Entrepreneur Engagement and Program Manager
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Dayton/Miami Valley Entrepreneurs Center, Inc. d/b/a “The Entrepreneurs’ Center” (EC) is an Ohio 501(c)(3) corporation established in 1998. The EC is a modern economic development organization whose focus exclusively on assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses. The EC delivers support for entrepreneurs through all phases of development and commercialization process, from idea inception to business growth and expansion.
EC’s Entrepreneur Engagement and Program Manager will support various components of how EC engages and support entrepreneurs creating high-growth potential businesses. This position works cross-functionally within EC, partnering with colleagues in supporting and coordinating entrepreneur intake for the organization, as well as externally to engage referral partners/sources and network within the entrepreneur community. The Entrepreneur Engagement and Program Manager will assist in developing and implementing systems to enable service to clients, including organizing and coordinating foundational programming for early-stage founders (i.e. Bootcamp, defined below). This position must represent EC in various capacities, both during EC programs and events, and through community engagement.
JOB DUTIES:
The Entrepreneur Engagement and Program Manager will be responsible for:
● High-Tech Startup Intake
o Owns communication with early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to engage with any number of EC-managed programs
o Coordinates closely with EC teams to funnel inquiries to the correct points of contact internally with follow up to ensure a smooth hand off
o Coordinate with EC Marketing staff to ensure external messaging is leading to high-quality inbound (organic) deal flow
o Attends outreach and community events as an advocate and thought leader for entrepreneurship in various forums, up to and including
speaking engagements, generating leads for the EC
o Builds and maintains relationships with community stakeholders that may serve as referral sources to EC, or referral partners for EC opportunities
o Leads and coordinates intake meetings to assist in making a thoughtful evaluation of a company’s alignment to become an EC client, or get
referred to a community stakeholder/partner
o Manages EC-wide customer relationship management (CRM) platform with leads, referrals, and details
● Program and Client Support
o Own and deliver EC’s Bootcamp, including all communications, coordination, and logistics – Bootcamp is an open program aimed at helping founders validate their market and business opportunity, and is a key resource for both helping founders and providing insights that help EC evaluate client opportunities
o Assist in facilitating or leading entrepreneurial workshops, training programs, and events o Provide program and project support for initiatives related directly to client needs, for client support staff, or other initiatives as necessary
● Special projects as directed
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
The Innovation Manager should possess the following general qualifications:
● Willingness to lead and be a self-starter as it relates to projects and tasks
● Strong project management skills, including strong attention to detail and ability to set and meet deadlines
● Ability to clearly and professionally communicate to a diverse audience, ranging from students, to startup founders, to community partners, and c-suite executives
● Committed to advancing diversity and inclusion - demonstrates empathy and cultural sensitivity
● Strong connection with entrepreneurship and sound business acumen
● Ability to build and operate in team-based environments
● Combination of strategic thinker and practical operational execution.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor's Degree in a Business-related discipline
● 3-5+ years of relevant experience
● Knowledge of entrepreneurial and startup mentality
● Proven project management skills and strong verbal, written, and presentation skills
● Demonstrated success in working in collaborative team environment
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position will be a blend of in-office, in-field (meeting with entrepreneurs), and virtual.
Some domestic travel, though rare, may be required.