Program & Experience Design Manager Venture Café, Edinburgh

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Program & Experience Design Manager Company: CIC (Venture Café Edinburgh) Location: Edinburgh, UK Job Type: Full-time Category: Community & Program Operations Date Posted: August 20, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

This role is pivotal in establishing and growing Venture Café Edinburgh's presence within the local innovation ecosystem, focusing on community engagement and program design.
The position requires a strategic approach to curating and executing weekly events (Thursday Gatherings) and other initiatives that foster connections and drive innovation.
A key responsibility involves building and managing partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to deliver high-quality, inclusive programming.
The role demands strong project management, event logistics, and communication skills to ensure seamless operations and impactful experiences for attendees.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, this position falls under the broader umbrella of GTM (Go-To-Market) Operations and Community Operations. Its success relies on operational excellence in event management, partnership development, and community engagement to support the organization's mission of fostering innovation. The "program design" aspect implies a need for structured, repeatable processes and a focus on attendee experience, akin to customer experience operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Curate, design, and manage the weekly Thursday Gathering event, attracting 200-500 attendees, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive environment for innovators.
Develop and implement programming that aligns with monthly themes and addresses the mission of making Edinburgh's innovation community more diverse, inclusive, accessible, and better connected.
Build and manage a pipeline of community organizations and partners to deliver high-quality content, leveraging existing initiatives within Edinburgh's innovation ecosystem.
Execute programming specifically designed to reach and engage underserved communities, fostering a more equitable innovation economy.
Manage all event logistics, including venue coordination, vendor management, and on-site execution to ensure smooth operation of events.
Develop and manage a volunteer corps to support the day-to-day operations of programs, particularly the Thursday Gathering.
Build and manage an effective communications infrastructure, including website, social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook), and email lists to promote events and engage the community.
Track key metrics (marketing, attendance, quality, value) and submit monthly reports to the Venture Café Director, using data to inform program improvements.
Actively participate in the local innovation community by attending events, meeting people, and building meaningful relationships to enhance brand visibility and partnership opportunities.
Serve as an advocate and spokesperson for Edinburgh’s innovation and entrepreneurship communities, convening and connecting individuals and organizations for potential collaboration.
Collaborate with the ARIA team and other strategic partners to ensure mutual benefit and alignment in event programming and community outreach.
Support the Venture Café Director in building the Venture Café Edinburgh brand and positioning it as a neutral, valuable contributor to the existing innovation landscape.
Research and develop innovative formats for content delivery and connection opportunities within events to maximize attendee engagement and impact.
Manage and/or facilitate other Venture Café Edinburgh programs and projects as needed, demonstrating flexibility and a startup mentality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on operational execution, partnership management, and community building, which are critical components of successful GTM strategies. The need to track and report on various metrics underscores an operational focus on performance measurement and continuous improvement, similar to how sales operations tracks pipeline and conversion metrics.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's degree in any field. Advanced degrees are considered a significant asset, particularly in fields related to community development, business, arts, or innovation management.

Experience:

Proven experience in event envisioning, curation, planning, and implementation, with a track record of successful community-focused events.
Experience in innovation, arts, or entrepreneurship initiatives, ideally in a founding, leadership, or advocacy role, demonstrating an understanding of the innovation process and ecosystem.
Familiarity with the Edinburgh community and its innovation ecosystem, including key players, networks, and organizations. A strong existing social network within this community is highly desirable.
Experience in developing and implementing programs, especially those aimed at increasing diversity, inclusion, and accessibility within a community.

Required Skills:

Event Curation & Management: Ability to envision, design, and execute engaging and impactful events, from concept to completion.
Community Engagement & Development: Proven ability to build, nurture, and mobilize community networks, fostering strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Project & Task Management: Excellent organizational, project, and task management skills to handle multiple initiatives, deadlines, and logistics effectively.
Communication & Public Speaking: Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with natural comfort in public speaking, formal presentations, and informal interactions. Excellent listening skills are also crucial.
Partnership Building & Management: Skill in identifying, cultivating, and managing relationships with community organizations, partners, and influencers.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across different sectors, industries, and organizational silos, employing a diplomatic and consensus-oriented approach.
Design & Aesthetics Appreciation: An understanding of how design and aesthetics contribute to effective communication, spaces, products, and services, with attention to detail.
Social Media Proficiency: Familiarity with various social media channels and the ability to leverage them strategically for event promotion and community engagement.
Adaptability & Problem Solving: Ability to thrive in a startup-like environment with ambiguity, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness in problem-solving and embracing experiments for learning.
English Language Proficiency: Fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with Edinburgh's Innovation Landscape: Deep knowledge of the city's key innovators, accelerators, funding bodies, educational institutions, and cultural organizations.
Data Analysis & Reporting: Experience in tracking, analyzing, and reporting on event metrics to measure impact and inform strategy.
Volunteer Management: Experience in recruiting, training, and managing volunteer teams.
Technology Familiarity: Proficiency with Google Apps and WordPress is a significant plus.
Global Outlook: An understanding of global innovation trends and a commitment to local community impact.
Startup Environment Acumen: Comfort with ambiguity, a willingness to handle tasks of all levels, and a proactive approach to identifying and initiating new projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize operational execution, stakeholder management, and community building. The blend of event management, partnership development, and a "startup" mentality points to a role that requires both strategic thinking and hands-on operational capability. The preference for Edinburgh-specific knowledge is a critical local context element.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrations of successful event curation and management, showcasing a range of event types and scales.
Case studies or examples of community engagement initiatives, highlighting efforts to build and foster connections.
Evidence of partnership development, illustrating successful collaborations with organizations or individuals.
Documentation of programming designed for diverse audiences, particularly initiatives focused on inclusivity and reaching underserved groups.
Examples of communication strategies and materials used for event promotion and community outreach.

Process Documentation:

Process flow examples for event planning and execution, detailing steps from concept to post-event analysis.
Methodologies for partnership outreach and management, including communication protocols and collaboration frameworks.
Frameworks for volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and management.
Systems for tracking event metrics, community engagement, and program impact, with examples of reporting dashboards or summaries.
Workflow examples for managing social media campaigns and website content updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not directly in Revenue or Sales Operations, the emphasis on process documentation for event planning, partnership management, and community engagement is analogous to building repeatable operational processes. A portfolio demonstrating structured approaches to these operational aspects will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience. Based on industry benchmarks for similar program and community management roles in Edinburgh with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is likely between £35,000 - £50,000 GBP.

Benefits:

Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, plus UK bank holidays.
Health & Wellness: Supplemental medical and dental insurance.
Commuter Allowance: £200 monthly allowance for commuting expenses.
Insurance: Life insurance, Business Travel Insurance, and Payment Protection insurance.
Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
Work Model: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in the office, with Thursdays as a core in-office day.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time hours are expected, with a specific requirement to be available and work during the weekly Venture Café Thursday Gathering events, typically from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This means a flexible schedule on other days may be necessary to accommodate event needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical compensation for mid-to-senior level program and community management roles in the UK, specifically Edinburgh, considering the stated experience level and responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive and reflects a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, important considerations for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Venture Café operates within the Innovation Ecosystem Development and Community Building sectors, closely affiliated with the broader Technology, Arts, Education, and Social Justice fields by connecting various stakeholders within these areas. Venture Café Edinburgh's specific focus is on fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative environment for innovators and entrepreneurs.

Company Size:

Venture Café Global Institute (VCGI) is a growing global network. Venture Café Edinburgh is a new, startup-like initiative within this network. The immediate team in Edinburgh is likely to be small initially, necessitating a highly collaborative and hands-on approach from all members. This environment offers significant opportunities for direct impact and shaping the organization's trajectory.

Founded:

Venture Café Global Institute was founded in 2009 within the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) in Massachusetts. Venture Café Edinburgh is launching in 2025, indicating a phase of rapid growth and expansion for the organization.

Team Structure:

The Program & Experience Design Manager will report to the Venture Café Director for Edinburgh.
The team is expected to be lean and agile, with close collaboration required between the Director, this role, and potentially other early team members or contractors.
Cross-functional collaboration will be essential not only within the Venture Café Edinburgh team but also with strategic partners like ARIA, and the broader Venture Café Global Network.

Methodology:

Community-Centric Approach: The core methodology revolves around building and nurturing a community of innovators through connective events and programming.
Partnership Leverage: Emphasis is placed on identifying and amplifying existing initiatives within the local ecosystem rather than creating entirely new ones.
Experimentation & Learning: The organization fosters a culture of experimentation, believing that trials and learning are key to developing effective programs and strategies.
Data-Informed Decision Making: While creative and community-driven, the role requires tracking metrics to measure impact and inform future program design and operational improvements.

Company Website: https://venturecafe.org/ and https://venturecafeedinburgh.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the "startup" nature of Venture Café Edinburgh is crucial. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where roles can be fluid, and individuals are expected to be proactive and adaptable. The emphasis on community and collaboration suggests a culture that values connection and shared purpose.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior Level, requiring a blend of strategic program design and hands-on operational execution. It's an opportunity to build a new initiative from the ground up, offering significant ownership and impact.

Reporting Structure:

The Program & Experience Design Manager will report directly to the Venture Café Director for Edinburgh. This close reporting line provides direct mentorship and exposure to leadership decision-making.

Operations Impact:

The role's impact is measured by its success in growing and strengthening Edinburgh's innovation ecosystem. This includes fostering connections, facilitating collaboration, increasing community engagement, and promoting diversity and inclusion within the innovation landscape. Operational efficiency in event delivery directly contributes to the perceived value and impact of Venture Café Edinburgh.

Growth Opportunities:

Programmatic Expansion: Opportunity to shape and expand programming beyond the weekly Thursday Gathering, developing new initiatives and formats based on community needs and organizational strategy.
Leadership Development: As a foundational member of the Edinburgh team, there's potential for growth into leadership positions within Venture Café as the organization scales.
Global Network Exposure: Direct engagement with the Venture Café Global Network provides opportunities to learn best practices from other cities and contribute to global initiatives.
Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in community building, event design, partnership management, and ecosystem development, which are highly transferable skills in the non-profit and innovation sectors.
Cross-Cultural Experience: Potential for travel to other Venture Café locations globally, offering exposure to different innovation hubs and operating models.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique growth trajectory for operations professionals interested in community building and ecosystem development. The "startup" environment provides a platform for rapid learning and significant career acceleration, particularly for those who can demonstrate operational excellence and strategic thinking in a new market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

The role is described as having a Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in the office, with Thursdays being a core in-office day. This suggests a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team and community interaction.

Office Location(s):

The primary work location will be in Edinburgh, UK. Specific office details are not provided, but it is expected to be a central hub for the city's innovation community, facilitating easy access for attendees and partners.

Workspace Context:

The workspace will likely be dynamic and collaborative, reflecting the nature of an innovation hub.
Expect opportunities for direct interaction with the Venture Café team, partners, and a diverse range of community members during events.
The environment is described as a "startup," implying a need for flexibility, a proactive attitude, and a willingness to adapt to changing needs and priorities.
Access to technology and resources to support event planning, communication, and community management will be provided.

Work Schedule:

While a standard full-time schedule is expected, there is a specific requirement for Thursdays to be a core in-office day, with working hours extending from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM to manage the Thursday Gathering event. This necessitates flexibility on other days to balance workload and ensure event success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a mandatory Thursday evening commitment is a key aspect of the work environment. Operations professionals should consider how this schedule aligns with their personal needs and how they can effectively manage their time to meet both event demands and other operational responsibilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: Likely a review of applications and resumes by a hiring manager or HR to assess qualifications and experience.
First Round Interview: Typically a conversation focused on understanding the candidate's background, motivations, and alignment with Venture Café's mission. This may include behavioral questions related to event management, community building, and problem-solving.
Second Round Interview/Task: This stage might involve a practical exercise or a more in-depth discussion. Candidates could be asked to present a plan for a specific program element, outline their approach to community engagement, or discuss how they would handle a hypothetical challenge within the Edinburgh innovation ecosystem.
Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or the Venture Café Director, focusing on strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term vision for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Showcase Event Success: Include examples of events you've managed, highlighting attendance numbers, key partners, and positive outcomes. Quantify impact where possible.
Demonstrate Curation Skills: Present examples of how you've designed engaging programs, curated content, or structured experiences to meet specific objectives.
Highlight Community Building: Provide evidence of your ability to build and nurture networks, manage stakeholder relationships, and foster collaboration. Case studies of successful partnerships are valuable.
Address Inclusion Efforts: Showcase any experience in developing programs or initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within a community.
Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or responsibility area. Use clear descriptions and visuals where appropriate.
Contextualize Your Work: For each portfolio piece, explain the objective, your role, the process you followed, the challenges faced, and the results achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

Ecosystem Understanding: Be prepared to discuss Edinburgh's innovation landscape, key organizations, and potential challenges and opportunities for Venture Café.
Program Design Ideas: Think about innovative formats for the Thursday Gathering and other programs that align with Venture Café's mission of connection and inclusivity.
Partnership Strategy: Outline how you would identify and engage potential partners within the Edinburgh ecosystem.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about handling logistical issues, managing difficult stakeholders, or adapting programs on the fly.
Volunteer Management Approach: Be ready to discuss strategies for recruiting, training, and motivating volunteers.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio demonstrating structured approaches to program design, partnership management, and event execution is crucial. The ability to articulate processes and showcase tangible results will be key during the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

CRM: While not explicitly stated, a CRM system (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) would be highly beneficial for managing contacts, partners, and community engagement data.
Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for organizing tasks, timelines, and team collaboration.
Event Management Platforms: For ticketing, registration, and event promotion (e.g., Eventbrite, Bizzabo).
Communication & Collaboration Tools: Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Meet), Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

Web Analytics: Google Analytics for website traffic analysis.
Social Media Analytics: Native analytics tools within platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook.
Data Visualization Tools: Potentially for creating reports and dashboards (e.g., Google Data Studio, Tableau, Power BI) if advanced reporting is required.
Survey Tools: For gathering attendee feedback (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

CRM & Automation:

Email Marketing Platforms: Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or similar for newsletters and event invitations.
Website CMS: WordPress is mentioned as a plus, indicating its potential use for managing the Venture Café Edinburgh website and content.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list a technology stack, proficiency with common tools for event management, communication, project management, and basic analytics is expected. Familiarity with WordPress and CRM systems would be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Community Focus: A deep commitment to fostering connections and supporting the innovation ecosystem.
Inclusivity & Diversity: Actively working to ensure the innovation community is accessible and welcoming to all individuals, regardless of background.
Collaboration: A belief in the power of working together, both within the team and with external partners, to achieve shared goals.
Impact-Driven: A focus on making a tangible difference in improving the human condition through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Experimentation & Learning: An openness to trying new approaches, learning from outcomes, and continuously improving processes and programs.
Adaptability & Agility: Embracing a startup mentality, being flexible, and willing to take on diverse tasks to support the organization's mission.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Partnerships: Working closely with the Venture Café Director, ARIA, the global network, and external community organizations.
Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong, collaborative relationships with a wide range of individuals and entities within the innovation ecosystem.
Teamwork: A shared responsibility and supportive approach within the immediate team, especially given the startup environment.
Feedback-Oriented: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used for continuous improvement in program design and operational execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a mission-driven approach, community engagement, and a willingness to be hands-on. Operations professionals who thrive in collaborative, adaptive environments and are motivated by social impact will find this appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Establishing a New Presence: Building brand awareness and community engagement for Venture Café Edinburgh from the ground up in a new market.
Balancing Multiple Priorities: Managing the weekly Thursday Gathering alongside other programs, partnership development, and operational tasks.
Reaching Underserved Communities: Developing and implementing effective strategies to ensure inclusivity and engagement from diverse segments of the innovation ecosystem.
Navigating Ambiguity: Working in a startup-like environment with potential for shifting priorities and undefined processes, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.
Community Integration: Ensuring Venture Café Edinburgh complements rather than competes with existing initiatives, requiring careful community relationship management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Ecosystem Development Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience in building and shaping a local innovation ecosystem.
Program Design Innovation: Developing creative and effective formats for community events and engagement programs.
Partnership Management Skills: Enhancing abilities in cultivating and managing diverse stakeholder relationships.
Global Network Learning: Access to best practices, insights, and potential collaboration opportunities with Venture Café initiatives worldwide.
Leadership Experience: Opportunity to contribute significantly to a new venture, potentially leading to future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to launching and scaling a new initiative, offering significant opportunities for personal and professional growth in areas critical to community and operations management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing the programming for the first six months of Venture Café Edinburgh's Thursday Gatherings to maximize community engagement and foster connections?" (Focus on process, themes, partner integration).
Community Building: "Describe your strategy for building relationships with key players in Edinburgh's innovation ecosystem and how you would measure the success of these partnerships." (Highlight networking, collaboration, and metrics).
Problem Solving: "Imagine a situation where attendance at the Thursday Gathering is lower than expected. What steps would you take to analyze the situation and implement improvements?" (Focus on diagnostic processes, data analysis, and actionable solutions).
Inclusive Programming: "What specific initiatives would you propose to ensure Venture Café Edinburgh's programs are inclusive and reach underserved communities within the city?" (Demonstrate understanding of DEI principles and practical implementation).

Company & Culture Questions:

Mission Alignment: "Why are you passionate about Venture Café's mission, and how do you see innovation and entrepreneurship as instruments for improving the human condition?" (Connect your values to the organization's purpose).
Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal working relationship with a Director and how you would contribute to a small, growing team." (Showcase collaboration, communication, and proactivity).
Edinburgh Ecosystem: "What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you see for the innovation community in Edinburgh, and how can Venture Café address them?" (Demonstrate research and strategic thinking about the local context).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Impactful Storytelling: For each portfolio item, tell a story that highlights the context, your role, the process, the challenges, and the quantifiable results.
Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the operational processes you followed for event planning, partnership management, or community engagement.
Visual Aids: Use slides or documents to showcase event photos, partnership agreements, or reporting dashboards where appropriate.
Focus on Key Responsibilities: Tailor your presentation to highlight experience directly relevant to the core responsibilities of the Program & Experience Design Manager role.
Enthusiasm for the Mission: Convey your genuine excitement for Venture Café's work and your vision for its impact in Edinburgh.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just experience, but also a strategic understanding of community operations, partnership management, and event execution. Highlighting a process-oriented mindset and the ability to deliver measurable impact is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.
Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your experience in event curation, community engagement, and partnership management. Include specific examples of successful programs and how you measured their impact. Highlight any initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize achievements related to event planning, project management, community building, and cross-sector collaboration. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Venture Café Global Institute and Venture Café Edinburgh’s mission, values, and current initiatives. Understand the Edinburgh innovation ecosystem and identify key organizations and potential partners.
Prepare to Discuss Edinburgh: Be ready to articulate your understanding of Edinburgh's innovation landscape, its strengths, challenges, and how Venture Café can contribute to its growth and inclusivity.
Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions, focusing on clear communication, strategic thinking, and enthusiasm for the role and mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Program & Experience Design Manager Venture Café, Edinburgh - UK