Associate, Community Engagement

About Us

Founded in 2019, Blended Impact is a Southern California-based innovation lab and emerging investment platform that works in public-private partnerships to reimagine the future of how we invest, live, and earn. We operate as a research and R&D lab for government to advance economic development. 

We are seeking an Associate, Community Engagement to lead the design and implementation of our signature events calendar for the year including the following: 

• April 2025: Open House (Culver City)
• June 2025: Summit (Riverside)
• August 2025: Team Retreat (Long Beach)
• October 2025: LA Tech Week Event - Open House & Tour TBD (Culver City)
• April 2026: Open House (Culver City)
• June 2026: Summit (Los Angeles or San Francisco)
• August 2025: Team Retreat (Malibu or Temecula)
• October 2025: LA Tech Week Event - Open House & Tour TBD (Culver City)

Additionally, support for virtual events and lite onsite support for events led by others (panels, mixers, etc) will also be a part of this role. This role requires a detail-oriented, proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has a deep understanding of community engagement and event logistics.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Event and Vendor Management:
   1. Coordinate the planning, execution, and logistics for onsite community events, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish.
   2. Research and cultivate a list of preferred vendors curated for event types and sizes (caterer, photographer, volunteers, printer/signage, etc).
   3. Manage vendor relationships, including negotiating contracts, coordinating schedules, and ensuring all vendor needs are met.
   4. Conduct a pre-event walk-through and oversee the event setup and breakdown, ensuring all equipment, materials, and supplies are in place and functioning properly.
   5. Develop and maintain an event timeline, ensuring all key milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
   6. Act as the primary point of contact for vendors and event partners, addressing any issues or concerns promptly.
2. Event Documentation:
   1. Capture and document key event details, including attendee feedback, vendor performance, and logistical insights.
   2. Maintain a comprehensive event archive with photos, videos, contracts, and relevant documents for future reference and post-event reporting.
   3. Compile post-event reports that highlight successes, areas for improvement, and lessons learned.
3. Marketing and Communications:
   1. Develop and execute marketing strategies for each event, including social media campaigns, email newsletters, and community outreach.
   2. Create post-event content, including social media recaps, blogs, and videos to maintain engagement and promote future events.
   3. Ensure all event communications are aligned with brand messaging and community values.
   4. Manage event registration, including tracking RSVPs and coordinating any necessary follow-up communications.
   5. Lead the development of post-event communications, including thank-you notes, follow-up emails, and event highlights to attendees, sponsors, and vendors.
   6. Gather feedback from event attendees, vendors, and partners to assess event success and identify opportunities for improvement.
   7. Foster positive relationships with event attendees, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all participants.
   8. Monitor community feedback and provide regular updates to leadership on event outcomes and community sentiment.
4. Sponsorship Acquisition and Coordination:
   1. Identify and pursue potential sponsors for community events, leveraging your network and creative pitching to secure financial and in-kind support.
   2. Develop sponsorship packages and proposals that clearly articulate the value of sponsorship and align with event goals.
   3. Cultivate relationships with sponsors, ensuring their needs and expectations are met before, during, and after the event.
   4. Manage the fulfillment of sponsorship benefits, including branding placement, recognition in marketing materials, and special sponsor perks.
   5. Track sponsorships, revenue, and event deliverables to ensure alignment with event budgets and goals.
5. Swag Coordination:
   1. Plan, source, and manage event swag (promotional items, giveaways, branded materials) to enhance attendee experience and strengthen brand presence.
   2. Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely production and delivery of swag items before each event.
   3. Oversee the distribution of swag at events, ensuring it aligns with sponsorship commitments and community expectations.
   4. Track swag inventory and ensure efficient use and storage for future events.
6. Risk Management:
   1. Conduct thorough risk assessments for each event to identify potential safety hazards and logistical challenges.
   2. Work closely with internal teams and external vendors to implement risk mitigation strategies and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
   3. Ensure all necessary permits, insurance, and safety documentation are in place prior to each event.
   4. Develop contingency plans for unexpected events, such as weather disruptions or technical issues.
7. Other Duties as Assigned:
   1. Assist with other community initiatives and responsibilities as needed, contributing to the overall success of the organization’s engagement efforts.

This role is paid a flat stipend of $1,500 a month, evenly split with paydays on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. There is an expectation of 10-15 hours per week on average, with an additional ~4-5 hours during weeks with an onsite event. Additional opportunities for bonuses by securing cash or in-kind sponsorship of key events. This role may be ideal for a currently enrolled Junior, Senior, or Master’s candidate with at least 1 year remaining in the program.

We have offices in Riverside, CA and Los Angeles, CA and this role would be remote-first but onsite for events. This role is only open to candidates who are authorized to work in the United States. 

Requirements

• A passion for community building and creating exceptional event experiences.
• Demonstrated past experience launching and managing both small and large-scale events (examples required)
• Ability to work backward from goal and create checklists, processes, and operating procedures so no details go unchecked
• Ability to negotiate and manage third-party vendors with mutual respect and an eye toward maintaining long-term and mutually beneficial relationships
• Ability to be overly prepared on the day of events, planning for multiple contingencies and having backup plans while keeping a cool, composed demeanor
• Self-motivated and driven; proven to work independently, prioritize work, and achieve results with a high degree of accountability.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with event registration and management software, as well as popular design and social media tools
• Fluency in English is required, fluency in other languages is a plus but not necessary.
• This role requires the ability to work onsite at events as noted, which may include occasional evenings, weekends, and travel
• Must be able to lift and move event materials, including promotional items, signage, and other equipment.

Please send a LinkedIn profile link, resume, and a short paragraph of your goals and interest in the position by February 14, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted the week following for initial interviews on February 17th and 18th. The selected candidate would have a March 10, 2025 start date.