WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The Urban League of West Michigan seeks an energetic Program Manager responsible for the day-to-day management of The Center for Economic Success & Development programs and initiatives. The program manager will contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the ULWM entrepreneurship and innovation initiative. This role will partner with entrepreneurs and trusted community connectors to support business launch, growth, or ongoing sustainability. The program manager be responsible for ensuring accesses to critical resources including, education, expert support, and capital. The position will report to the CDFI Program Manager.

YOUR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and grows the ULWM Center for Economic Success & Development initiative, including identifying and developing relationships with promising startups and existing businesses.
• Works to help entrepreneurs navigate resources in the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem and find new ones. Tracks referrals from Organizations and Service Providers and follows up to ensure the entrepreneur has received the assistance necessary.
• Conducts outreach to existing solopreneurs and small businesses, resulting in one-on-one intake sessions to match the entrepreneur with the right resources.
• Mentors entrepreneurs one-on-one and in small groups in technical skill sets and sit side by side with entrepreneurs to deliver tangible outcomes.
• Performance Tracking and Reporting: Drive achievement of grant metrics through collaboration and data management. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for program success, monitoring progress regularly and tracking program achievements. Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for stakeholders and senior management.
• Day-to-day Operations: Oversee the Program, ensuring smooth execution, timely services, and high participant satisfaction. Coordinate and collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure ongoing coordination and timely reporting of grant-required information.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building: Act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship-led economic development, engaging with local entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and government agencies. Foster strategic partnerships and collaborations to support innovation and economic growth.
• Event Planning and Execution: Organize and execute various events fostering entrepreneurship, including workshops, and networking sessions. Ensure well-coordinated, impactful events aligned with program goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

YOUR QUALIFICATION & SKILLS

• Experience working with or servicing under-resourced or under-served populations.
• Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in program management, entrepreneurship, or innovation-related roles.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance program delivery and participant engagement.
• Have a passion for small business/entrepreneurship, creating a more equitable ecosystem for entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds, and driving economic development through entrepreneurship and innovation.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook), OneDrive, Google Suite, database management, and task management systems (e.g. Trello, Asana),
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, government officials, and industry professionals.
• Education or training in relevant field(s) (business, entrepreneurship, accounting, etc.).
• Strong attention to detail.

YOUR SALARY

$60,000 - $65,000 annually

We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including health insurance, and professional development opportunities. If you are a highly organized and results-driven individual with a passion for project management, we would love to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation package:

• Yearly pay

Experience level:

• 5 years

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (Required)

Work Location: In person