Automation Alley is seeking an organized, driven, and versatile professional to join our team in a role that blends event and expo management with grant program operations. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys managing multiple projects simultaneously, and is energized by the opportunity to represent Michigan’s manufacturing ecosystem on a regional and national stage.
As a key member of the Automation Alley team, this position will lead the planning and execution of trade show pavilions, expos, and member-facing events — many of which are key deliverables tied to federal and state-funded grant programs. The role also directly supports the grant department and will require grant partner coordination, contract administration, and metric tracking.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, an excellent communicator, and comfortable managing relationships with external partners, vendors, and member companies. They are equally confident running the logistics of a trade show booth and grant programs.
This position is full time (M–F, 8:30 – 5:00) and requires periodic travel to industry trade shows, conferences, and member events.
Key Responsibilities
Events, Expos & Pavilion Management
• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of Automation Alley’s presence at trade shows, industry conferences, and expos, including pavilions that host member and partner companies under the Automation Alley brand
• Manage booth and pavilion logistics: floor plans, exhibitor coordination, shipping, installation and dismantle, staffing schedules, collateral, signage, and on-site execution
• Coordinate member and partner participation in pavilions, including onboarding, contract execution, payment tracking, booth assignments, and day-of support
• Plan and execute Automation Alley-hosted events, receptions, member events, and program-driven convenings
• Manage event budgets, negotiate with venues and vendors, and ensure every event is delivered on time and on budget
• Serve as the primary point of contact for event venues, general service contractors, AV providers, caterers, and other event vendors
Grant Program Support & Operations
• Support grant programs in the day-to-day administration of federal, state, county or foundation-funded programs
• Track grant deliverables, milestones, and reporting deadlines to ensure compliance with funder requirements
• Coordinate grant-funded events and activities, ensuring alignment between event execution and grant scopes of work
• Assist in the preparation of grant reports, narratives, and supporting documentation
• Respond to member and partner requests for grant-related support and information
• Manage tactical projects in support of grant program managers, with the opportunity to grow into a grant program manager role as the grant portfolio expands
Partner & Contract Management
• Serve as a key liaison with external partners, sponsors, member companies, and subrecipients participating in events and grant programs
• Manage contracts, memorandums of understanding, sponsorship agreements, and exhibitor agreements, from initial drafting through signature and execution
• Track contract deliverables, payment schedules, and renewal dates
• Coordinate with internal finance and operations teams to ensure timely invoicing, payment, and documentation
Metric Tracking & Reporting
• Track, analyze, and report on event outcomes, attendance, engagement, and pavilion performance metrics
• Capture grant program metrics (participant counts, engagements, jobs impacted, etc.) and maintain accurate documentation for audits and reporting
• Maintain databases and CRM records related to events, members, partners, and grant participants
• Produce regular status updates, dashboards, and post-event reports for internal leadership and external funders
Core Skills & Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, communications, public administration, or a related field preferred
• 3+ years of experience in event management, trade show coordination, program management, or grant operations preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and external partners simultaneously
• Experience working with contracts, vendors, and sponsor/partner agreements
• Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with the ability to track metrics and produce clear reports
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, SharePoint) and comfortable learning internal tools such as Trello and Zoho (or similar CRM)
• Experience with federal or state-funded grant programs strongly preferred
• Experience in the non-profit or manufacturing ecosystem preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel to trade shows and industry events as required
• Collaborative team player with a problem-solving mindset and a passion for a high-energy environment
Benefits
Full benefits (health, eye, dental)
3 weeks’ PTO
Paid Holidays
• New Year’s Day – January 1
• Martin Luther King’s Day – The third Monday in January
• President’s Day – The third Monday in February
• Memorial Day – The last Monday in May
• Independence Day – July 4
• Labor Day – The first Monday in September
• Veterans’ Day – November 11
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Week – December 24 – December 31