Job description
Chicago Innovation is looking for an enthusiastic, driven, and entrepreneurial self-starter who is passionate about innovation and inclusion to join our team as Manager of the 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.  We are seeking a leader who possesses the vision to take the Women’s Mentoring Co-op to greater heights.

Organization description
Now in its 19^th year, Chicago Innovation operates a year-round series of events and programs to educate, connect and celebrate innovators in the Chicago region.  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:

Partner relationship-building and management

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

Program planning and implementation:

• Recruit mentors to participate in each 6-month cohort cycle of the program
• Manage the process of recruiting mentees and pairing them with mentors
• 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 the Celebrating Women in Innovation event, attended by 500+ people every May
• Oversee the planning and execution of each cohort’s kickoff reception, occurring twice per year
• Oversee the planning and execution of Lunch and Learn roundtable events, occurring every two months
• Communicate with attendees leading up to the event to manage RSVPs and answer questions
• Create detailed agenda, floor plans and on-stage scripts for events; and act as event emcee

Represent the Women Mentoring Co-op to the broader Chicago business and non-profit communities

• Act as an ambassador for supporting gender equity and inclusion in Chicago
• Engage in thought leadership around issues impacting women in the workplace, including the writing of op-eds and articles, speaking on panels at events, etc.

Desirable traits:

• Passion for inclusion and enjoys working with women 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 team-working and consensus-building skills; effective in group decision-making
• Positive attitude, entrepreneurial and a passion for building Chicago’s innovation community