Accelerator Coordinator

At the University of Manchester, we’ve been changing the world since 1824 shaping industries, challenging conventions, and unlocking human potential. Today, we’re taking that legacy into bold new territory.

Unit M is the University’s new innovation engine. We're a future-facing team designed to supercharge regional and global impact through entrepreneurship, start-up growth, and strategic partnerships. We’re rethinking how a university drives innovation in the 21st century, and now, we’re looking for a dynamic, organised, and mission-driven Accelerator Programme Coordinator to join our journey.

The Role

As Accelerator Programme Coordinator, you'll be at the centre of our high-impact start-up accelerators supporting some of the UK’s most promising early-stage ventures across sectors like AI, digital health, sustainability, and beyond.

You'll manage the day-to-day delivery of these programmes, working with founders, mentors, investors, and university teams to create exceptional founder experiences and deliver real innovation outcomes. This is more than logistics, it’s about shaping ecosystems, nurturing potential, and helping the next generation of companies scale.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate the end-to-end delivery of Unit M’s accelerator programmes
• Work with university and external stakeholders to align on strategy and execution
• Organise inspiring workshops, mentoring, pitch events, and investor showcases
• Monitor start-up progress and report on programme impact
• Actively seek feedback to evolve and improve the experience
• Build meaningful relationships with innovators, investors, and ecosystem partners
• Ensure financial and administrative compliance across all activities

What You Bring

• Experience in innovation, enterprise, start-up, or university environments
• Understanding of emerging tech trends and innovation ecosystems
• Strong organisational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• A passion for helping founders succeed and for making ideas happen

Why Join Us?

This isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to shape the innovation landscape of Greater Manchester and beyond. You'll join a vibrant, supportive team that values bold thinking, practical impact, and collaborative energy. You’ll also be part of one of the UK’s most respected institutions with deep roots, world-class research, and an unwavering commitment to progress.

If you want to play a key role in building the future of innovation from the heart of one of the world’s great civic universities, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Get

We offer a generous package including:

• A competitive salary and one of the most generous pension schemes in the sector.
• 42 days of annual leave (including public holidays and Christmas closure).
• Excellent hybrid working opportunities and a commitment to flexible working.
• Access to leading wellbeing and fitness services, including on-campus facilities.
• Development opportunities tailored to your growth and interests.
• Staff discounts, cycle schemes, family support, recognition awards and more.

This is more than a role. It’s an opportunity to shape secure futures for one of the UK’s most innovative, inclusive, and impactful universities.

Ready to make a difference? Apply now and help us shape what comes next.

As an equal opportunities employer we support an inclusive working environment and welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Arran Collinge

Email: arran.collinge@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.

Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.