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Job Overview:
Battle Creek Food Reimagined (BCFR) is a food entrepreneurial ecosystem builder committed to accelerating the growth of emerging food and beverage ventures in our region. BCFR offers focused strategic and technical support through a community partnership of public and private entities from Battle Creek, Southwest Michigan, and across the state.
In 2024, BCFR was awarded the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Small Business Support Hub (SBSH) grant. This grant allows BCFR to establish entrepreneurial programs and new facilities including co-working space, accelerator kitchen, and an event venue to support entrepreneurs in the region.
As the Events Coordinator, you will lead BCFR’s community engagement efforts; enhance BCFR’s image by creating public awareness regionally; and provide programming support services to create a thriving environment for food startup companies and food entrepreneurs. This position is responsible for meeting food-related business needs and uniting people by strategically and effectively fostering meaningful connections in the fast-paced and ever-evolving food industry.
Responsibilities:
·        Community Engagement:
Fosters a collaborative and supportive ecosystem amongst entrepreneurs, partner organizations, food consultants, industry experts, and universities
Leads coordination and scheduling of all BCFR related activities, such as entrepreneurial networking events, workshops, conferences, and seminars
Organizes and coordinates quarterly business/entrepreneurial meetings for food network participants, various high-level executive meetings, prospective businesses and special interest groups
Maintains open communication with stakeholders, entrepreneurs, community leaders, food consultants, etc.
Represent BCFR at conferences, events and meetings as needed
Programming Support:
Supports the development of entrepreneurial programs and events in partnership with BCFR’s collaborators
Builds and delivers a comprehensive suite of services to food industry entrepreneurs of all levels, including custom-tailored learning support systems
Provides access to local R & D facilities, university led technology, and entrepreneurship support programs
Develops a network of clients to use the new facilities including the co-working space, accelerator kitchen, and event venue
Collaborates with entrepreneurs, industry experts, mentors, and partners to deliver value-added services
Responds to requests, inquiries, and problems of clients by directing them to the appropriate resources
Performs administrative duties and assists with special projects when assigned
Monitors benchmarking system to evaluate program effectiveness and make improvements as needed
Marketing and Client Intake Support:
Executes marketing strategies to attract clients and promote events.
Maintains Client Intake Forms for the business incubator (co-working space) and accelerator kitchen
Manages clients and entrepreneurial business database(s)
Develops and maintains public awareness announcements, news releases, presentations materials, event flyers, event calendar, eblasts, and take photos
Provide backup support for website management and social media engagement
Contractor and Supplier Management:
Oversees the procurement process for ordering fixtures, furniture, and equipment for co-working space and accelerator kitchen by working with suppliers and third-party contractors
Coordinates deliver schedules and providing access to the building
Facilitates positive relationships with contractors, suppliers, and partner organizations
Facility Management:
Assists with managing the physical building infrastructure, including technologies, maintenance, and upgrades.
Coordinates with vendors and service providers for facility needs.
Oversees daily operations of the coworking space, accelerator kitchen, and event venue
Implements operational procedures for the co-working space, accelerator kitchen and event venue.
Assists with the preparation of budgets for the coworking space, accelerator kitchen, and event venue.
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Needed Experience:
Qualifications:
o  Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field.
o   Experience coordinating people, programs, and events
o   Strong leadership and organizational skills.
o   Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
o   Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
o   Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
o   Passion for supporting startups and fostering innovation
Preferred Qualifications:
o  Experience with event planning and management
o   Knowledge of the local startup ecosystem and community
o   Proficiency in Spanish or Burmese
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Vision insurance
Pay range: $45,000 - $50,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience. This position includes an excellent benefit package. This position is grant funded through September 2026. No commitment beyond the grant term is provided.
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Location: (In-person) BCFR’s office
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How to apply: Please submit resume, cover letter, references to: joinourteam@bcunlimited.orgÂ
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Physical Factors/Working Conditions:Â
Work requires lifting, carrying, or moving objects
Some planned travel for BCFR partner events, meetings, and/or conferences with ample notice
This position requires staff to attend evening networking events for BCFR, be involved in the community, connect with BCFR’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and work with colleagues from BCU.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential responsibilities only. The incumbent is responsible to BCFR/BCU to carry out other duties within the scope, spirit and purpose of the job as requested. BCFR/BCU reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and references directly to: joinourteam@bcunlimited.org.
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