Manager of Entrepreneurship Programming

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, the Manager of Entrepreneurship Programming uses specialized knowledge and experience to ensure the success of ACCESS’ commitment to supporting economic development by facilitating entrepreneurship and small business development in Southeast Michigan. Oversees the day-to-day operation of entrepreneurship programming, including program marketing and publicity, recruiting participants, and implementing courses, coaching sessions and other resources for clients. Requires extensive contact and relationship building with public and private partners in the entrepreneurship ecosystem to support program goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, expand, and maintain innovative and robust entrepreneurship programming
• Build strong relationships with private and public partners in the entrepreneurship ecosystem to support program goals, including representing ACCESS on coalitions and in other network settings
• Conduct outreach and publicize program widely to attract program participants
• Establish and implement flow, processes, procedures, to help guide service delivery to participants and facilitate client success
• Work with Director to evaluate and seek out potential funding sources through program revenue, grants, donors, etc.
• Develop and oversee the client database, service records, and regularly reports on program impact
• Responsible for grant reporting and communication with funders for relevant programming
• Remain current in trends and best practices in entrepreneurship and small business development
• Plan, assign, monitor and supervise the work of others
• Review performance and evaluate results achieved by subordinates
• Responsible for hiring/firing decisions with Director’s concurrence, performance appraisals, departmental employee training and development, and handle disciplinary problems in conjunction with Human Resources
• Operate within a specified budget
• Maintain agency confidentiality and client’s privacy in accordance with the agency’s policies and procedures
• May develop curriculum to support program
• May participate in the writing of grant proposals in order to retain current funding and/or obtain new funding
• May review grant contracts and consult with the leadership on a regular basis to ensure compliance
• May participate in public speaking events and/or various external meetings on behalf of ACCESS
• Operate standard office equipment and use required software applications
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of business development principles and practices
• Entrepreneurial trends and ability to network in those circles
• Entrepreneurial concepts and ability to assist clients in maneuvering obstacles to achieve desired results
• Specific reasoning, mathematical and language skills required

Skill in:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and organization skills to manage community partnerships
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications for program area and other applications, including Microsoft Office

Ability to:

• Partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives
• Facilitate meetings, ensuring that all viewpoints, ideas, and problems are addressed
• Objectively gather information, identify linkages and trends, and apply findings to assignments
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Speak and write in English
• Maintain confidentiality of agency, employee and client information

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:

• Bachelor’s degree

• Required Disciplines:
  • Business, Community Development, or related field

~and~

• At least 4 years of experience in small business management, development, preferably in an incubator setting, with 2 years of experience working in a lead capacity
• Experience in dealing with different communities and ability to outreach
• Experience with grant writing is preferred
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training approved by Human Resources

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  • None

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours, some additional hours may be required

Travel Required: Local travel, up to 75%

Working Environment: Climate controlled office