Job Title: Hackathon Project Manager/Project Coordinator

Overview:

As the Hackathon Project Manager/Project Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in orchestrating and executing a hackathon event between three academic institutions in the South. This event aims to bring together 200 students from three academic institutions to collaborate, innovate, and showcase their skills in a competitive environment. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the event, from initial planning to post-event evaluation, ensuring seamless coordination between the participating institutions and delivering a successful hackathon experience. This is the first of four hackathons that will take place across the US and on global event in 2025. 

Responsibilities:

1. Project Planning:

   - Develop a comprehensive project plan outlining all the necessary steps, milestones, and timelines for organizing the hackathon.

   - Identify and prioritize key deliverables, tasks, and dependencies required for the successful execution of the event.

   - Collaborate with stakeholders from each academic institution to align on objectives, expectations, and logistics.

2. Team Coordination:

   - Recruit and assemble a team of volunteers or staff members to assist in various aspects of hackathon planning and execution.

   - Assign roles and responsibilities to team members based on their skills and expertise.

   - Conduct regular meetings to provide updates, address challenges, and ensure alignment among team members.

3. Logistics Management:

   - Coordinate venue selection, ensuring it accommodates the needs of all participants and provides necessary amenities for the event.

   - Manage the procurement of equipment, supplies, and materials required for the hackathon, including technology infrastructure, catering services, and promotional materials.

   - Arrange transportation and accommodation for participants, if necessary, to facilitate their attendance at the event.

4. Communication and Outreach:

   - Develop and implement a communication strategy to promote the hackathon and attract participants from each academic institution.

   - Establish channels for ongoing communication with participants, sponsors, and stakeholders, providing updates, answering inquiries, and soliciting feedback.

   - Collaborate with marketing and PR teams to generate buzz and coverage for the hackathon across various media platforms.

5. Event Execution:

   - Oversee all aspects of the hackathon during the event, including registration, team formation, project presentations, judging, and award ceremonies.

   - Monitor the progress of teams, provide support and guidance as needed, and ensure adherence to event guidelines and rules.

   - Address any logistical issues or emergencies that may arise during the event, implementing contingency plans as necessary.

6. Evaluation and Follow-up:

   - Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the success of the hackathon and gather feedback from participants, sponsors, and stakeholders.

   - Document lessons learned and best practices for future reference and improvement.

   - Follow up with participants and sponsors to express appreciation, share outcomes, and maintain relationships for potential future collaborations.

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., business administration, project management, event management).

- Proven experience in organizing large-scale events, preferably hackathons or similar tech-focused competitions.

- Strong project management skills, including the ability to create and execute project plans, manage resources, and mitigate risks.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate diverse stakeholders.

- Detail-oriented and highly organized, capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.

- Proficiency in event planning software, project management tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.

- Familiarity with the academic environment and student engagement initiatives is a plus.

Application Instructions:

If you are passionate about fostering innovation, driving collaboration, and making a positive impact in the academic community, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio materials demonstrating your experience in event management and project coordination. Please email: hackathon@blkgrvty.com