Small Business & Innovation Events Manager

***PLEASE READ*** To apply, please visit: www.purelansing.com/about-leap/careers/

Job Overview

LEAP's Small Business & Innovation department is seeking a Small Business & Innovation Events Manager to lead the planning and execution of 517 Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) Week, LEAP's flagship annual event connecting entrepreneurs, partners, sponsors, and the broader Lansing innovation ecosystem. This role will own E&I Week end to end, from developing and securing sponsorship opportunities and managing sponsor relationships to kickoff event coordination, hub programming, and volunteer management. The role will also take responsibility for other department events throughout the year, including The Connect and other events as assigned.

A key component of this role is developing and executing a sponsorship strategy that generates financial support for E&I Week while building strong, long-term relationships with businesses and ecosystem partners. This is an opportunity to shape and grow a signature regional event, build lasting relationships across the Lansing region's entrepreneurial community, and help expand the resources available to support entrepreneurship and innovation.

Roles & Responsibilities

Plan, coordinate, and execute 517 E&I Week, including the kickoff event, week-long hub programming, and coordination with partner-hosted sessionsDevelop and execute an annual sponsorship strategy for 517 E&I Week, including identifying prospects, conducting outreach, developing sponsorship opportunities, soliciting and securing financial support, and managing sponsor deliverablesBuild and maintain relationships with current and prospective sponsors, businesses, and ecosystem partners to grow sponsorship revenue and long-term engagementDevelop sponsorship materials, proposals, presentations, and customized partnership opportunities aligned with sponsor goals and E&I Week prioritiesTrack sponsorship commitments, payments, benefits, and fulfillment to ensure a strong sponsor experienceSecure and manage relationships with keynote speakers for E&I WeekDesign and oversee small activations within the hub to engage attendees between sessionsRecruit, train, and manage event volunteersPlan and execute The ConnectManage event budgets, timelines, and vendor relationshipsCoordinate with internal teams (marketing/communications, the SmartZone, program staff) to ensure aligned messaging and logisticsManage a contractor supporting event planning and executionEvaluate event outcomes and gather feedback to continuously improve programmingBuild and maintain relationships with entrepreneurs, sponsors, and ecosystem partnersQualifications

3+ years of experience in event planning and management, ideally including large-scale or multi-day eventsDemonstrated experience securing sponsorships, fundraising, cultivating business relationships, or generating financial support through partnershipsExperience managing sponsor and/or vendor relationshipsStrong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events and timelines simultaneouslyExcellent written and verbal communication skillsExperience managing contractors, volunteers, or direct reportsAbility to work independently and problem-solve under tight deadlinesBachelor's degree or equivalent professional experiencePreferred Skills

Familiarity with programming and events within an entrepreneurial ecosystemExperience with event budgeting and financial trackingComfort with event management or project management toolsExisting relationships within the Lansing business or innovation communityCultural awareness and experience building trust with entrepreneurs and partners from diverse backgrounds and communitiesStrong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new efficienciesAbility to organize and meet deadlines across a wide variety of ad hoc requests in a fast-paced, demanding environmentAbility to quickly adopt new technologiesStrong working knowledge of web-based tools and proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and CanvaMarketing or brand strategy experienceCapacity for creative planning and implementationHigh level of self-direction and orientation toward achieving resultsAbility to maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive informationAbout LEAP

The Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) is a leading economic development organization recently named by Site Selection magazine as one of the nation's top 20 economic development organizations. LEAP proudly represents the tri-county Lansing region, including Clinton, Eaton and Ingham counties and has an annual contract with the region’s urban core city (Lansing) to act as the City’s economic development department. LEAP is considered a cutting-edge leader in incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into its economic development programming and organization. LEAP is a private-public 501(c)6 nonprofit partnership governed by a board of directors, including business and municipal leaders from across the tri-county region. Read more about LEAP’s work, and DEI and economic development values and philosophy on our website at www.purelansing.com/about

Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, LEAP complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and/or training.

Pay: $56,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insuranceHealth savings accountPaid time offWork Location: Hybrid remote in Lansing, MI 48910