The people helping you run your coworking space are the backbone of your business.
These people are the face of your business and will interact with members on a day-to-day basis. They represent your company and function as an extension of your brand. As such, bringing the right people onto your team is crucial for the success of your business.
The first step, decide how many full-time employees you will need. And what are the key positions you need to run your space? From there, you can begin to write formal job descriptions and cast a net out to find qualified candidates.
Here are a few key positions that should be filled:
1. Community Coordinator
At the heart of every thriving coworking space is the Community Coordinator — a linchpin who encourages connections and ensures members feel at home. This role is perfect for a sociable, detail-focused individual with a knack for juggling multiple tasks effortlessly.
Key duties of the Community Coordinator include:
- Welcoming new members and guiding them through the onboarding process
- Conducting space tours for prospective members
- Handling front desk operations and overseeing daily community interactions
- Organizing and hosting networking events and social mixers
A Community Coordinator not only ensures easy day-to-day operations but also plays a critical role in shaping the workspace culture. They are the blend of a Personnel Manager, Event Coordinator, and Administrative Lead.
2. IT Supervisor
Bridging the gap between technological savvy and operational oversight, the Technology Supervisor is a strategic thinker with a complete technical acumen. Ideally, this individual brings a background in IT, facilities oversight, or even computer engineering to the table.
Their responsibilities are centered around:
- Ensuring the workspace’s internet connection is fast and reliable
- Implementing and maintaining security, access control, and monitoring systems
- Solving any tech-related issues, from device troubleshooting to software updates
3.Marketing Manager and/or Brand Promoter
Under various titles, this role is the champion of your coworking brand’s narrative.
This role demands someone with:
- Exceptional marketing skills and content creation skills
- An intimate understanding of your business model and target demographic
- Expertise in digital and traditional marketing, graphic design, and/or public relations
This individual is the architect of your brand’s visibility, from blog curation to newsletter campaigns and website development.
4.Membership Development Specialist
For larger spaces, a Membership Development Specialist is key to engaging and securing corporate clients or small businesses, as well as strategic sponsorships or partnerships.
- A candidate with a solid background in B2B sales or client acquisition is a prime fit for this position.
5. Operations Assistant
The operational leadership is critical for maintaining the structural integrity and efficiency of your coworking space.
An Operations Director is responsible for:
- Strategically planning and executing the workspace’s operational blueprint
- Supervising the operations team to ensure member satisfaction and space functionality
- Liaising with external vendors and managing supply chains
As your venture progresses, your team will evolve. Start by appointing roles that alleviate your workload and strategically expand as needed to sustain and enhance your coworking space’s growth and operations.
Identifying Ideal Candidates: Traits That Matter
Recruitment is less about sifting through resumes for experience and more about spotting potential. Reflect on those individuals who have excelled in your team — they likely didn’t stand out because of their resumés alone. High achievers tend to exhibit similar characteristics: a zest for personal and professional growth, an eagerness to learn, and a vibrant energy that aligns with your company’s ethos.
For customer-centric positions in your coworking space, such as a Community Manager, prioritize evaluating the candidate’s personal attributes. Assess their interpersonal skills, adaptability, and how well their character complements the community you’re nurturing.
That’s not to discount the value of experience — it does have its place, particularly when considering the longevity and advancement of an employee. For instance, a background in hospitality can be invaluable for roles focused on member management and daily operations, providing a solid foundation for delivering exceptional service. In essence, aim for a blend of soft skills and relevant experience.
When evaluating potential hires for your coworking space, consider these important characteristics that often signal a top performer:
- Adaptability
- Proactive Growth Mindset
- Customer Service Orientation
- Team Player Attitude
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Fit
- Leadership Potential
- Hospitality Experience:
- Technical Savviness
Budget Allocation For Coworking Space Operations
Guidelines for Staffing Your Coworking Space
Develop a complete Job Profiles
High staff turnover is often rooted in misunderstandings about job roles. Ensure you outline roles with precision, offering clear and measurable expectations. For your coworking space, this means detailing:
- The strategic direction of the business
- Anticipated evolution of the role
- Clear expectations for the candidate and their place within the team
With this clarity, you’ll form a team that is ready and equipped for success.
Utilize Key Platforms for Your Network for Job Listings
Given the coworking industry’s niche job market, dedicated job boards are scarce. However, Coworkies offers a global listing for coworking roles. Broaden your reach by advertising on established job platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, ensuring your job posts are attractive to a wide pool of qualified candidates.
Consider:
- Your social media presence
- Your own website’s career section
- Community channels and coworking forums
- Your own professional network
The right hire could be a community member or a referral away.
Create a Memorable Interview Experience
Interviews can be daunting, but they’re crucial in finding the right fit for your coworking space’s unique demands. Beyond the resume, go deeper with questions
- What coworking-specific services do you find essential?
- What’s your experience with coworking, and what challenges have you faced.
Integrate Tech Solutions with Human Interactions
Assess which roles could be replaced by digital solutions without sacrificing the community engagement crucial to a coworking space’s success. While human touch is irreplaceable for community engagement, technological efficiencies can optimize operations and reduce costs.
Conclusion
Assembling the right team for your coworking space is essential to ensuring a operational success. Focus on selecting individuals who not only possess the necessary skills but also align with your space’s culture and values.
Remember, the strength of your team reflects the quality of your coworking space. Utilize tools like Archie’s comprehensive platform to efficiently manage your space and empower your team to excel in a competitive environment.
