Future Founders Seeks New Role: Coordinator, Startups

September 12, 2015

Future Founders is excited to announce a new role that will support the execution of Future Founders programming and operations with primary focus Future Founders Startup.

Future Founders Startup (FF Startup) provides a dynamic platform to engage, equip and empower collegiate entrepreneurs. Through the program, we bring together dozens of universities, incubators, community organizations and businesses and curate resources so we can help young entrepreneurs succeed. The program promotes cross-school collaboration and increases the capacity of university programs by broadening their reach into the community.

We support two- and four-year undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates and students of alternative academic programs. In addition, we engage Future Founders alumni and select high school students.

The Coordinator’s role will include the following:

• STRATEGY – Provide guidance to senior leadership on enhancing and expanding FF Startup.
• FUNDRAISING – Work with the senior leadership team to secure new funding for the program and organization as a whole. As part of this, the Coordinator will assist with grant writing, program evaluation and donor prospecting.
• PROGRAM GROWTH & ACTIVITIES – The Coordinator will provide support to key programmatic activities including:
  • Support the management of partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
  • Assist with sourcing, curation and coordination of the E-Pass (a collection of resources, events and activities made available for students).
  • Administer email marketing campaigns to college entrepreneurs and school partners.
  • Assist in the maintenance of the FF Startup platform.
  • Collect and compile program surveys and participant feedback.
  • Manage applications for special FF Startup events like our regional college elevator pitch competition and intensive year-long fellowship.
  • Plan, coordinate and attend FF Startup events and community events.
  • Assist with scheduling and organizing calendar events for programming.
  • Assist with recruiting and engaging new student members and school partners.
  • Strengthen relationships with new and current members and partners.
  • Take initiative to improve processes, exceed expectations of members and partners, and to focus on the growth of FF Startup.
• MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA – Develop strategies to engage new and existing FF Startup members and partners. Assist with engaging Future Founder volunteers, sponsors, partners and other key stakeholders throughout the year. Also, generate local and national interest for the organization.
• TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT – Assist in the administration of a variety of technology systems, including Mailchimp, Salesforce, WordPress, Box, Google apps, among others. Update and maintain website for FF Startup.
• OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED – We run like a startup, so you need to have a “can do” attitude and be ready to pitch in when needed. You must be entrepreneurial, have the ability to multi-task and take the initiative to advance the program. The Coordinator will also assist the team with other organizational activities.

POSITION DETAILS

• Reports to: Senior Director, Startups
• Type of Employment: Full Time Position
• Start Date: November 2, 2015
• Location: Future Founders is headquartered at Lightbank’s offices (600 W. Chicago Ave., Suite 775, Chicago, IL 60654).

PREFERRED CREDENTIALS

• College graduate with a major in entrepreneurship, business, or technology and/or who has started a business.
• 1-2 years of experience in a business environment, preferably working in a startup or with entrepreneurs.
• Experience working on developing and growing a program.
• Enjoy working with college students and entrepreneurs.
• Have an understanding of the entrepreneurial community.

DESIRED BACKGROUND, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Possess a tremendous passion for inspiring young business leaders.
• Interest in entrepreneurship and the city’s start-up scene.
• Possess strong written and oral presentation skills.
• Problem solving, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have the experience, professional credibility and personal attributes necessary to forge productive relationships with people inside and outside the organization.
• Capable of high levels of program development, event planning, marketing and social media.
• Ability to work well in teams and independently.
• Coachability and the drive to learn and grow.
• Demonstrate initiative for assignments and be a self-starter.
• Capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing work and meeting deadlines.
• Extremely detail-oriented.
• Technology-oriented with advanced aptitude in the Microsoft Office suite.
• Have a valid driver’s license in the United States.
• Must be able to move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance.
• Desire to have fun while making a difference in the lives of youth.

Applications Closed