Startup Outreach Coordinator

SOAR is seeking two Outreach Coordinators to engage students, educational institutions, and community members in SOAR’s mission through relationship-building, outreach, and program coordination. Each coordinator will support a specific region, focusing on building awareness and involvement in SOAR’s entrepreneurial resources and events. This role is central to creating strong, lasting connections that promote entrepreneurship, economic growth, and innovation in the Appalachian region.  These positions are funded through the support of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER grant.

This position will report to SOAR’s Director of Business and Innovation. The successful candidate must reside — or be willing to relocate — within the SOAR service region. This position does require extensive travel within our 54 counties.

Regions of Focus:

• Region 1: Hazard Community and Technical College, Union Commonwealth University, and the University of Pikeville.
• Region 2: Ashland Community and Technical College, Morehead State University, and Paintsville Independent Schools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Student and Community Outreach:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned institutions, connecting students and community members to SOAR’s entrepreneurial programming and resources.
  • Facilitate outreach and meetings within each institution and community, introducing students and community members to entrepreneurial events, support opportunities, and SOAR resources.
• Relationship Building and Development:
  • Develop and sustain relationships with educational institutions, community organizations, and resource partners within the assigned region to foster a strong entrepreneurial network.
  • Attend meetings and events, build connections with students, faculty, and community stakeholders, and identifying new collaboration opportunities.
  • Represent SOAR as an ambassador, building awareness and encouraging involvement in SOAR initiatives across assigned institutions.
• Program Coordination:
  • Support entrepreneurial programming, such as pitch competitions, regional convenings, and workshops, tailored for students and community members.
  • Assist in the coordination of events in collaboration with assigned institutions, ensuring participants can access valuable resources for funding, ideation, and startup growth.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations tailored to diverse audiences, focusing on clear messaging and actionable steps for involvement.
• Support and Mentorship:
  • Provide business ideation guidance and referrals for students interested in entrepreneurship, linking them to SOAR’s resources and external partners.
  • Coordinate mentorship opportunities that connect students with real-world entrepreneurial insights, fostering experience and community connections.
• Data and Reporting:
  • Record and track essential data using CRM software to capture engagement metrics, objectives, and key results (OKRs) to evaluate outreach and program effectiveness.

Expectations:

• Mission Alignment: Embody SOAR’s mission and values in all interactions, fostering a collaborative, growth-focused environment.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the SOAR Innovation team to ensure effective planning and execution of entrepreneurial programming.
• Communication: Maintain prompt, clear communication with internal and external contacts.
• Commitment: Be dedicated to Appalachia Kentucky’s growth and future, actively supporting regional development.
• Flexibility: Be prepared for extensive travel within the assigned SOAR region.

Qualifications:

• Passion for student engagement, community outreach, and relationship building, with a strong interest in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs in Appalachia.
• Proven experience in program coordination, relationship development, and community outreach.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with CRM systems and a commitment to data-driven program management.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the SOAR service area to meet with clients, partners, institutions, and communities.

Qualifications

•     1-3 years experience in providing excellent customer service.
•     1-3 years experience in providing services to entrepreneurs or small businesses (preferred)
•     Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
•     Experience using CRM programs (preferred)

Culture and Core Values

SOAR’s mission is simple: to return Eastern Kentucky back to economic prosperity.

Our team culture is anchored by putting the interests of Eastern Kentucky first in all that we do. We believe treating others the way we want to be treated is always within our control. Our core values include faith, selflessness, grit, integrity, and empathy. We do our best to exemplify these daily in our interactions with each other and with external partners.

Why SOAR?

The SOAR organization offers a chance to be part of a movement that’s bigger than any one of us individually. Eastern Kentucky’s won’t be solved by others. It’s going to take us to come together to find the solutions. Through communications, collaborations, and convenings, SOAR is on the front lines helping to get the right people in the right rooms to ensure the future of Eastern Kentucky burns as bright as ever.

SOAR offers a competitive salary along with the following benefits:

•     100% paid individual health insurance.
•     SIMPLE IRA retirement plan.
•     Cell phone stipend.
•     Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.

SOAR is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.