POSITION OVERVIEW:

The MORTAR Columbus Community Manager will be responsible for implementing strategic initiatives, being the local organizer, catalyst, and connection point throughout Columbus, Ohio & surrounding areas. This role will support the organization by prioritizing MORTAR’s history and unique value proposition; while also building relationships that align with new & existing possibilities that connect to our specific mission-driven ideas, tasks, and opportunities, measured against our Strategic Plan.

 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

MORTAR is undergoing a significant time of transition, growth, and expansion. For this reason, we’re adding to our high-performing team to meet these growing demands. MORTAR is currently searching for a part-time Community Manager to focus on the implementation of our MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy in Columbus, OH. This role involves working with prospective Academy participants to shepherd them through the process of applying, interviewing, and entering the Academy. The person who fills this role will also co-facilitate the Academy program sessions, source Subject Matter Experts as special guests, and manage volunteers. The Community Manager will assist local program graduates with additional guidance & stewardship as they continue to grow their businesses.

The ideal candidate for this position must have a heart for building equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems and carving out space for entrepreneurs who are often overlooked. Experience in business development and access to the connections to assist our alums with building their businesses and relationships with city partners, mentors, suppliers, and liaisons are essential.

We’re looking for someone who possesses the ability to build valuable relationships and empower our entrepreneurs in Columbus to succeed in building their businesses. This will enable us to convert our vision, strategy, and processes - further establishing MORTAR as the go-to organization for helping communities build equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems.  


.Reports to: MORTAR Expansion & Partnerships Director

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:

  • Work with Expansion Department to implement an effective internal and external rollout plan for MORTAR Columbus

  • Bridge the gaps to entrepreneurial access and success by providing expert advice and training for the Academy and Alumni Network

  • Serve as a distinct voice, representative, and advocate for MORTAR Columbus in the community



RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Develop and execute strategies, objectives, and action plans to support MORTAR’s presence in Columbus, Ohio

  • Set up and attend routine meetings with community stakeholders to build relationships  to help further MORTAR’s mission

  • Enhance community outreach efforts to find quality partners and participants

  • Act as a representative of MORTAR at community events, meetings, and gatherings

  • Implement MORTAR’s existing MORTAR Entrepreneurship Academy & Alumni program

  • Serve as the primary local advocate for MORTAR & our local entrepreneurs

  • Measure, process, and assess local impact 

  • Establish and maintain community connections to key stakeholders and creates a calendar of events that are prioritized for MORTAR’s attendance

  • Act as company spokesperson when needed and responds to members of the media in a timely manner; develop and maintain positive professional relationships with various members of the media

  • Assist the Development Department with communicating progress and needs with existing donors and strategies to attract new donors

  • Perform other related duties as assigned


REQUIRED ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS: 

  • Integrity

  • Advocate for Black and other marginalized communities

  • Passionate about the Mission, Vision, Values, Theory of Change, and Strategic Priorities of MORTAR

  • Thorough understanding of the local, regional& national entrepreneurial ecosystem

  • Demonstrated ability to establish, progress, and maintain key relationships with diverse individuals across sectors

  • Adhere to the utmost ethical standards, intuitive, considerate, and kind

  • Has experience working with others (one-on-one & group coaching) and a background in personal/business development

  • Hard-working, highly resourceful team player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently  

  • Be an adaptable, versatile, forward-thinking leader who is results-focused; actively seeking opportunities and proposing solutions

  • Flexible, optimistic, constructive, with a good sense of humor; must be comfortable in a fast-paced environment with frequent deadlines and multiple projects

  • Exceptional planning, time & project management skills

  • Expert-level administrative, written, and verbal communication skills

  • Emotional maturity



PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 

  • One to three years of professional experience in Nonprofit Communications

  • Three to five years of professional experience in business development, consulting and/or entrepreneurship

  • Basic knowledge in financial literacy (personal & business)

  • Proficiency in Google Suite, SLACK, and Asana

  • Experience using Salesforce or other CRM



SALARY & BENEFITS:

  • Salary Based On Experience

  • 20 hours weekly to start, will grow into Full-Time position by Spring 2023

  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance benefit available after 90 days of employment  

  • Discounted University of Cincinnati tuition for select majors & programs

  • Paid day off for your birthday



ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW:  

Founded in May of 2014, MORTAR exists to help entrepreneurs build businesses and transform their cities. MORTAR accomplishes this goal by offering a 15-week business training course designed to teach community entrepreneurs the nuances ofng or growing a business. Post-graduation, our alumni program offers additional months of ongoing support. MORTAR operates a network of BRICK Pop Up Shops that entrepreneurs can utilize for various periods of time to provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to pressure-test their ideas in real-time. Lastly, through the Iron Chest Fund, we’ve had the ability to deliver nearly $400k in the form of grants, low-interest loans, and equity investments directly into the hands of MORTAR alumni who are in need of start-up/growth capital. MORTAR has used its experience and expertise to become a leader in the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, expanding to eight cities throughout the United States with a goal of having a presence in 15 cities by 2024. 

Learn more about MORTAR here.

MORTAR is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, and talents can flourish.


Applications accepted through early-July; early submissions are encouraged.