Program Manager, Events & Grant Operations

Automation Alley is seeking an organized, driven, and versatile professional to join our team in a role that blends event and expo management with grant program operations. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple projects simultaneously, and is energized by the opportunity to represent Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem on a regional and national stage.

As a key member of the Automation Alley team, this position will lead the planning and execution of trade show pavilions, expos, and member-facing events — many of which are key deliverables tied to federal and state-funded grant programs. The role also directly supports the grant department and will require grant partner coordination, contract administration, and metric tracking.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, an excellent communicator, and comfortable managing relationships with external partners, vendors, and member companies. They are equally confident running the logistics of a trade show booth and grant programs.

This position is full time (M–F, 8:30 – 5:00) and requires periodic travel to industry trade shows, conferences, and member events.

Key Responsibilities

Events, Expos & Pavilion Management

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of Automation Alley’s presence at trade shows, industry conferences, and expos, including pavilions that host member and partner companies under the Automation Alley brand

• Manage booth and pavilion logistics: floor plans, exhibitor coordination, shipping, installation and dismantle, staffing schedules, collateral, signage, and on-site execution

• Coordinate member and partner participation in pavilions, including onboarding, contract execution, payment tracking, booth assignments, and day-of support

• Plan and execute Automation Alley-hosted events, receptions, member events, and program-driven convenings

• Manage event budgets, negotiate with venues and vendors, and ensure every event is delivered on time and on budget

• Serve as the primary point of contact for event venues, general service contractors, AV providers, caterers, and other event vendors

Grant Program Support & Operations

• Support grant programs in the day-to-day administration of federal, state, county or foundation-funded programs

• Track grant deliverables, milestones, and reporting deadlines to ensure compliance with funder requirements

• Coordinate grant-funded events and activities, ensuring alignment between event execution and grant scopes of work

• Assist in the preparation of grant reports, narratives, and supporting documentation

• Respond to member and partner requests for grant-related support and information

• Manage tactical projects in support of grant program managers, with the opportunity to grow into a grant program manager role as the grant portfolio expands

Partner & Contract Management

• Serve as a key liaison with external partners, sponsors, member companies, and subrecipients participating in events and grant programs

• Manage contracts, memorandums of understanding, sponsorship agreements, and exhibitor agreements, from initial drafting through signature and execution

• Track contract deliverables, payment schedules, and renewal dates

• Coordinate with internal finance and operations teams to ensure timely invoicing, payment, and documentation

Metric Tracking & Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on event outcomes, attendance, engagement, and pavilion performance metrics

• Capture grant program metrics (participant counts, engagements, jobs impacted, etc.) and maintain accurate documentation for audits and reporting

• Maintain databases and CRM records related to events, members, partners, and grant participants

• Produce regular status updates, dashboards, and post-event reports for internal leadership and external funders

Core Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, communications, public administration, or a related field preferred

• 3 years of experience in event management, trade show coordination, program management, or grant operations preferred

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and external partners simultaneously

• Experience working with contracts, vendors, and sponsor/partner agreements

• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to track metrics and produce clear reports

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint) and comfortable learning internal tools such as Trello and Zoho (or similar CRM)

• Experience with federal or state-funded grant programs strongly preferred

• Experience in the non-profit or manufacturing ecosystem preferred

• Willingness and ability to travel to trade shows and industry events as required

• Collaborative team player with a problem-solving mindset and a passion for a high-energy environment

Benefits

Full benefits (health, eye, dental)

3 weeks’ PTO

Paid Holidays

• New Year’s Day – January 1

• Martin Luther King’s Day – The third Monday in January

• President’s Day – The third Monday in February

• Memorial Day – The last Monday in May

• Independence Day – July 4

• Labor Day – The first Monday in September

• Veterans’ Day – November 11

• Thanksgiving Day

• Friday after Thanksgiving

• Christmas Week – December 24 – December 31