Emerging Leaders: Program Facilitation Assistance

Service Requested: Program Facilitation Assistance

Program: Deep Tech Institute - Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development

Organization: Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN)

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Service Provider Summary

We are seeking a Program Facilitation Assistance Provider to assist with implementing the DTI Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development program. This role will support the Program Facilitation provider to guide career professionals through a cohort-based program focused on leadership development and business literacy within robotics, AI, and other deep tech sectors. The Program Facilitation Assistance provider will deliver engaging learning experiences and collaborate with PRN’s staff, contractors, and volunteers to ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with the program’s goals.

Organization Summary

The Pittsburgh Robotics Network (PRN) is a nonprofit organization fostering growth and success in the Pittsburgh region’s robotics, autonomy, and AI business ecosystem. PRN connects companies to resources, enhances visibility, and provides tailored services to strengthen the sector.

Professional Development Model

The Deep Tech Institute for Leadership and Innovation is an initiative of PRN and delivers high-impact, professional training for early-career and experienced talent. Programs focus on commercialization, leadership development, and economic mobility within robotics, AI, and related deep tech sectors.

DTI programming includes single and multi day cohort-based training sessions for participants to learn from practicing professionals who bring the experience, frameworks, and networks needed to grow successful organizations.

DTI Program Pillars

• All programs incorporate DTI’s four essential pillars:
  
  • Offer multiple opportunities for participants to practice and develop the skills needed to pursue their individual professional outcomes.
  • Provide a relevant knowledgebase that incorporates the frameworks & literacies necessary to pursue and navigate robotics, ai, and other deep tech sector opportunities.
  • Incorporate the use of platforms and toolkits used in the workplace for all program engagements and deliverables. 
  • Leverage PRN’s ecosystem and resources to maximize impact and benefit program participants.

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Provider Qualifications, Proposal Requirements, Timeline, and Budget

Provider Qualifications:

• Experience in workforce development, program coordination, or professional training support.
• Moderate understanding of robotics, AI, or related deep tech fields.
• Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics and manage program documentation.

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Proposal Requirements

The Program Facilitation Assistant will engage in services for a full session of the 2026 Emerging Leaders: Technical Entrepreneur Development program. Modules, schedule, and program overview available in the linked deck above.

All Proposals must include:

• Cover sheet connecting provider experience with proposal goals
• 2 - 3 page proposal outlining facilitation support strategy
• Example of an engagement support approach for a module topic
• Resume or CV with professional references
• 2 - 3 relevant past project examples
• All materials should be emailed to elprogram@deeptechinstitute.org

Services requested from Program Facilitation Assistant Provider

Program Implementation

The Program Facilitation Assistant will support the Facilitator in executing the learning objectives and outcomes established for the Emerging Leaders Programs. The Assistant will ensure smooth program delivery by coordinating logistics, managing learning materials, and helping maintain alignment with industry best practices.

This role will help foster accessibility by preparing and organizing multiple modes of learning and practice that add value to the participant experience, including, but not limited to:

• Coordinating peer discussions, projects, and feedback collection
• Assisting with real-world, project-based applications and ensuring all materials are distributed and tracked
• Organizing individual exercises and assignments
• Scheduling and documenting one-on-one mentorship sessions
• Supporting peer feedback activities and compiling insights for the facilitator
• Coordinating site visits, tours, and logistics
• Assisting with work product showcases and panel feedback sessions
  
  

Guides & Program Engagements

The Program Facilitation Assistant will assist in the preparation, formatting, and deployment of participant guides that align with the program’s learning objectives. This includes:

• Supporting the Facilitator in incorporating media, collaborative tools, and other resources into guides and materials
• Assisting with the organization and distribution of engagement materials that connect participants to real-world organizations, stakeholders, and platforms
• Coordinating logistics for applied learning opportunities, ensuring participants have access to necessary tools and resources
• Supporting short-interval iteration and application cycles by tracking participant progress and helping collect feedback
  
  

Projects

The Program Facilitation Assistant will support the Facilitator in managing participant projects to ensure alignment with program objectives and outcomes. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the setup and tracking of project timelines, deliverables, and checkpoints
• Collecting and organizing project submissions and related documentation
• Coordinating communication between participants, mentors, and program staff
• Helping ensure projects remain relevant to both sector needs and participant professional goals
  
  

Pre-staging

The Program Facilitation Assistant will aid in preparing and publishing weekly program summaries, ensuring participants have clear expectations and reference materials for each section. Responsibilities include:

• Refining and formatting copy for weekly summaries based on input from the Facilitator
• Compiling section summaries that highlight key concepts, exercises, and resources
• Uploading and reposting section summaries in the designated program session group chat channel (e.g., Slack)
• Monitoring engagement and participant questions related to each weekly section

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Other DTI Program Engagement & Guidance Provider Expectations

• Attend meetings with the Impact Manager to onboard with DTI’s platforms and learning resources.

• Attend regular check-ins with PRN’s Impact Manager and Director of Instruction to coordinate program logistics, resources, mentors, and related resources.

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Resources

• Program space with turn-key in-person and virtual presentation technology 
• Work management suite 
• Cloud-based storage
• Dedicated private Slack channel to engage with ecosystem participants
• Event spaces
• Kitchen and lounge space
• Pittsburgh Robotics Network’s ecosystem of companies and related organizations

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Timeline

• Open Call for Proposals: October 24, 2025-November 19, 2025
• Question Period: October 24, 2025-November 7, 2025
  
  • Email all questions to elprogram@deeptechinstitute.org
  • Public questions and answers will be posted at robopgh.org/dti by November 12, 2025
• Award Decision: December 15, 2025

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Budget

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$4,375

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