Project Operations Coordinator

The Greater Richmond Small Business Ecosystem Expansion (GREE) project team is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Project & Operations Coordinator to support the strengthening of the Greater Richmond, Virginia (RVA) entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly focusing on historically marginalized and under-resourced business owners and aspiring business owners. The Greater Richmond Ecosystem Expansion project aims to transform the small business landscape by fostering an equitable ecosystem that supports historically marginalized and under-resourced entrepreneurs, closing the wealth gap and promoting inclusive economic growth.

This position will also work closely with the 1717 Collective, a group of entrepreneur support organizations working together to strengthen the ecosystem network for small business entrepreneurs in Greater Richmond.

Position Summary
The Project & Operations Coordinator will support the GREE project team and 1717 Collective leadership in enhancing access to small business development resources across the region. Additionally, the coordinator will support efforts to create a three-year ecosystem building strategic plan. This full-time position is funded through a grant for two years, with continuation contingent upon future funding.

The position requires a strong understanding of data management systems, operational processes, and communications tools to capture and communicate the measurable collective impact of this project for entrepreneur support organizations and small businesses in the region. The role also focuses on back-end operations to support overall project coordination and management.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

This role bridges data-driven insights, operational efficiency, and communications, ensuring that internal and external processes align with strategic goals for strengthening the ecosystem and improving collaboration and communication between entrepreneurial support organizations.

Data Management & Analytics

• Support adoption, coordination, and data integrity of CRM and file sharing systems(e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot, Tableau, Social Impact Management Tools).
• Support data collection and asset mapping activities (i.e. identifying community resources, including local organizations, facilities, and networks that support small business owners in the region) reporting frameworks, and analytical processes to improve navigation and collaboration within the ecosystem.
• Distribute surveys and facilitate stakeholder interviews and focus groups to gather insights and feedback for ecosystem development initiatives

Operations & Systems Support

• Collaborate with the GREE project team and 1717 Collaborative leadership toimplement metrics and tools that measure and communicate impact effectively.
• Support data and operational systems including tracking of entrepreneurs, startup data, success indicators, and website/CRM maintenance.
• Support project coordination and the development of back-end system administration, including troubleshooting data-related issues, improving automation, and supporting system updates.

Communications & Engagement

• Support the GREE project team with community events, workshops, training, and summit. This position may require fieldwork in the community and grassroots approach to connect with community partners, agencies, businesses, and resources.
• Support the shared collection of data related to ecosystem developments and entrepreneurship programs at strategic planning meetings including tracking attendance, participant feedback, and other relevant metrics.

Communications

• Collaborate with leadership and external partners to connect data insights with ecosystem strategy and goals.
• Support the creation of engaging presentation decks, ecosystem maps, reports, and promotional content aligned with the mission.
• Optimize internal and external communications to reflect priorities of initiatives.
• Track and report on the performance of digital campaigns, website traffic, social media engagement, and email marketing metrics. Use analytics to inform decision making and recommend improvements to digital strategies.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of data analytics, systems management, and reporting tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Experience with back-end data operations, including database management, system integration, and troubleshooting.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms and data visualization tools.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Self-starter with ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in business operations, data analytics, systems operations, back-end administration, or program management.
• Demonstrated proficiency with tools such as Excel, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and CRM platforms.
• General knowledge of the Greater RVA Small Business ecosystem landscape and experience with small business advising or management, economic development data, performance metrics, and stakeholder engagement is preferred.
• Proficiency in Spanish. Bilingual or advanced level preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Richmond, VA 23220 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Richmond, VA 23220: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Richmond, VA 23220

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000