January 2, 2024
We’re hiring for a RISE Coordinator! Read more about the RISE Entrepreneurship program here and see the full job posting and application details below.
Overview
RISE is an entrepreneur support program jointly operated by the Erie County Economic Development Corporation, an affiliate of the Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP), Norwalk Economic Development Corporation, & BGSU Firelands. The objective of RISE is to grow jobs and spearhead economic development by linking business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to comprehensive assistance and regional service providers with expertise in business start-up, development, and acceleration. RISE’s unique approach takes any business, regardless of the technology or industry and focuses specifically on the business development process, helping to bring clarity and understanding to the entrepreneur. In so doing, ideas, companies, and people at any stage of the enterprise development have a place to go for assessment, advice, and direction. Services have included one-on-one advising, technical assistance, mentoring, networking, leadership development, grants, and workshops. Now in its 12th year, RISE has supported over 500 entrepreneurs across the north central Ohio region.
Job Description & Responsibilities
This position develops, promotes, and executes the entrepreneurial support services offered by RISE. The Coordinator is full-time and responsible for cultivating small business development and entrepreneurship and working with RISE partners to achieve desired outcomes. The RISE Leadership Committee includes Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP), Norwalk Economic Development Corporation (NEDC), & BGSU Firelands, and the Coordinator will spend time in both GSP & NEDC Offices.
Responsibilities
- Client Services (35%)
- Manage and meet regularly with a portfolio of RISE clients and serve as primary client liaison
- Work with RISE business advisors and clients to set goals for their new venture or existing small business and support through follow-up and execution
- Assess and advise clients on frequently asked questions about financial planning, business plans, partnerships, sales and marketing, and/or work with stakeholders to marshal resources and programs to assist clients with their goals and questions
- Programming (25%)
- Develop, organize, and produce events to address needs of the entrepreneur community in Erie County & Norwalk, including seminars, workshops, networking events
- Work with local K-16 school systems to support entrepreneurship education
- Advance diversity, equity and inclusion of women and minority owned businesses through initiatives like Sandusky’s Minority Business Empowerment Team or Ohio’s Minority Business Enterprise Certification
- Develop relationships with key stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem such as local chambers, education institutions, banks, regional offices of SBA, SBDC, & Ohio Technical Assistance Centers
- Manage process and collaborate with external partners to build entrepreneurial infrastructure in the region
- Program Promotion (15%)
- Promote the importance of small businesses and a culture of entrepreneurship in Erie & Huron Counties
- Cultivate new relationships for RISE through research, outreach, and community partnership activities
- Coordinate with team to publicize services and programs through social media, newsletters, and traditional media
- Identify opportunities and create content for marketing and promotion, including blog posts, infographics, and email campaigns
- Development (20%)
- Evaluate and measure effectiveness and impact of RISE’s programs and services
- Guide RISE services and strategic planning based on community needs and barriers to entrepreneurial success
- Work with the RISE Leadership Team to ensure plan success and partner involvement
- Identify fundraising and sponsorship opportunities for the program
- Research and benchmark other entrepreneurial support programs in the US
- Special projects as they relate to the implementation of the RISE strategic plan
- Reporting (5%)
- Oversee maintenance of comprehensive database of clients
- Create, maintain, and analyze internal and external data to inform program strategy
- Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual reports internally and externally for donors and stakeholders
- Assist in development and maintenance of organization dashboard to measure organization and community progress
Qualifications – Knowledge, Education and Experience
- Requires Bachelor’s degree in business related discipline
- 3+ years working in a professional environment in a business operations, marketing, communications
Qualifications – Skills and Abilities
- Creative problem-solver and entrepreneurial attitude
- Customer-service orientation and ability to establish credibility with entrepreneurs
- Project management, time management, and organizational skills
- Strong written & verbal communication skills – ability to prepare and deliver clear concise reports, promotions and presentations
- Technologically adept and willing to learn industry specific software and CRM system
- Ability to work with minimal supervision
- Must be able to maintain confidentiality
- Willingness to travel locally; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
- Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus, but not required
The Coordinator position is full-time. Coordinator must be willing and able to attend after-hour meetings and events as needed. The Coordinator will be employed by GSP and work across Erie & Huron Counties. Compensation range is expected $35,000 – $45,000 and is commensurate with experience.
To Apply – Please submit resume and cover letter to Lhoke@greatersandusky.com
The initial review of applications will begin January 20th and will remain open until filled.
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