Job Description for
Startup Service Coordinator
Work with cutting-edge innovators and support the success of growing startups

Overview                                                                                                                                          
UARF is an essential resource for early stage innovators and entrepreneurs who need guidance to understand their start-up needs and help to set and achieve business development and funding milestones. In addition to directly supporting the commercialization of technologies developed through University of Akron (UA) research, this individual will also support technology-based startup companies across Ohio. UARF’s small but mighty team works diligently to support startup founders through the challenges of beginning a company and meeting the needs of the market. 
 
Duties & Responsibilities of the Role                                                                                     

• Coordinating support services (40%)
  • Expand and formalize UARF’s network of mentors, in particular leading efforts to recruit mentors for the I-Corps program
  • Support eligible I-Corps graduates to apply for the national I-Corps Teams program
  • Meet with UARF’s high-potential portfolio companies on a quarterly basis and connect them to Northeast Ohio resources to support their continued growth
  • Learn about the needs experienced by UARF’s portfolio companies and communicate those to UARF leadership
• Marketing, relationship building, and recruiting (40%)
  • Collect and disseminate stories about emerging and successful Northeast Ohio innovators and entrepreneurs who work with UARF
  • Engage with and participate in the entrepreneurial community in Northeast Ohio, particularly attending network meetings, representing UARF at collaborative events, and completing required network reporting and surveying
  • Interact regularly with students and faculty from UA and other area universities to promote UARF programming opportunities
  • Contribute to strategic decision making about UARF’s programming, services and marketing
• Facilitating UARF programs (20%)
  • Serve as an instructor in programs that train faculty, students and the community in eliciting customer needs as a way to increase the pace of technology commercialization
    • Specifically serving as an instructor/facilitator in UA’s National Science Foundation I-Corps program and UARF’s Starting Line Pre-Accelerator
    • May assist with ad hoc programming as needed

 
This is a full-time, salaried position. Startup Service Coordinator will primarily work regular work hours Monday through Friday, with occasional event attendance outside of work, once a month on average. UARF core team members, including the Startup Service Coordinator, will work on-site at 411 Wolf Ledges Parkway, Suite 208 in Akron, Ohio at least one day per week. This position reports to UARF’s Program Coordinator.
 
Required Skills & Competencies                                                                                              

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a relevant field such as public relations, communications, sales or marketing
• 1-3 years of prior work experience in coordinating resources and/or people, especially in a virtual environment
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills
• Basic computer skills, including a high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and multitask
• Customer service and quality service oriented

 
Benefits                                                                                                                                            

• Work with cutting edge innovators and see their technologies gain traction in the market
• Small team, collaborative work environment
• Semi-remote work flexibility
• $50,000 to $60,000 salary range
• Flexible paid time off policy 
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits
• 401(k) matching

 
Application Instructions                                                                                                             

• To be considered for the Startup Service Coordinator role, please submit a resume and a cover letter to Elyse Ball, UARF Executive Director, [email protected] by June 15, 2024. Be sure the cover letter includes an explanation of how your past experiences will be relevant to the responsibilities of the role.