Program Coordinator

Title: Program Coordinator

Type: Non Exempt, Full Time Hourly

Reports to: Director of Engagement

Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM (40 hours/week), occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends required

Salary Range: $56,000 - $68,000

The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is an engine for economic vitality and enhanced quality of life that envisions a diverse, vibrant economic and cultural landscape in Central Maine. The Chamber has 750 members in Androscoggin County, and provides programming for entrepreneurs, small businesses, rising professionals, and more. The Chamber has two subsidiaries that include the Lewiston Auburn Economic Growth Council, a 501c6, and the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501c3.

Position Overview:

The Program Coordinator plays a dynamic role in developing and implementing programs that inspire entrepreneurs, educate small businesses, and provide tailored business advice. The position involves designing, delivering, and evaluating seminars, webinars, and cohort learning opportunities under the guidance of the Director of Engagement and in partnership with the President CEO and strategic partners. The Program Coordinator works one-on-one and in small group settings to deliver targeted resources, create growth plans, and foster business development. Collaboration with the Director of Events, President CEO, and other strategic partners is central to this role. This position requires a 12-month minimum commitment, with annual evaluation and extensions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Design and Delivery

• Design entrepreneurial and business development programs, tailoring evidence-based curricula to meet participant needs. Topics include marketing, financial management, and growth strategies.
• Provide support directly to a broader audience including individuals and small business founders.
• Deliver programming at regular intervals, incorporating participant feedback for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with members, municipalities, and service providers to promote and implement educational initiatives.

Tailored Business Advisement

• Provide one-on-one and small-group counseling on business planning, financial projections, and market analysis.
• Ensure contract and grant compliance by preparing reports for senior staff and clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with strategic partners (e.g., SCORE, SBA, CCFC), and local stakeholders in the business sector (small business owners, members, or organizations).

Operations

• Maintain accurate records of curriculum, materials, and program participation.
• Manage entrepreneurship and small business referral pipelines in collaboration with strategic partners.
• Coordinate with internal resources (Director of Events, Director of Engagement, Director of Marketing) and community partners to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Identify and pursue business development strategies to increase revenue opportunities and support program sustainability.
• Track and analyze key performance metrics to evaluate program success and inform improvements.
• Collaborate with the Chamber team to uncover insights for developing projects, programs, events and opportunities that serve members and area businesses and develop the regional economy.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes:

Knowledge

• Community Engagement: Comprehensive understanding of community dynamics and effective outreach strategies.
• Local Industry Trends: Awareness of regional business challenges and economic developments.
• General Business Knowledge: Proficiency in business planning, financial analysis, and market segmentation.
• Program Development: Expertise in designing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs.

Skills

• Program Design and Evaluation: Ability to create, deliver, and assess impactful programs.
• Facilitation and Training Delivery: Strong public speaking skills for conducting engaging seminars and webinars.
• Client-Centered Advisement: Provides tailored business support while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Project Management: Effectively manages multiple projects, ensuring timely completion and goal alignment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizes metrics to monitor and enhance program outcomes.
• Professional Communication: Clear and concise verbal and written communication for diverse audiences.
• Adaptability and Problem Solving: Thrives in dynamic environments, developing creative solutions to challenges.

Attributes

• Ethical and Professional Integrity: Upholds high ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions.
• Cultural Intelligence: Ability to work with individuals and populations with diverse backgrounds, languages, faiths, and experiences.
• Self-motivated and Results-Oriented: Proactively drives progress while maintaining accountability.
• Collaborative Spirit: Builds strong partnerships within the community and across teams.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Commitment to Lifelong Learning: Continuously seeks to enhance professional knowledge and program quality.

Education:

• Associate degree in business management or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Three to five years of relevant work experience in business advising, finance, economic or community development, or running a small business preferred.
• Lived experience running or operating a business, is welcomed.
• Pre-employment SBI, DHHS, sex offender registry, and debarment background checks may be completed.

Job Requirements:

• Reliable and independent transportation.
• Ability to work in a stationary position for extended periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Ability to occasionally move office equipment and supplies weighing up to 20-30 pounds.

The LA Metro Chamber is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and celebrates our employees' differences regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. The LA Metro Chamber does not require applicants to submit a background check as a prerequisite for employment and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

Candidates who do not meet all requirements (including education requirements) are encouraged to apply for this position, highlighting the work that would make them exceptional for this role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Lewiston, ME 04240 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Lewiston, ME 04240: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lewiston, ME 04240

Salary : $56,000 - $68,000