insight rather than static status updates.

Build and manage the project management infrastructure, including task trackers, calendars, and communication protocols that reduce ambiguity.

Implement information architectures that make it easy for teams to find documents, decisions, and historical context without relying on tribal knowledge.

Coordinate reviewer workflows and calibration sessions to ensure consistent, high-quality evaluation across all programs.

Create founder-facing materials and processes that streamline access to programs and improve the participant experience.

Identify automation opportunities to reduce manual work and improve reliability in routine operational tasks.

Establish data collection practices that support continuous learning and evidence-based decision-making across the organization.

Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to translate strategic priorities into operational plans and measurable milestones.

Maintain a flexible operating playbook that can be updated quickly as new programs, constraints, and opportunities emerge.

Ensure that all operational systems are designed with scalability in mind so they remain useful as the organization expands.

Requirements

You must have built strong project-management skills in a startup or similarly entrepreneurial environment where processes were not predefined.

You must be comfortable working from a blank page and navigating ambiguity without requiring a fully formed playbook before taking action.

You must be able to introduce enough structure to help teams move quickly without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

You must be able to operate across a distributed organization and coordinate with stakeholders in different locations and time zones.

You must be comfortable using a variety of tools to build systems, even if you do not have formal training in information technology.

You must be able to manage multiple priorities and shifting scopes while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy.

You must be comfortable interpreting qualitative information and translating it into structured data and clear narratives.

You must be highly organized and able to keep track of interdependent tasks, deadlines, and dependencies without constant reminders.

Nice to have

Experience with early-stage science or technology organizations where rapid iteration and hypothesis-driven work are the norm.

Experience supporting programs that involve selection, review, and decision-making processes.

Experience translating strategic goals into operational plans and metrics.

Experience building and maintaining documentation that supports operational continuity.

Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in a distributed, asynchronous work environment.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based on the East Coast of the United States.

Travel requirements, visa sponsorship details, application deadlines, and specific hour expectations are not provided in the source material.