Community Manager

Onebio Innovation Centre; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A pioneering biotech innovation center in Cape Town seeks a Community Manager to connect people and shape culture. This role involves event management, marketing, and relationship-building. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills and experience in community management. Opportunities for growth and hands-on experience in the biotech ecosystem are provided. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Experience in community management, event coordination, marketing, or communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with OBIC member startups and partners.
• Manage onboarding and ensure an exceptional member experience.
• Organize various monthly events and community activities.

Skills

Community management

Event coordination

Marketing

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Tertiary level qualification

Tools

LinkedIn

Canva

Google Workspace

MailChimp

WordPress

Job description

Community Manager – OneBio Innovation Centre

Salt River, Cape Town | Full-time | On-site | Start Date: 15 November

Application close: 17 October

About OneBio Innovation Centre (OBIC)

The OneBio Innovation Centre is a pioneering non‑profit biotech innovation centre based in Cape Town.

We provide fully equipped lab and office space to high‑potential biotech startups, along with access to a vibrant community, investment network, and event space.

We are building the future of African biotech through collaboration, creativity, and infrastructure that works. Based in Salt River, Cape Town, we are home to early‑stage companies working in health, agriculture, food, aquaculture, and industrial biotech.

We’re building an ecosystem that connects researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporates to accelerate biotech innovation in Africa.

Important Note: We’re a Startup Too. OBIC opened its doors in September and we are still in our very early growth phase.

Our team is small, dynamic, and hands‑on. This means you’ll have the opportunity to shape your role and grow with us. You’ll work closely with leadership on high‑impact projects. You’ll need to be adaptable, energetic, and comfortable wearing many hats which often means working on things that fall outside a traditional job description.

Role Overview

The Community Manager will be the heart of OBIC’s community by connecting people, shaping culture, and ensuring every startup and partner feels supported and engaged. This role blends event management, marketing, communications, and relationship‑building, supporting both internal members and external stakeholders. You’ll play a vital role in growing our visibility, community spirit, and value to startups which will help position OBIC as the go‑to destination for biotech innovation in Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Build strong relationships with OBIC member startups, partners, and mentors.
• Manage onboarding and ensure an exceptional member experience.
• Organise various monthly events, networking, and community activities.
• Gather feedback and foster a collaborative, inspiring environment.
• Plan and coordinate regular events (workshops, talks, pitch nights, open days).
• Support execution of flagship innovation programs in collaboration with OBIC leadership.
• Assist with speaker sourcing, logistics, catering, and communications.
• Manage OBIC’s social media channels and monthly newsletter.
• Create and share engaging content that tells OBIC’s story and celebrates our startups.
• Support brand‑building campaigns and website updates.
• Work with the General Manager on hub operations, events, and space management.
• Help keep OBIC’s spaces vibrant, functional, and welcoming.

Who We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Tertiary level qualification preferred.
• Proven experience in community management, event coordination, marketing, or communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised, proactive, and detail‑oriented.
• A people person: confident, warm, and approachable.
• Comfortable using social media and digital tools: LinkedIn, Canva, Google Workspace, MailChimp, Wordpress.
• Basic design and content creation skills.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in innovation hubs, coworking spaces, or startup ecosystems.
• Background in science, biotechnology, sustainability, or entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Gain

• A front‑row seat in Africa’s emerging biotech ecosystem.
• Hands‑on experience working with startups, founders, and investors.
• The chance to shape a young, purpose‑driven organisation from the ground up.
• A supportive and creative work culture that values initiative and ideas.

Details: Full‑time, on‑site. Location: Salt River, Cape Town. Start: 15 November.

Competitive salary. To apply: Send your CV and a short cover letter telling us why you’re excited about this role to (email address?) with the subject line: Community Manager – (Your Name).