Associate Manager- Accelerators

• Program Operations & Execution: Manage day-to-day operations across Accelerator programs, translating priorities into actionable plans, timelines and execution aligned with Merchandising transition calendars and category priorities.
• Program Experiences & Events: Coordinate in-person and virtual programming, including event logistics, run-of-show, technical support, speaker and mentor coordination, communications, curriculum materials, session recordings and participant experiences.
• Brand Sourcing & Business Development: Identify and engage emerging CPG brands through industry events, founder networks and other sourcing activities. Represent Target Accelerators at internal and external events to build relationships, increase awareness and identify opportunities aligned with Target's Merchandising priorities.
• Brand Proposals & Merchandising Engagement: Manage the Accelerator brand proposal process, including supplier intake reviews, the Brands to Watch newsletter, transition proposals and line-review webinars, coordinating brand feedback in partnership with Merchandising and Accelerator leadership.
• Stakeholder & Participant Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with participating brands, speakers, SMEs, mentors and internal and external partners. Coordinate communications, introductions, feedback and follow-ups to ensure alignment across stakeholders and deliver a positive participant experience.
• Program Resources & Team Operations: Develop and maintain operational playbooks, program documentation and shared resources while supporting team operations, including inbox management, budgeting, vendor setup, payments and administrative processes.
• Special Projects & Emerging Priorities: Support evolving business needs and special projects, including startup ecosystem research, program audits, event planning and other initiatives. Demonstrate flexibility and independent judgment in a dynamic, lean team environment, including travel and occasional evening or weekend hours as needed.

• Four-year degree or equivalent experience.
• Highly organized, process- and detail-oriented, with experience in event planning, logistics and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong facilitation, content creation, written, verbal and presentation skills, with the ability to develop engaging materials and deliver diverse and inclusive experiences for internal and external audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Smartsheet experience is a plus.
• Creative problem solver who exercises sound judgment, navigates ambiguity and adapts effectively to changing priorities and evolving business needs.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to independently drive work forward while balancing competing priorities in a lean, dynamic team environment.
• Ability to build trusted relationships, establish rapport and collaborate effectively across a large, complex enterprise and with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, curiosity about emerging businesses and a collaborative, empathetic approach to teamwork.
• Experience in merchandising (buying) preferred.

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target.