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Form of workJob Description
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Research Program Coordinator is primarily responsible for providing programmatic assistance for AZ FAST and other ACA programs which support technology-based, women-owned, socially-economically disadvantaged, and start-up businesses who are applying to early funding sources, such as the federal grant/programs and additional grants to connect small businesses to ACA programming. This individual will help manage grants, update and maintain programmatic resources, assist on document creation for events and initiatives, and assist in maintaining mentor and service provider networks. This individual will engage with various statewide, regional, and local organizations that support entrepreneurs and small businesses including federal grant program managers. This is a hybrid position based in Phoenix, AZ.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Under direction, plan and coordinate the development, implementation, and execution of grants, programs, sub-programs, special projects, and other initiatives designed to support Research Innovation.
- Administer all facets of the day-to-day operations designed to increase the number of federal grants/programs awarded to Arizona small businesses and broker relationships between small businesses to university expertise and facilities.
- Serve as primary liaison with internal and external stakeholders and clients on matters relating to program activities; provide technical/professional and programmatic support and problem solving, as necessary.
- Support the facilitation of workshops and events, including, but not limited to setting up and managing virtual events; represent the ACA at industry conferences and events.
- Coordinate email marketing strategies in accordance with ACA policies.
- Participate in the generation of program resources and in the design and development of program operating goals, objectives, and protocols and related tasks.
- Provide support for maintenance and creation of resources in grants and program resource libraries.
- May assist in grant proposal drafting and research; assist in editing and proofreading various documents.
- Facilitate an overview of promotional, educational, and informational presentations, and/or resource materials related to program activities and initiatives.
- Oversee and/or coordinate the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; maintain consistent documentation and provide activity reports as requested.
- Assist in the tracking and reporting of programmatic performance metrics for both internal and external grant tracking purposes.
- Participate in the development of annual Team Workplans and strategic objectives for the Research-Innovation team.
COMPETENCY, EDUCATIONAL, & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, public affairs, or a related field of study.
- Minimum two (2) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined; experience must include progressive responsibility for event coordination, programming or training, or project management.
- Experience facilitating virtual webinars and presentations.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills; highly collaborative team approach to work.
- Successful record of managing multiple projects with demonstrated ability to work independently in rapidly changing environments.
- Able to travel within the State of AZ approximately 10% or up to four times per year.
- Proficiency with MS Office suite and web-based technologies.
HIGHLY PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Familiarity or experience working in public university settings, with business development, or with start-up or small business ventures.
- Demonstrated familiarity with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR).
- Previous participation in a ‘pitch’ event.
- Demonstrated track record of building meaningful relationships across a diverse group of stakeholders and the ability to manage large-scale programming from concept through fruition.
- Self-starter interested in contributing to a dynamic and growing program with a non-traditional approach.
- Strong client service skills: ability to work well with individuals across diverse teams and cultures.
- Ability to work independently based on general guidance and experience and ability to work collaboratively.
- Strong attention to detail; entrepreneurial and team-based mindset.
- Positive, independent, self-motivated team player with an innate desire to help others.
The ACA is overseen by a public-private sector board composed of Arizona leaders in business and policy. The board is chaired by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Joining her on the board is a group of prestigious private-sector business leaders, elected officials and university presidents.
The ACA’s executive management team drives the organization’s day-to-day operations, ensuring it maintains focus on the recruitment of quality companies and jobs to the state of Arizona. This team brings together the best and brightest in economic development, management and communications.
