Temporary Community Experience Manager
About the department
The Polsky Center has provided over two decades of venture support for students interested in entrepreneurship and robust training for students interested in pursuing a career in venture capital and private equity. In 2016, with a generous gift from University trustee and Chicago Booth alum Michael Polsky, MBA '87, the Polsky Center’s mission expanded to include an additional focus on supporting all University of Chicago faculty inventors in commercializing their discoveries. This effort was further accelerated in 2022 with the launch of Deep Tech Ventures, a new initiative offering a suite of sector-specific accelerators and investment opportunities dedicated to translating deep tech innovations into startups that bring lifesaving, world-changing science and technology to market. The Polsky Center also supports local South and West Side community entrepreneurs and small business owners as well as University of Chicago alumni around the globe.
Job Information
Job Summary: The Community Experience Manager helps make the Third Coast Foundry a vibrant, well-connected hub for Midwest innovation in the Bay Area. This role combines in-space operations and user management with programming coordination and relationship building.
Ensure that daily use of the space, along with its programming and events, supports Third Coast Foundry’s mission.
Oversee user management across the space including prioritization of rooms, guiding event hosts on usage, and resolving conflicts.
Support management of any interns working at the Third Coast Foundry.
Oversee day-to-day operational readiness of the space including signage, calendars, and upcoming partner visits.
Translate strategic guidance from University leadership and the Third Coast Foundry team into practical operations and user-facing processes.
Coordinate with building staff on upcoming weekly and long-term event calendars.
Coordinate event logistics and planning with hosts to ensure smooth execution of events, meetings, receptions, partner gatherings, and other programming in the office suite or shared building amenity spaces.
Provide oversight and guidance for set-up and takedown of furniture and equipment for gatherings and events, with occasional hands-on support as needed.
Assist with additional event needs such as room set-up, basic A/V checks, signage, and directing event flow.
Build relationships with Third Coast Foundry users (startups, faculty, students, partners) and understand their needs in the space.
Help maintain and update contact lists, partner profiles, and basic CRM tracking for ongoing engagement.
Provide University leadership and Third Coast Foundry partners with updates on space usage, user feedback, and emerging opportunities or issues.
Collaborate on reporting regarding metrics and use of Third Coast Foundry.
Develop strategies to advance communications to users and ecosystem partners.
Competencies
Strong interest in university innovation, entrepreneurship, or Midwest/Bay Area ecosystems.
Demonstrated ability to operate independently, problem-solve, and exercise judgment while representing institutional interests professionally.
Exceptional interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including founders, investors, faculty, and alumni.
Understanding and application of community-building, program coordination, or event management.
Strong organizational skills and manage multiple threads simultaneously.
Additional Responsibilities
Education, Experience or Certifications:
Bachelor's degree required.
Experience: 1 to 3 years of relevant work experience.
Background in community-building, program coordination, event management, or a similar professional field.