Temporary Operations and Events Coordinator, Third Coast Foundry

The University of Chicago's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation is a renowned institution dedicated to supporting entrepreneurship and venture development. Established in 1998 at Chicago Booth, the Polsky Center has a longstanding history of providing comprehensive venture support to students, alumni, and faculty who are engaged in groundbreaking innovations and entrepreneurial activities. The center's mission has evolved significantly over the years, broadened by generous donations and strategic initiatives aimed at fostering new ventures and facilitating the translation of academic research into commercial success. One prominent branch of the center's efforts is the Deep Tech Ventures initiative, launched in 2022, which focuses on accelerating deep tech innovations through sector-specific accelerators and investment opportunities. This initiative helps bring lifesaving science and advanced technology to market by nurturing startups rooted in cutting-edge scientific research.

The Polsky Center serves a diverse range of constituencies including local entrepreneurs from Chicago's South and West Side communities, University of Chicago alumni worldwide, and faculty inventors striving to commercialize their discoveries. With a professional staff of approximately 60 members, the center acts as a catalyst for innovation by creating impactful ventures and formidable partnerships not only within the university but extending into the city, region, and globally. The center's focus is to ignite a spirit of innovation and create synergies that multiply the practical impact of new ideas on society.

Within this ecosystem, the Third Coast Foundry in San Francisco represents a pivotal physical space designed to bridge the gap between Midwest-founded startups and the vibrant venture capital landscape of the Bay Area. It offers a home base for entrepreneurial teams and partner startups without requiring permanent relocation, thus broadening access to investors, alumni networks, and collaboration opportunities through various events and programming. This space enhances connections between established Midwest innovation and the lucrative coastal capital markets, fostering an accessible and collaborative environment for entrepreneurs.

The position of Operations and Events Coordinator at Third Coast Foundry is integral to the smooth and welcoming functioning of this innovative space. Reporting to the center's leadership, the coordinator is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, ensuring the facility is well-maintained, and that users adhere to established guidelines and policies. The coordinator acts as the first point of contact for visitors and users, providing orientation and fostering an inviting atmosphere that reflects the center's mission of innovation and collaboration.

In addition to handling the administrative tasks such as scheduling, coordinating events, and managing facilities operations, this role also involves direct logistical support for events hosted at Third Coast Foundry. This includes overseeing event setups and takedowns, conducting basic audiovisual equipment checks, and assisting in the smooth execution of meetings, receptions, and other programming. The coordinator's responsibilities extend to vendor management, conflict resolution among users, maintaining supply inventories, and communicating operational updates to university stakeholders.

The role is designed as a part-time position, approximately 18 hours per week, typically spread over two days, providing a flexible work schedule while playing a vital role in the center's outreach and operational excellence. This temporary appointment offers an hourly wage range between $32.00 and $35.00, reflecting the value of the expertise needed in operations and event coordination within a high-profile entrepreneurial environment. Qualifications for this position include an associate's degree and one to three years of relevant experience, preferably in event coordination, facility operations, higher education, or the venture ecosystem.

The Operations and Events Coordinator must possess exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills to navigate the dynamic environment and diverse user needs of Third Coast Foundry. This role demands a proactive mindset, attention to detail, and a customer-centered approach to ensure every visitor and partner enjoys a seamless experience. It is a unique opportunity to contribute to a pioneering initiative that links Midwest innovation with global venture capital, supporting transformative science and technology ventures that have the potential to change the world.