Youth Entrepreneurship Pipeline Coordinator

Job Details

Reports to: Business Development Director

Benefits:

• Healthcare, Vision, and Dental options with employer contribution
• Paid Time Off (PTO) plus paid holidays
• Flexible schedule with the option to work from home one day per week
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offering confidential services designed to support employees and their household members in managing personal and work-related challenges, including:
• Counseling and coaching
• Work-life resources
• Presentations and trainings
• 24-hour support counseling
• Critical Incident Response (CIR)

Position Description:

The Youth Entrepreneurship Pipeline (YEP) Coordinator will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among young people at The Foundry and throughout Buffalo, NY, and help position The Foundry as the premier hub for youth entrepreneurship in our community. The primary responsibility will be to design, implement, and manage pipelines and pathways that encourage and guide young people towards considering entrepreneurship as a viable and rewarding career option. The YEP Coordinator will oversee all aspects of youth entrepreneurship programming, both within The Foundry and across Buffalo, ensuring accessibility, innovation, and impactful community engagement.

This role requires on-site availability during youth programming hours, typically after school from 3:30 to 6:30 PM several days a week. Attendance is also required for mandatory staff training, professional development days, predetermined organizational events, and occasional weekends to support programming and organizational goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Pipeline Development and Outreach:

• Build and nurture connections with schools, community organizations, and youth-centered initiatives to recruit participants from diverse backgrounds.
• Design and implement strategic partnerships to establish The Foundry as the primary resource for youth entrepreneurship across Buffalo, NY.
• Identify and engage with young people from in-school, out-of-school, and underserved communities to create inclusive entrepreneurship pipelines.

Program Design and Implementation:

• Work alongside The Foundry’s leadership to develop new and current programming, implement curriculum and activities of the entrepreneurship program, tailoring content to engage and inspire participants.
• Organize additional workshops, seminars, mentorship sessions, and networking events to expose participants to real-world entrepreneurial experiences.

Mentorship and Ecosystem Building:

• Work with Business Development Director to recruit and manage a network of experienced mentors/entrepreneurs who can provide insights, advice, and guidance to program participants.
• Build bridges between program participants and the broader entrepreneurial community, connecting them to valuable resources and opportunities.

Program Assessment and Pipeline Improvement:

• Collaborate with Foundry leadership to collect and analyze feedback, success stories, and program metrics to assess program effectiveness.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation in program design and delivery to better serve participants and community needs.
• Stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in youth entrepreneurship to keep programming fresh, relevant, and impactful.

Community Engagement:

• Actively represent The Foundry and its youth entrepreneurship programs at community events, conferences, and schools to raise awareness and build strategic partnerships.
• Foster collaboration with stakeholders such as educators, nonprofits, local businesses, and government agencies to amplify program reach and impact, while aligning programs with broader economic development goals.
• Act as an advocate for youth entrepreneurship, positioning The Foundry as a trusted leader and resource in Buffalo’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in business, education, entrepreneurship, youth development, or related fields.
• A deep passion for empowering young people and fostering entrepreneurial thinking.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including youth, educators, community leaders, and entrepreneurs.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to oversee multiple programs and partnerships simultaneously.
• Experience with program coordination, curriculum development, or event planning is a plus.
• Familiarity with Buffalo’s business, education, and community networks is highly advantageous.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator will have a unique opportunity to shape the aspirations of young people and establish The Foundry as the cornerstone of youth entrepreneurship in Buffalo. This role calls for a visionary, creative, and dedicated individual who thrives on collaboration, community building, and making a tangible impact on the next generation of innovators and changemakers.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $44,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buffalo, NY 14208

Salary : $44,000