Student Ambassador Position Overview

Student Ambassadors for the Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo (BIC) will serve as the student voice for Columbia’s tech startup community and represent the organization with integrity and excellence. Ambassadors will work collaboratively with the BIC team to share the organization’s story and programs with our audience of entrepreneurs, stakeholder partners, and the startup community.

As a student ambassador, you will represent our organization on campus and in the community, promoting our events and programs to your peers and beyond. You will have the opportunity to develop leadership and communication skills, build your resume, and make valuable connections.

To be considered for the position, you must be a current student in good academic standing, with a passion for our organization's mission and values to support the tech startup community of Columbia. Strong communication and organizational skills are a must, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Positions are open to ALL local university students; students from smaller universities and untraditional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a paid position through May 2025 with potential for extension through the summer semester.

Responsibilities:

• Champion creating a strong and vibrant relationship between local universities and the Columbia startup community
• Promote a positive image of their university and the Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo
• Foster community engagement and build lasting relationships with the local community and a relevant partners with a focus on universities and promoting student engagement
• Manage the process for and conduct tours of the Boyd Innovation Center at designed times as well as walk in tours. Greet and provide directions, general information, and assistance to all visitors in a welcoming and positive manner.
• Support activities, events, and programs to Support, Augment, and/or Partner with other organizations in the region for events and other activities. Assist with execution and facilitation of events.
• Collaborate with internal staff and stakeholders on a variety of projects, including some event coordination and promotion
• Other duties as assigned by Executive Director

Requirements:

• Presently in Good Standing as a student enrolled in a local university and pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree
• Agree to the Student Ambassador Pledge (outlined below)
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to think creatively and be results-oriented
• Analytical skills to forecast and identify new trends, opportunities, and challenges
• Experience in a startup or startup community is highly desirable

Competencies:

• High level of adaptability and strong problem-solving skills
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills and ability to distill complex issues into structured frameworks with concrete plans
• Excellent oral and written communication, public speaking/presentation skills
• Proven ability to work well across multiple disciplines within the organization
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with great attention to detail
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical skills and critical thinking skills
• Strong computer skills, including Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc.)

Student Ambassador Agreement

As a student ambassador:

• I understand the importance of representing the organization well.
• I am committed to upholding the values and mission of the organization while serving as a positive role model for my peers.
• I will strive to be punctual, professional, and respectful in all my interactions with others.
• I will make sure to stay within the boundaries and guidelines set by the organization and abide by the Community Pledge.
• I will not engage in any activities that may harm the reputation of the organization or violate any rules or regulations.
• I will actively seek out opportunities to promote the organization and its programs and will use my communication skills to spread awareness about the organization and encourage others to get involved.

About Boyd Innovation Center, powered by GrowCo

GrowCo is the powering agent behind the Boyd Innovation Center, a destination where forward-thinking individuals can come together to develop groundbreaking ideas that change the world. GrowCo’s mission is to inspire and support high growth/high tech founders along their entire entrepreneurial journey and create an inclusive culture of entrepreneurship in the Columbia metro region at the Boyd Innovation Center.

Learn more at www.boydinnovationcenter.org.

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Applicants should email a 1 minute elevator pitch video to caroline@grow-co.org with subject line “BIC SA Interest - last name”. Pitch videos should include who you are, why you want this opportunity, and any startup experience you do (or don’t) have by February 2, 2025.