Economic Development Specialist - Small Business

Economic Development Specialist For Small Business

Reporting to the Division Head of Small Business, the Economic Development Specialist for Small Business will develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the local business landscape across Middlesex County's municipalities & develop responsive programmatic solutions addressing the unique challenges & aspirations of the small business community. The role will coordinate with a comprehensive group of stakeholders on inclusive & sustainable development. The role will work with the community stakeholders to develop Middlesex County's small business & main street strategy, steward relational & programmatic development of initiatives according to outlined objectives & perform other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Business Development

• Serve as the point of contact for Middlesex County businesses.
• Field business development requests, assess their business needs and connect.
• Respond to small business inquiries in a timely manner.
• Connect, coordinate and track business referrals to partner agencies and resources.
• Support businesses applying for local and state programs, public and private grant opportunities and in navigating local and County government.
• Recruit constituencies for participation and maintain an extensive network of relationships across the small business and main street business community, as well as throughout a broader network of community and public-private partners.

Program Support

• Assist in the management and design of small business programs.
• Conduct outreach and recruitment of small businesses for partner programs.
• Manage and assist in the development of programs and events to attract, educate, and retain small businesses in Middlesex County.
• Assist in the coordination of meetings and events.
• Draft agendas, schedule meetings, manage calendar of events for the Small Business Division.

Business Coaching

• Provide clients with advice on new plans and strategies.
• Assess business needs and connect them to the appropriate resource.
• Understand and communicate the intricacies of opening and operating a business in the State of New Jersey.

Relationship Management

• Provide technical assistance to small businesses and main street organizations, as well as directing and informing local government officials of the network of resources at their disposal.
• Lead, organize, &/or assist with special projects related to economic development.
• Engage laterally with a broad range of government departments within Middlesex County to provide a holistic service offering to constituents in the small business and main street community.

Program Evaluation

• Collaborate with the Office of Business Engagement on tailoring business retention, attraction, and support strategies responding to specific operational wants and needs of small businesses.
• Continuously monitor the county-wide small business community and draft research reports outlining key insights for senior government officials.
• Effectively communicate ongoing research and provide detailed policy recommendations to the Division Head of Small Businesses, as well as senior government officials as requested.
• Serve as an in-house expert on small business affairs and main street economic development, ensuring government led initiatives reflect current policy priorities and stimulate public-private partnerships.
• Analyze economic, regulatory, and small business sector market changes, specifically pertaining to main street economic development initiatives directed by Middlesex County.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to maintain knowledge of local, county, state, and federal policies and their impact on operations and initiatives within the County.
• Ability to manage and develop relationships with key stakeholders in the market sector, including business owners, residents, nonprofit leaders, government leaders and community leaders.
• Ability to take initiative and possess a drive for delivering outstanding results.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong written, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Outstanding collaboration and teamwork.
• This position requires occasional evening and weekend travel.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university in Business Administration, Real Estate, Economics, Public Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-interview, employer-paid physical examination, drug screening, and background check, in accordance with applicable New Jersey and federal law.
• This position requires New Jersey residency in accordance with R.S. 52:14-7 (New Jersey First Act).

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is:

• $58,000-$72,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.