Branch Outreach Contractor - Entrepreneur in Residence at YMCA OF THE NORTH in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Job Description:

Role Overview
The Entrepreneur-in-Residence will lead workshops on entrepreneurship and workforce readiness, utilizing the Junior Achievement Company Program & YMCA Achievers curriculum. This role is designed to inspire and educate young people by providing real-world knowledge, practical business skills, and insight into the entrepreneurial mindset.
The ideal candidate will have experience as a successful entrepreneur and a passion for teaching and mentoring youth in business concepts, leadership, and career readiness.

Key Responsibilities
Deliver engaging entrepreneurship and workforce readiness workshops to youth, based on the Junior Achievement Company Program and YMCA Achievers
curriculum.
Teach key business concepts such as business planning, market analysis, financial management, product development, and marketing.
Mentor apprentices as they develop and run their own businesses, guiding them
through the entire entrepreneurial process.
Provide insight into the workforce, including topics like resume building, job
interviews, workplace professionalism, and career exploration.
Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills through hands-on activities and group projects.
Support apprentices in gaining confidence and leadership skills that can be applied to their future careers.
Serve as a role model and source of inspiration for apprentices interested in
entrepreneurship.
Collaborate with program staff to ensure the smooth delivery of workshops and
track apprentices progress.
Oversee and support apprentices in completing client-based projects, ensuring
high-quality results and professional delivery.
Create an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and entrepreneurial skill development.

Qualifications
Proven experience as an entrepreneur, with a successful track record in business
development and management.
Familiarity with implementing entrepreneurship curriculum preferred.
Experience working with youth in an educational or mentoring capacity.
Strong communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
Ability to teach business concepts in an accessible and engaging way.
Passion for fostering entrepreneurship and helping young people develop workforce readiness skills.
Must pass a background check.

Time Commitment
The SPARK! meets Tuesdays & Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM, with the Kickoff & Orientation on October 15th and Celebration Event on December 19th. Apprentices will engage in weekly sessions, building skills and working on creative projects. Entrepreneurs in Residence are expected to attend the kickoff & orientation and celebration and commit to every Thursday (5-7:30 pm) from October 8th December 17th during the 9 weeks. Additional preparation time for workshops.

Additional Notes
This is an independent contractor position. While the primary responsibilities and needs for this role have been outlined, they may not be all-encompassing. Flexibility is expected as the program evolves, and additional tasks may arise to support the success of participants and the overall program. Direction and guidance will be provided by the Executive Director and Program Coordinator, ensuring that all activities align with the program's goals and objectives. The selected candidate should be open to collaboration and adaptable to the program's dynamic nature.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating
disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the associations mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility. The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.