Position: Manager of Mentoring and Inclusion Programs

Job description
Chicago Innovation is looking for an empathetic, driven, and entrepreneurial self-starter who is passionate about equality and innovation to join our team as Manager of Mentoring and Inclusion Programs, which includes leading two programs that utilize mentoring as a means to advance our vision that innovation is for everyone:

• Women’s Mentoring Co-op: What started as a group of 25 women in 2016 has grown into a vibrant community of over 450 women who are committed to our mission of connecting, empowering and propelling women interested in innovation and entrepreneurship in Chicago. 
   
• Ageless Innovators: Ageless Innovators bridges the generations through reciprocal co-mentoring to share experiences, skills and perspectives, along with building age-related empathy.

We are seeking a leader who possesses the vision to take these inclusion-focused initiatives to greater heights.

Organization description
Now in its 19^th year, Chicago Innovation operates a year-round series of events and programs to empower the Chicago innovation ecosystem by educating, connecting and celebrating innovators.  Our vision is to solidify the Chicago region as a global leader in innovation, and to ensure that innovation is for everyone. 

Primary job duties would include the following:

Champion these programs to the broader Chicago business and non-profit communities

• Act as an ambassador for supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in Chicago
• Engage in thought leadership around issues impacting women and older adults in the workplace, including the writing of op-eds and articles, speaking on panels at events, etc.
• Expand the depth and breadth of each program through creating and implementing strategic goals that add new offerings and value to all program constituents

Partner relationship-building and management

• Lead the identification and solicitation of sponsors, funders and strategic partners
• Write grants and fundraising proposals to support the financial growth and sustainability of each program
• Manage relationships with existing sponsors and key partners
   

Program planning and implementation:

• Recruit mentors and mentees to participate in each 6-month cohort cycle of the program
• Pair participants to ensure mentoring relationships are good fits
• Communicate with mentors and mentees throughout the course of each cohort cycle
• Oversee data collection and measurement of program outcomes
   

Event planning and execution

• Plan and lead program events, including cocktail receptions, educational roundtables and small group discussions, and support two larger events: Celebrating Women in Innovation and Innovation for the Ages
• Manage relationships with event vendors and oversee logistics
• Communicate with attendees leading up to the event to manage RSVPs and answer questions
• Create event agendas and act as emcee for program events

Desirable traits:

• Passion for inclusion and enjoys working with people who are committed to empowering others
• Good communication, writing and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem solver, efficient work-flow manager, and strong attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a highly organized manner
• Strong teamwork and consensus-building skills; effective in group decision-making
• Positive attitude, entrepreneurial and a passion for building Chicago’s innovation community

Seeking candidates with 2-5 years of relevant work experience.  Learn more at www.chicagoinnovation.com.