Who we are

 

Make48 started and continues as the world’s largest televised invention competition. We foster invention and education through a growing community of motivated inventors and makers. Celebrating innovation, creativity, and the maker movement, Make48 is providing a stage for those to showcase their skills, present ideas and connect with others.

 

Built on the principles of collaboration and community, Make48 starts from the ground up by creating an innovation ecosystem. We do this by leveraging local universities, makerspaces, and corporations to bring the community alive through innovation. 

 

Unlocking the tools needed to build and sharing the talents of everyday people, Make48 is growing. We are bringing programming and competitions to some of the nation's most innovative cities and colleges and this is your opportunity to join a growing team.

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Event Planner

 

Job Description

​We are looking to add an Event Planner to our current staff!  Make48 is a fun and friendly place to work with a highly motivated and upbeat team.  Our Event Planners are responsible for organizing our Make48 competitions including VIP events and general coordination and planning of each event. Their duties include meeting with clients to discuss their needs, maintaining partnerships with vendors and caterers and overseeing the planning, set-up, execution and cleanup of events.  Must be highly organized, friendly & outgoing and be able to stay on task and report status at any given time.  Once a month travel is required being gone for 6 days at a time.  Applicants must be based in Kansas City, MO. Be a part of the excitement of Make48!

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Sponsorship Sales Associate

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Job Description

​Make48 is pioneering innovation within event, media, and educational environments, dedicated to empowering students and schools through creative challenges. As we plan for significant expansion, we are seeking a dynamic Sponsorship Sales Associate to secure and manage sponsorship and partnership opportunities that support our mission. The Sponsorship Sales Associate will be crucial in driving revenue through diverse sponsorship packages ranging from $2500 to $25,000. This role will work closely with Make48 leadership and regional ambassadors, as well as external stakeholders, to cultivate relationships with new and existing business prospects across industries, ensuring the growth and sustainability of sponsorship contributions.

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Key Responsibilities

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• To present and sell a range of partnership and sponsorship packages to new and existing clients, including event and curriculum sponsors.

• Collaborate closely with various internal teams to align sponsors with their media, community, innovation, and recruitment goals.

• Identify and secure revenue-generating opportunities, fostering long-term relationships with sponsors.

• Lead and potentially manage a team of ambassadors and grant writers, who will bring you warm introductions, enhancing funding opportunities.

• Maintain sponsor deliverables, ensuring all commitments are met with high standards and deadlines. 

• Maintain meticulous attention to sponsors’ missions and initiatives, ensuring alignment in all communications.

• Demonstrate creativity and strategic thinking in locating and engaging the right decision-makers within potential sponsor organizations.

• Be willing to grow and lead presentations and meetings with sponsors, demonstrating strong public speaking and presentation skills. 

• Work within a team environment, according to staff expectations, to achieve collective goals, while also leading your own individual sales initiatives.

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Qualifications

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• Highly personable and engaging, capable of building and maintaining strong relationships.

• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills, with impeccable attention to detail.

• Experience or degree in sales, marketing, business, psychology, or other similar field is desirable but not necessary; must demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply techniques and processes. 

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Chief of Staff

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Location

Kansas City Metro Area

 

Make48 is pioneering innovation within educational environments, dedicated to empowering students and schools through creative challenges. As we plan for significant expansion, we seek a Chief of Staff who embodies our entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to education.

 

Job Description

The Chief of Staff will be a central figure in managing our daily operations and team efficiencies, working closely with the CEO and the Board of Directors. This role is critical in overseeing all internal operations, ensuring that goals are met and operations are streamlined, thus enabling the CEO to focus on larger national partnerships, securing sponsorships, and expanding our business verticals.

 

Key Responsibilities

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• Oversee and manage team performance, ensuring adherence to our strategic goals and operational efficiency.

• Develop and refine operational processes to enhance productivity and effectiveness.

• Hire and terminate staff as needed, managing team dynamics and growth.

• Lead communication efforts with team members, leadership, and external stakeholders.

• Tackle strategic challenges and pivot operations as required to adapt to changing circumstances.

• Represent Make48 at conferences, manage key partnerships, and handle speaking engagements.

• Ensure the completion of tasks on time, sometimes requiring extended and non-traditional hours.

• Learn and manage various aspects of the Make48 business model, including events, TV and media, curriculum and education, and online challenges. 

• Maintain and enhance relationships with educational institutions and other key partners.

Qualifications

 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Proven experience in scaling teams up to 25 personnel.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with exceptional attention to detail.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication skills, and grammar.

• Proficiency in AI tools and technology.

• Has demonstrated an ability to handle strategic planning and operational execution in a startup environment.

• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

 

Leadership Expectations

 

• Must be a caring leader and team player.

• Willingness to engage directly in tasks with hands-on support of team members as needed.

 

What We Offer

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• A critical role in a rapidly expanding innovative company with a focus on educational impact.

• Competitive salary, benefits, and commission package of $120,000 with growth potential up to $200,000

• Professional development opportunities in a supportive and creative environment.

• Significant growth opportunities within the company.

• On-going travel opportunities.

 

Work Conditions

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• Expected in-office attendance of 3-4 days per week with a preference for candidates located in or near the Kansas City metro area.

• Standard work hours of 45+ hours/week plus having the flexibility for extended hours as needed.

• Up to 10% travel time is potentially required for the purpose of attending Make48 competitions, maintaining partner relationships, and engaging with stakeholders.