Community Associate, Strategic VenturesDepartment: Purdue VenturesEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Purdue Research FoundationDescriptionWorking for the Purdue Research Foundation offers a dynamic and innovative environment where you can be at the forefront of groundbreaking research and technological advancements. As a member of this organization, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with brilliant minds and contribute to cutting-edge projects that have the potential to shape the future in various fields. The Foundation's commitment to driving innovation and entrepreneurship provides a stimulating and supportive workplace culture. Additionally, you'll have access to state-of-the-art resources and a network of professionals dedicated to advancing knowledge and technology. Working for the Purdue Research Foundation means being part of a team that's actively driving progress and making a lasting impact on the world. Are you ready to change with world with us? Apply today! Purdue Strategic Ventures is seeking a Community Associate to manage communications and community engagement within our Purdue Strategic Ventures network. Reporting to the Community Manager, this role will be pivotal in maintaining seamless interactions between our external network of investors, experts and innovation partners, portfolio companies, and community of Purdue-connected startups. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for operational efficiency, and a keen eye for detail.Successful candidates must be located within driving distance of Purdue University or willing to relocate.Essential Functions
- Support effective communications with our key community nodes
- Facilitate regular communications with portfolio companies and our community of startups.
- Share relevant news, updates, and upcoming events with experts, innovation partners and investors.
- Oversee the community email inbox, responding to inquiries to join the community in a timely and professional manner.
- Uphold operational efficiency with the new angel investment network
- Implement operational processes for deal flow, investment tracking, and member engagement.
- Support membership onboarding and communication between investors and startups.
- Coordinate the logistics of investor meetings, pitch sessions, and other events.
- Steward community engagement within the Purdue University and across our Indiana innovation ecosystem
- Represent Purdue Strategic Ventures on Purdue's campus and at external events across the Indiana innovation ecosystem.
- Build intentional relationships with innovation partners who have expertise and networks relevant to our founders.
- Engage our community in meaningful activities
- Support planning for events hosted by Purdue Strategic Ventures.
- Coordinate regular webinars and pitch presentations for our investor network and general community.
- Streamline support resources from the community to startups.
- Keep on top of local opportunities and resources that align with the needs of our portfolio and startup community.
- Maintain accurate community datasets to capture investor, innovation partner, expert and startup engagements
- Ensure the accuracy and completeness of community data in our CRM.
- Regularly update and maintain databases and records related to the community.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Documented strengths in meaningful relationship building and project management across a diverse set of potential partners and collaborators including founders, investors, faculty and students, and alumni of the University.
- Keen eye for detail and operational acumen.
- Extremely organized, execution-oriented, and have a strong ability to prioritize and manage time well.
- Tech savvy and quick to learn new technologies.
- A consummate networker who can move comfortably and credibly in the entrepreneurial community.
- An understanding of the entrepreneurial journey and challenges faced by startups with the ability to match resources and experts based on these challenges.
- A professional, hands-on, resourceful style with the ability to work independently and as a team player, and to take initiative and manage multiple tasks and projects at a time.
Required Education/Experience and Benefits
- Bachelor's degree required.
- 3-5 years of relevant experience in community management.
Benefits Summary for eligible employees:
- 10 paid holidays per year.
- Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
- Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
- 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
- Health Savings Account- earn up to $450 annually towards medical expenses.
- Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
- Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.