CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The following career opportunities are available:

Regional Innovation Organization Associate

Organization Description

The Regional Innovation Organization (RIO) was launched to significantly advance regional economic development capabilities through the cultivation and acceleration of innovation, entrepreneurism, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem for the Capital Region of Louisiana. RIO is a direct initiative of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber's (BRAC) Creative Capital of the South® campaign.

Job Description

This position is responsible for providing managerial and administrative support to the executive director as well as providing leadership on initiatives that advance RIO's annual agenda. The work will be comprised of approximately 60 percent project management, 10 percent grant writing, and 30 percent administrative support. Major functions involve:

Project Management Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist with coordination and implementation of the annual program of work as it relates to carrying out deliverables for the RIO
  • Conduct research and analysis on RIO-related items as needed (e.g., researching best practices for startups, mapping out innovation assets)
  • Respond to information and analysis requests from RIO and BRAC staff members, board members and investors, regional stakeholders, and/or the general public
  • Create and execute project work plans and revising as appropriate
  • Take lead/ownership role over RIO projects, events, or partnership events potentially including StartupBus and Baton Rouge Entrepreneurship Week
  • Regularly monitor and update the organization's records, website, and social media outlets
  • Other duties as assigned

Grant Writing/Researching Duties and Responsibilities

  • Research governmental, foundation, and corporate grants
  • Establish and maintain relationships with national funding sources
  • Write, submit, and track grant applications including gathering research materials for applications and ensure compliance with funding requirements
  • Oversee reporting requirements for grants and contracts
  • Handle confidential financial records and grant materials with discretion

Administrative Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

  • Oversee all aspects of general office coordination
  • Perform general clerical duties to include, but not limited to, bookkeeping, copying, faxing, mailing, and filing of organizational documents, records, and reports
  • Prepare monthly board documents for consideration and presentation to the executive director, staff, and board of directors, including compile, transcribe, and distribute meeting minutes and agendas
  • Coordinate team meetings and conferences calls
  • Attend and assist on board or committee meetings as requested, and/or events hosted by the organization
  • Collect and maintain inventory of office equipment and supplies
  • Other duties as assigned by executive director

This position will reports to the executive director of RIO and manages all office procedures and other tasks as assigned.

Key Skills

Communication

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Adept in communicating complex ideas and sophisticated analyses
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Effective and timely communication of relevant project information to superiors
  • Understands how to communicate difficult/sensitive information tactfully
  • Delivers engaging, informative, well-organized presentations
  • Ease in interfacing with senior level executives

Analysis

  • Ability to think strategically (at a high level) and tactically (at an action oriented level)
  • Ability to understand and perform analysis on quantitative and qualitative data
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy Intellectual curiosity
  • Proactive thinker with ability to lead research initiatives, align with objectives, and innovate research output

Leadership and Management

  • Ability to effectively manage day-to-day operational aspects of a project deliverables and scope including project schedules and internal/external coordination requirements
  • Timely, well-prepared, and able to participate in team meetings effectively
  • Ability to resolve issues in a timely fashion Motivation and ability to work independently, set priorities, and complete work timely and accurately
  • Ability to effectively and professionally meet internal and external colleague expectations and positively represent the organization
  • Skilled at pulling together diverse parties to garner support behind ideas

Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred
  • An exceptional academic record
  • A strong command of Microsoft office products is required
  • Entrepreneurship background or training required

Salary

Competitive. Commensurate with experience.

Contact

If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume to amber@brac.org no later than February 10, 2012.