Rural Ecosystem Builder

Description

The Rural Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builder position is a part-time professional position responsible for cultivating partnerships through community outreach and raising awareness of entrepreneurial activities throughout Central Virginia, with a focus on the counties of Culpeper, Orange, Rappahannock, Fauquier, Madison, Louisa, Greene, Fluvanna and Nelson. The position will work to improve community knowledge of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and establish relationships with businesses, individuals and other organizations interested in supporting entrepreneurs. The Ecosystem Builder reports to the Director of the Central VA SBDC. The role is anticipated to average 20 hours per week.

Job Duties

Within the limits of the CIC’s programs, policies, procedures, and budget, the Rural Ecosystem Builder is responsible for and has authority to perform the duties listed below:

• Connect and nurture relationships with up and coming entrepreneurs, connecting them to entrepreneur support resources throughout the region.
• Act as a point of contact, as needed, for potential entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the region.
• Identify potential mentors, sponsors, and locally-based subject matter experts.

• Identify, cultivate and support local champions in each county and in target industry sectors including Finance and Business Services, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, IT, Communications and Light Manufacturing.
• Support the development and launch of business circles in target industry sectors.
• Support activities of CIC and Central Virginia SBDC as needed.
• Track activities and metrics for required grant reporting.

Skills Required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Self starter with ability to manage goals, time and deadlines effectively
• Experience as an entrepreneur, owning a business or working for a startup business
• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite
• Comfort and ability to learn new systems (ADP, Quickbooks, Salesforce)
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for occasional event attendance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Personal or professional connection to one or more counties in Central Virginia including counties Culpeper, Orange, Madison, Fauquier, Rappahannock, Louisa, Fluvanna, Nelson or Greene
• Ability to coordinate or lead meetings, including public speaking
• Knowledge of entrepreneurial life cycle and how businesses work
• Connection to one or more targeted industry sectors Finance and Business Services, Food & Beverage Manufacturing, IT, Communications and Light Manufacturing.

Work Schedule

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends for occasional event attendance. The position will have access to office space in Culpeper, VA and CIC’s main office in Charlottesville, but will spend the majority of time in counties throughout the region.

Additional Info

Community Investment Collaborative (CIC) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) with a mission of strengthening our community and contributing to economic development by fueling the success of under-resourced entrepreneurs through education, mentoring, financing and networking.

Please send a cover letter and resume to info@cicville.org. Priority consideration given to resumes received by April 9, 2023 and resumes will be accepted until the position is filled. Target start date is in May 2023.