Downtown Bellefonte Inc., an organization in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, which aims to revitalize the downtown and cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship and community, seeks a Community and Programming Manager to support Bellefonte SpringBoard and related community functions.
SpringBoard, Downtown Bellefonte Inc.’s biggest economic initiative, is a coworking space and business innovation center based in the heart of downtown. It provides low-cost desk space to remote workers and entrepreneurs; as well as resources, programming, and opportunities that help individuals and groups start and successfully maintain businesses within the town.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Community and Programming Manager serves as a connector of Downtown Bellefonte Inc. to the Bellefonte and local business community. They will educate businesses, serve as a listener, collaborator, facilitator, and coordinator for the organization, and its biggest and most impactful local initiative — Bellefonte SpringBoard.
This individual is a self-starter with an entrepreneurial drive, who coordinates all project activities within SpringBoard and the community as they pertain to doing business in our growing downtown.
The Community and Programming Manager will encourage public awareness of the program activities and act as a liaison to other communities in the region or statewide who could benefit from the programs overseen.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Cultivates a culture for SpringBoard that inspires, educates, and empowers our local business community as well as aspiring entrepreneurs within it.
- Develops and implements programming and resources for SpringBoard that help Downtown Bellefonte Inc.
- Develops and maintains fundraising and membership sources that support the operations of SpringBoard or community business functions.
- Oversees SpringBoard grant management, allocation, and reporting — both for grants that the organization receives as well as distributes.
- Works with local stakeholders and partners to foster a community that supports entrepreneurship, including (but not limited to): The Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, the CBICC, the Penn State SBDC, The PA Wilds, and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.
- Manages the day-to-day operations of SpringBoard, including opening the space during business hours, welcoming current and potential members, giving tours, and other duties as assigned.
- Ensures the business and local community stays informed about Downtown Bellefonte Inc. and SpringBoard programming and events, through email marketing and other mediums.
- Plans, organizes, and executes community events that support the downtown business community, including Friday in the ‘Fonte.
- Performs other duties as apparent or delegated by the Board of Directors.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Dynamic self-starter with strong organizational and project management skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Being a connector: Using their own knowledge when possible, but more importantly, willingness and ability to connect members and aspiring entrepreneurs with other experts when necessary.
- Local and regional knowledge – especially as it pertains to the business community.
- Administrative, small business, or other similar experience preferred.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Certificate or degree in business administration, management, marketing, public relations, or other related fields preferred. Experience working in a small business setting, coworking space or business incubator, or related setting preferred.
The Community and Programming Manager must be sensitive to issues facing our community and the small business community. A confidentiality agreement will be required to work alongside local entrepreneurs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
Some evening and weekend work will be required, including on evenings that programming is planned; as well as during community events like Friday in the ‘Fonte.
APPLY
To apply, send a resume, cover letter, references and any relevant materials to Mike Scott, Downtown Bellefonte Inc. Board President, by March 30, 2022 at info@downtownbellefonteinc.com. Please use subject line “Community and Programming Manager applications”