CECD Program Coordinator

The Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development (CECD, or the “Center”) at Loyola University New Orleans, established in Fall 2014, is housed within the Joseph A. Butt College of Business and serves as a key driver of the College’s mission to develop ethical, innovative, and impactful business leaders. Through integrated curricular and co-curricular programming grounded in experiential and engaged learning, the Center cultivates entrepreneurial talent and strengthens the regional innovation ecosystem. CECD supports the strategic priorities of both the College of Business and the University by equipping students, alumni, and the broader Loyola community to launch and grow innovative, scalable ventures, further advancing Loyola’s role as a leading academic hub for entrepreneurship in New Orleans

The Center manages a portfolio of academic, experiential, and community-based initiatives that prepare students for entrepreneurial careers while supporting the broader startup ecosystem. This includes support of the undergraduate major and minor in Entrepreneurship, a guest speaker series, startup-focused events, and other co-curricular programming. Core experiential programs include IDEAcorps, which places MBA student teams in consulting engagements with local businesses and entrepreneurs, providing hands-on experience in problem-solving and venture development. Signature initiatives include the Side Hustle Expo, which showcases and rewards student-led ventures, and the Wolf Pack LaunchU Bootcamp/Incubator and Pitch Competition, which supports startups from ideation through early-stage growth. 

The Center also produces the annual New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW)—the region’s premier entrepreneurship festival—by leading its planning, coordination, and execution in partnership with stakeholders across the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Program Coordinator works closely with the Center Director and Program Director (along with the Faculty Director) to support the planning, coordination, and execution of CECD programs and events, including (but not limited to) IDEAcorps, Wolf Pack LaunchU, the Side Hustle Expo, and NOEW. This role is responsible for supporting and organizing programming, conferences, and events; coordinating logistics and stakeholder communications; and supporting student engagement across initiatives. The Program Coordinator also manages and maintains the Center’s digital presence, including website content and social media channels, to promote programming and highlight student and community impact.

• Work directly with the Center Director, Program Director, and Faculty Director to coordinate, promote, and execute CECD programs and events, including workshops, conferences, and experiential learning initiatives. 
• Support the planning and implementation of key CECD initiatives, including IDEAcorps, Wolf Pack LaunchU, the Side Hustle Expo, and New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW). 
• Coordinate event logistics and execution, including scheduling, stakeholder communications, vendor coordination, and on-site event management. 
• Plan and implement marketing and promotional efforts for CECD programs, events, and initiatives to increase visibility and engagement. 
• Manage and maintain the Center’s digital presence, including website content and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn). 
• Design and produce promotional materials, including flyers, social media content, and branded items, to support program marketing and outreach. 
• Support student engagement across CECD initiatives, including coordinating student participants, interns, and/or  volunteers as needed. 
• Assist with tracking program participation and outcomes, and support reporting needs related to Center initiatives and donor-funded activities. 
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, university partners, alumni, entrepreneurs, and community organizations, to support CECD programming. 
• Collaborate with University partners (e.g., Advancement, Alumni, Marketing/Communications) to develop and distribute communications, including newsletters and other outreach materials highlighting CECD programs and impact.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide on-site and occasional evening/weekend support for events and programs, including New Orleans Entrepreneur Week (NOEW) and other signature initiatives. 
• Assist with special projects and new program development aligned with CECD strategic priorities. 
• Support donor-related activities, including preparation of materials, reporting, and stewardship efforts as needed. 
• Represent the Center at campus and community events to support outreach and relationship-building. 
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in event planning, program coordination, administrative support, or related fields. 
• Demonstrated experience supporting events or programs, including coordination of logistics such as scheduling, travel, reservations, room setup, audio/visual needs, and event materials. 
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with attention to detail and proofreading ability. 
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Experience with digital communications and marketing, including social media and basic website content management. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace; comfort working with databases or CRM systems. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
• Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, higher education, or student-focused programming. 
• Commitment to Loyola University New Orleans’ Jesuit, Catholic mission and values.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience in higher education, entrepreneurship programs, startups, or working with entrepreneurs and small businesses. 
• Experience planning and executing large-scale events or multi-day conferences. 
• Familiarity with marketing tools and platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Canva, WordPress, or similar). 
• Experience supervising or coordinating student workers, interns, or volunteers.
• Experience with data tracking, reporting, or program assessment. 
• Ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and community partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.