Community & Ecosystem Development Manager, gener8tor Sustainability

Location: Chicago, IL preferred location but will consider remote

Salary: $65,000-$75,000

Description: 

Are you passionate about building thriving ecosystems in climate tech and sustainability? Do you excel at connecting people, managing relationships, and creating valuable networks? Are you excited about helping innovative startups succeed while driving meaningful environmental impact? If so, this role is for you!

gener8tor is seeking a dynamic Community & Ecosystem Development Manager to build and nurture our sustainability ecosystem, with primary focus on the Great Lakes Innovation Accelerator (GLIA) in Chicago. This multifaceted role combines community building, startup recruitment, event management, and strategic communications to strengthen our impact across the climate tech landscape.

As Community & Ecosystem Development Manager, you'll serve as a key connector between startups, investors, mentors, and industry partners. You'll own our community engagement strategy, from identifying promising startups to organizing high-impact events and managing strategic communications. Working closely with our Managing Directors, and reporting to our Senior Managing Director of Sustainability, you'll help create a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation in water technology and sustainability.

At gener8tor we…

• See genius in every community. We believe the company has a chance to accomplish a generational challenge in bridging genius with opportunity.
• Never self-defeat and have a “play to win” mentality. We revolve everything we do around helping the entrepreneurs in our programs.
• Are curious. We work hard to find hidden gems others overlook.
• Believe no job is beneath us. We wipe down the tables and load up the U-Hauls with enthusiasm. Work as a team to get $#!^ done!
• Strive for “that guy emailed me.” Based on a story from our founders, we share a commitment to take a bottom-up approach to building strong, personal, 1-1 relationships. We believe that the best way to quality is through quantity. 

Our values are core to how we work. If they don’t resonate with you, this role might not be the right fit.

Core Responsibilities

Community Building & Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with startups, investors, mentors, and industry partners
• Manage our mentor network, ensuring meaningful engagement and value creation
• Develop and execute networking events, showcase opportunities, and ecosystem activities
• Represent gener8tor at key industry events and conferences

Startup Pipeline Development:

• Support startup recruitment and evaluation processes
• Build and maintain comprehensive databases of prospects and opportunities
• Conduct initial screening calls and provide detailed feedback to program teams
• Support Managing Directors in final selection processes

Strategic Communications & Brand Building:

• Drive media and communications strategy
• Produce newsletters, updates, and other content
• Maintain relationships with sustainability-focused media outlets
• Secure placements in startup rankings and investor newsletters

Program Support & Events:

• Coordinate high-impact events including investor showcases and networking opportunities
• Support development of investment memos and program documentation
• Track and analyze program metrics and impact
• Manage alumni engagement and ongoing support

Requirements 

• Experience with CRM systems
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively with founders 
• Track record of building and maintaining relationships 
• Strong project management and organizational skills 
• Understanding of accelerator programs and startup ecosystems 
• Knowledge of or strong interest in climate resilience, water technology, and Great Lakes environmental challenges.
• Flexibility to travel up to 25%, work some nights and weekends.
• Collaborative, team-based mindset. You will work closely with the Managing Director, other Program Managers, founders, external partners, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple projects and responsibilities. 

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