Assistant Director of Community and Programming - Muskegon Innovation Hub

This position will use their expertise in management practices related to small business and entrepreneur recruitment and development, to further the strategic mission of the Muskegon Innovation Hub. This position serves as the primary contact for Hub tenants, clients, and members. Additionally, this position will act as the Community Manager for the Hub’s coworking space (CoLaunch).

Primary Duties

• Plan, organize, and manage the day-to-day operations of the CoLaunch coworking space, including membership management, onboarding of new members, facility tours & management, payment collection, community building, and adherence to community & facility rules.
• Consistently identify community inefficiencies and help to implement processes to improve productivity.
• Market and promote programs, events, and related services offered through the Hub and the State of Michigan to community and business partners, faculty, students, and entrepreneurial groups.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to promote all Hub programs, events, and initiatives effectively through appropriate channels.
• Ensure consistency in branding across all Hub outreach and marketing efforts.
• Provide graphic design, content creation, content writing, content editing, presentation creation, and other marketing needs.
• Oversee scheduling, vetting, and project management of external photographers, videographers, graphic designers, and social media contractors.
• Develop and execute a dynamic and consistent annual calendar of events and programming that meets the needs of members, clients, and entrepreneurs.
• Ensure all Hub events and programs meet or exceed quality standards, including food safety, speaker preparation, entertainment appropriateness, and technology readiness.
• Collaborate with the Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystem, including new companies, universities, investors, and other business support service organizations.
• Serve as a key person in understanding and educating clients on the Muskegon and Michigan entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Recruit and engage with start-up companies, particularly those introducing innovative products, services, and business models.
• Assist clients with Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) small business funding opportunities.
• Attend all quarterly SmartZone meetings and monthly MEDC meetings as required by the grant.
• Handle all reporting as stipulated in the MEDC Grant Contract (for the duration of the grant period).
• Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field.
• Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience working with small businesses and start-ups.
• Demonstrated experience developing, planning, and coordinating events.
• Experience with business coaching/counseling.
• Experience working in/with Muskegon’s and Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Extensive experience managing various grant and funding programs.
• Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Master's degree in business administration or related field.

Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Some travel may be required.

Salary and Benefits: $75,000-$85,000, commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, dental, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire.

How to Apply: A cover letter and resume is required. Applications missing required documents will not be considered if applicable. The system will allow you to attach these documents electronically. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact Kevin Ricco at riccok@gvsu.edu. If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an em