Program Manager, Events & Grant Operations

Automation Alley•Troy, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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)
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

Nice To Haves

Experience with federal or state-funded grant programs strongly preferred
Experience in the non-profit or manufacturing ecosystem preferred

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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