What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Coordinator, 518 Collective position at Carl Sandburg College?
Position Code: FOU26814
Classification: Confidential, level II -Sandburg Foundation
Reports To: Senior Executive, 518 Collective
Principal working relationships: Senior Executive of the 518 Collective, Vice President of Advancement, College departments, faculty, staff, students, community partners, local businesses, workforce development partners, and other district-wide stakeholders.
Supervises: Student employees and Interns.
Purpose: The operations coordinator supports the day-to-day operations, programming and member engagement at the 518 Collective. This position plays a key role in fostering an entrepreneurial culture that accelerates innovation and startup success. The operations coordinators programs, supports startups and community partners...
Major responsibilities:
- Coordinate workshops, mentorship sessions, networking events, and other 518 Collective programming.
- Partner with the Workforce Development and Community Education team on collaborative programming that supports entrepreneurship, skills development, and community engagement.
- Support the planning, coordination, and execution of open houses, mixer and speaker events, workshops, and other programming at the 518 Collective.
- Supervise assigned student employees and interns, including scheduling, assigning work, providing guidance and mentoring, monitoring performance, and communicating operational concerns to the appropriate leadership.
- Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with incubator members, guests, community partners, and other stakeholders while proactively addressing operational and logistical needs.
- Support strategies to enhance member experience and retention, ensuring a supportive and dynamic environment for startups and partners.
- Collect and analyze program metrics and attendance data and prepare reports for the Senior Executive to support impact measurement and continuous improvement.
- Support digital marketing efforts, including social media engagement, content creation, and event promotion to increase program visibility and participation.
- Monitor facility resources, audiovisual equipment, and shared workspace logistics, collaborating with the Director of Facility Services, Information Technology, and other appropriate departments as needed to maintain a high-quality operational environment.
- Coordinate mentorship programs for 518 Collective participants and members.
- Collaborate with College departments, community organizations, businesses, and other district-wide partners to enhance 518 Collective program offerings.
- Document operational procedures and identify opportunities for improved efficiency, recommending process enhancements to the Senior Executive.
- Follow and support compliance with applicable federal, state, and Sandburg policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Coordinate with the Senior Executive on public speaking engagements, presentations, tours, and events involving donor prospects, community organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Assists With:
- Implementing 518 Collective goals and initiatives that align with the College and Foundation's mission and vision, and the outcomes and strategies identified in the College's strategic plan.
- Preparing reports, presentations, and materials for the Senior Executive, partners, funders, advisory groups, and other stakeholders.
- Budgeting activities, financial tracking, and documentation related to 518 Collective operations and initiatives.
- Donor, partner, and stakeholder engagement activities, including tours, meetings, and events.
- Providing operational support and coverage for the Senior Executive, as appropriate and within the scope of the position.
- Recruiting, onboarding, and coordinating startup participants, mentors, interns, and volunteers.
Minimum necessary skills, experience, and educational background
- Associate's degree or 120 semesters of college credit or specialized related training and four years of related experience required in business, management, education, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Experience in program coordination or operational management.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to supervise assigned staff and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to effectively engage with startups, students, and community partners in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Familiarity with office technology, audiovisual systems, and facility operations.
- Proficiency with digital tools and social media platforms for program promotion preferred.
- Evening and occasional weekend availability required.
- A valid driver's license is required.
- Spanish or French proficiency preferred.
Risk management and loss prevention activities:
- Actively participate in and carry out activities in support of the college’s Risk Management Program in a capacity appropriate to this position.
- Monitor conditions, events, and circumstances present in the college operation to avoid potential torts or injuries to students, staff, or the public, then communicate observations to the appropriate supervisor and/or Risk Management Committee.
- Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and how to operate emergency phone systems, including internal/external call boxes.
Physical requirements to perform job functions:
- The specific motor skills and sensory perception to effectively interact with staff and students.
- Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephone, and other office equipment)
- Must be physically able to pack, lift, carry, and transport equipment and materials as needed (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place work orders for anything over that limit.
Implemented 08/01/2026