The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) is currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager in Entrepreneurial Development to join our dynamic team. As a leading economic development organization, EDAWN is dedicated to creating a strong and vibrant economy in the region. This position offers a unique opportunity to work closely with entrepreneurs and startups, providing valuable resources and support to help them grow and develop their businesses. If you are passionate about fostering innovation and driving economic growth, we invite you to apply for this exciting role at EDAWN.

• Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada– EDAWN
• Job Posting – Program Manager Entrepreneurial Development
• Position Title:  Program Manager of Entrepreneurial Development  
• Department: Entrepreneurial Development 
• Reports to:  Vice President – Entrepreneurial Development 
• Annual Salary Range: $68,000-$70,000 
• Post Date: October 27, 2023
• Close Date: November 8, 2023
• Contact: Juston Berg- V.P. Entrepreneurial Development berg@edawn.org

POSITION PURPOSE 

The Program Manager of Entrepreneurial Development is pivotal in driving the growth and vitality of the entrepreneurial ecosystem within the EDAWN Economic Development Team. This role is dedicated to the development, management, and enhancement of mission-critical activities, including fostering community partnerships, implementing startup community best practices, and designing programs that bolster a thriving entrepreneurial environment. A significant aspect of this role involves planning and executing entrepreneurial events tailored to the needs of startups and stakeholders, ensuring they align with organizational objectives and provide value to participants. While the primary focus is on program and event management, the individual will also oversee budgeting for these initiatives and serve as the primary representative for specific programs within the department, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overarching mission. 

The primary objective of this role is to foster the growth of a robust, diverse, and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem within the region. The key activities of this role include: 

1. Developing, implementing, and supporting programs tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and startups, including the planning and execution of impactful entrepreneurial events that resonate with the community and stakeholders. 
2. Overseeing project management initiatives to ensure continuity, predictability, and consistency in the delivery of team objectives. 
3. Monitoring and tracking key metrics for the Entrepreneurial Development Team to gauge the effectiveness and impact of programs and events. 
4. Reporting on the success of these initiatives and ensuring their long-term sustainability and alignment with the organization’s mission. 

THE MISSION OF EDAWN 

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) is committed to adding quality jobs to the region by recruiting new companies, supporting the success of existing companies, and assisting newly forming companies, to diversify the economy and have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Sparks.

NATURE AND SCOPE

In 2012 EDAWN created the Entrepreneurial Development team to help local startups find the resources they need to start, run, and grow. The team’s entrepreneurial initiatives are 1) Catalyze – Support the creation of innovative programs and events which support entrepreneurs, 2) Communicate – Tell the stories of entrepreneurs in our community, 3) Connect – Remove friction in the ecosystem through thoughtful curated connections, and 4) Convene – Bring stakeholders together to break down barriers and create collaborative solutions. 5) Attract – Recruit high-potential startups from outside the region to join the Reno ecosystem. The entrepreneurial team’s Core Values are Entrepreneur First, Raise the Bar, Make an Impact, Cultural Stewardship, and Be of Service.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Oversee and coordinate the logistics and details of all entrepreneurial events, ensuring they align with the team’s objectives and are executed seamlessly.
• Engage with prospective companies, educating them about the benefits of the Reno ecosystem, and organizing site tours when necessary.
• Monitor and track entrepreneurial development metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform team strategies and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Prepare and present monthly and quarterly reports on the Entrepreneurial Development Team’s initiatives to key stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational goals. 
• Lead project management for entrepreneurial development initiatives, ensuring projects align with the team’s goals and are executed successfully.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration with vendors, partners, and the broader community to support entrepreneurial growth.
• Ensure the Entrepreneurial Development team’s initiatives and achievements are well-represented and communicated within the organization.
• Advocate for and represent the interests of the Entrepreneurial Development team in broader EDAWN initiatives and discussions. 
• Manage team expense reporting and reconciliation, ensuring accurate and timely processing of financial data. 
• Oversee grant reimbursement responsibilities, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and timely submission of necessary documentation. 
• Work closely with the VP of Entrepreneurial Development to provide direction for the work of any contractors, ensuring their contributions align with the team’s objectives and deliver value to the organization. 

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Proven expertise in event management, with a track record of coordinating and executing successful events tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and startups. 
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, showing exceptional attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Must be adept at managing multiple projects simultaneously and prioritizing competing demands effectively.

SKILLS REQUIRED cont.

• Self-starter with a proven track record of executing projects independently and with minimal oversight.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, or equivalent experience in entrepreneurial development or economic growth sectors.
• Critical thinker with a history of effective problem-solving.
• Strong customer service orientation, with an emphasis on fostering and maintaining relationships within the entrepreneurial community.
• Detail-oriented, with the ability to focus on specific tasks while always keeping the broader objectives and mission in mind.
• Solid understanding of business technology applications, including CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite to streamline operations and enhance stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of conveying complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Team player, adept at working collaboratively and effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals. 

BENEFITS INCLUDE: 

• Health Benefits
• 401(k)
• Holiday, vacation, and illness pay.
• Annual Pay for Performance Bonus

DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION:

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at EDAWN, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. EDAWN will attempt to accommodate employees’ genuine religious observances.

This policy of Equal Employment Opportunity applies to all policies and procedures relating to recruitment and hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, benefits, employee discipline, termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.