The Graduate Student ETA Center Communications & Program Manager contributes to the growth and establishment of the Weatherhead ETA Center by supporting the hands-on execution of Center programs and building the Center's communications presence. Working closely with the Executive Director and the ETA Center Senior Program Manager, this role is ideal for a graduate student who is eager to gain real-world experience in program operations, community engagement, and organizational communications. The program manager is expected to be a self-starter with strong writing and organizational skills, and the ability to demonstrate proficiency across media channels, who can take ownership of assigned programs and deliver results in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Communications Support (60%): Create and deploy content to promote ETA Center programs and milestones, including the mentorship program, the Osborne ETA Symposium, Weatherhead ETA Intensive courses, and other Center initiatives, such as establishing an ETA Center newsletter. Write engaging content and use design tools like Canva to create social media posts and other promotional materials. Build and maintain the Center’s visibility on LinkedIn. Coordinate with the Senior Program Manager on messaging alignment, and collaborate with the University Marketing and Communications (UMC) office, as directed, to support broader university promotional channels.
Program Management (35%):Manage the planning and execution of assigned ETA Center programs, including the mentorship program, speaker programs, and the Working Alone, Together co-working series. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned programs, ensuring participant and stakeholder needs are met before, during, and after each event. Coordinate logistics for catering, facilities, parking, materials, and technology for live programs. Manage calendar invites, confirmation communications, and all aspects of participant registration. Collect and manage program feedback and performance metrics, and share findings with the Executive Director and Senior Program Manager. Support the development of documented, repeatable program workflows that can be maintained and improved over time.
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS
Department: Regular contact with the ETA Center Executive Director and Senior Program Manager. Collaboration with Weatherhead faculty and staff as needed.
University: Periodic contact with university facilities, technology, and marketing and communications staff to support program logistics and promotion.
External Regular contact with program participants, mentors, speakers, and community partners associated with assigned ETA Center programs.
Students: Contact with Weatherhead graduate students and other university students engaged with ETA Center programming.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibility.
Education/Experience: Currently enrolled in a graduate degree program at the Weatherhead School of Management or a related field. Prior experience in event coordination, communications, community engagement, or a related area is preferred. Demonstrated interest in entrepreneurship, small business, or economic development is a plus.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Self-starter with a solution-oriented mindset and the ability to take ownership of assigned programs with limited direction.
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and engagingly for social media and other audiences.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple program logistics simultaneously.
Proficiency in or willingness to learn design tools such as Canva for content creation.
Familiarity with LinkedIn and other social media platforms for organizational communications.
Comfortable adopting new technology tools, including AI-powered tools for productivity and workflow support.
Positive, collaborative attitude with the ability to work both independently and as part of a small, dynamic team.
Strong interpersonal skills to interact professionally with program participants, faculty, and community partners.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace tools.
Cover Letter: A detailed letter outlining your interest in the role, your experience in student development or program management, and how your background aligns with the goals of the Weatherhead ETA Center.
Current Resume/CV: Detailing your relevant professional and academic experience. Contact information for three professional references.
Important Notes for Applicants:
Case Western Reserve University / Weatherhead School of Management is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement:
Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity by phone at 216.368.3066 or by email at equity@case.edu Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.
