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World Business Chicago (WBC) is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, a promotes Chicago as a leading global city.

WBC Innovation & Venture Department drives inclusive growth and opportunity for Chicago’s tech economy and innovation ecosystem through its portfolio of programs and initiatives. Innovation & Venture flagship programs include Startup Chicago, the Chicago Venture Summit, and workforce and talent programming, such as THINKChicago.

POSITION SUMMARY

World Business Chicago is seeking a full-time Innovation and Venture Program Coordinator to support the department’s programs and initiatives.

Focused on Chicago 2050, WBC’s new economic development strategy, the Coordinator will ensure that WBC's innovation and venture programs continue to evolve to achieve the plan's outcomes. This includes a strong focus on incubating and growing ecosystems, which includes targeted support for startups, new ventures, and innovative corporate firms. Since Technologies and startups achieve scale and market penetration differently across industries, the Coordinator will assist the Innovation and Venture Department in identifying, documenting, and addressing gaps in supporting infrastructure for technologies and startups by industry.

The Program Coordinator will be interested in Chicago’s technology and venture capital community and will have some experience working with technology companies, venture capital firms, and/or entrepreneur support organizations. The Program Coordinator will have excellent project management, organizational, and communication skills, and the ability to thrive in complex environments and manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Chicago 2050 Planning and Capacity Building

• Develop the I&V Department’s ability to identify opportunities for emerging industry incubators, with a focus on Chicago 2050 core industries.
• With the I&V program platform, build a stronger pipeline of sector-specific growth-stage support for startups.
• Amplify and connect technologies and startups with corporate leaders in the Chicago 2050 core industries.
• Develop and manage the I&V department’s internal stakeholder management system to ensure connectivity across the innovation ecosystem, with a focus on Chicago 2050 core industries.

Program Development, Management & Operations

• Ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Maintain comprehensive project and event documentation.
• Support the Innovation & Venture team calendar of meetings and events.
• Work with Innovation & Venture partners and relevant stakeholders to develop virtual events, showcases, and convenings.
• Research best practices and develop strategic program extensions to Innovation & Venture’s existing portfolio of venture-focused programming.
• Track quarterly metrics for grant reporting and impact reporting

External Communications

• Support communications strategy with selected partners to advertise and build awareness of I&V programs.
• Manage maintenance and updates for program websites, slide decks, CRM, and other relevant digital assets.
• Coordinate the I&V program needs with WBC MarComms.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to work effectively across a variety of skill areas, including project management,
• communications, content creation, event planning, and execution.
• Awareness of and experience working within Chicago’s venture and technology community.
• Commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including WBC staff, board members, government stakeholders, and outside advisors.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as with a team; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to deliver against deadlines; ability to handle high-priority and pressure situations.
• An entrepreneurial approach is a must, and experience working in a startup environment with evolving priorities and processes is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of three years’ experience in event and/or project management with knowledge of Chicago's tech, innovation, venture & startup ecosystem is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive applications.
• Financial budget and project management experience.
• Ability to travel as needed.

Compensation & Benefits:

• $45,000 -$55,000 annual salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities