Job Description

Program & Events Manager — Open Range

Location : Omaha, Nebraska 

Employment Type : Full-time starting October 2025 

Overview

The Program & Events Manager for Open Range will be responsible for designing, executing, and scaling the programs and events that bring Open Range’s mission to life. This role combines community programming with event planning and execution , ensuring that founders, partners, and community members have meaningful experiences that strengthen Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

You will manage logistics from concept to follow-up, foster strong relationships with founders and partners, and help position Open Range as the backbone organization supporting startups across Greater Omaha and Lincoln.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage programs that support founders
• Track outcomes and metrics for each program (e.g., founder engagement, satisfaction, new partnerships)
• Provide ongoing support and connection-building for program participants
• Incorporate feedback to continuously improve programs

Event Planning & Execution:

• Lead planning and logistics for Open Range convenings, including:
• Startup showcases, pitch events, and summits
• Networking mixers, happy hours, and dinners
• Community partner roundtables 
• Partner-sponsored convenings and workshops
• Events supporting the Techstars Community Partnership Program including Founder Catalyst cohort events, Startup Week, and Startup Weekend
• Manage event timelines, budgets, venues, catering, tech, and production needs
• Coordinate with speakers, sponsors, and vendors to deliver high-quality events
• Ensure a seamless participant experience before, during, and after each event

Community Engagement & Partnerships:

• Cultivate relationships with founders, mentors, investors, universities, and corporate partners
• Act as a visible ambassador for Open Range at regional startup ecosystem events
• Partner with marketing and communications staff to promote programs and events through newsletters, social channels, and partner networks

 Operational Excellence:

• Maintain detailed project plans and checklists for events and programs
• Track and report key performance indicators (attendance, engagement, sponsorships)
• Manage vendor contracts, invoices, and program/event budgets
• Use tools like Asana, Notion, HubSpot, and Slack to coordinate across the Open Range team

Qualifications

Experience : 3–5 years in event planning, program management, or community building (nonprofit, startup, or accelerator experience a plus).

Skills :

• Event planning and execution
• Stakeholder and partner management
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Notion)
• Data tracking and reporting

Abilities :

• Strong verbal and written communication
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, entrepreneurial settings
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative team player who can also work independently

Characteristics :

• Passion for supporting startups and local economic growth
• Collaborative, adaptable, and resourceful
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team

Education : Bachelor’s degree (Fields like business, communications, marketing, or project management preferred but not mandatory)

Nice-to-Haves (Optional, but helpful)

• Familiarity with Greater Omaha and Lincoln entrepreneurial ecosystems
• Experience with mentorship programming or investor relations
• Background in fundraising or sponsorship acquisition

More about Open Range 

Open Range exists to grow the Greater Omaha and Lincoln startup ecosystem and support local founders building what’s next. We are a 501(c)(3) located in the heart of Nebraska’s entrepreneurial ecosystem in Omaha, with supporting efforts spanning Lincoln and everywhere in between. 

Dependent on the terms of employment, benefits may include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO and standard company holidays
• Retirement plan options with a matching employer contribution 
• Professional development opportunities
• Compensation Range: $65,000-$85,000, based on experience

Candidates selected to interview for this position will be asked to provide assessment results or take the Gallup Builder Builder Profile 10 . This assessment helps to identify your unique builder talent profile and what kind of builder you are in regards to entrepreneurial mindset, capacity building, and more. 

Applications will be accepted now until Friday, October 10, 2025 . Qualified candidates should provide a resume, cover letter, and other supporting materials for consideration to Open Range VP of Operations, Laurel Oetken at laurel.oetken@openrange.org . Applications submitted via our LinkedIn job posting will also be accepted and considered. 

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