Business Liaison

City of Greenville; Greenville (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Greenville is seeking a Program Manager to coordinate business development initiatives and to recruit private-sector projects that boost capital investment, jobs, and tax base. The role also supports entrepreneurial-based development by coordinating access to local, regional, and state resources.

Responsibilities include managing grants/loans, coordinating cross-department meetings, and developing work plans for innovation and small businesses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, marketing, finance, planning or related field.
• At least three (3) years of professional-level experience in economic development, redevelopment, planning, or business and industrial development.

Responsibilities

• Assist with City of Greenville business development efforts, including targeting new business, retaining existing businesses, and revitalizing the urban core.
• Plan, budget, oversee, and document all aspects of special projects.
• Develop and implement work plans for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small businesses with goals and benchmarks.
• Manage business development grant and loan programs to recruit prospects and opportunities.
• Coordinate meetings among City departments and other entities to address development issues.
• Support urban revitalization, housing initiatives, infrastructure projects, and quality of life efforts.
• Perform small business outreach through targeted marketing and multimedia communication strategies.
• Publish program reports on activities and outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Economic development knowledge

Relationship building

Communication skills

Project coordination

Public administration

Entrepreneurship support

Education

Bachelor's degree in public or business administration, marketing, finance, planning or related field

Associate’s degree in business administration or related field

Job description

This position will facilitate the implementation and coordination of business development programs and projects. This is accomplished by recruiting and developing private-sector projects that result in capital investment, job creation, expanded tax base, and ancillary improvement in overall quality of life. The position also assists with activities intended to create a framework for encouraging and facilitating entrepreneurial-based business development by coordinating access to local, regional, and state resources.

FLSA Status: Exempt

This is a continuous posting and may close at any time.

• Assist with the City of Greenville business development efforts, including targeting new business, retaining and enhancing existing businesses, growing local entrepreneurship, facilitating the retention of young adults and professionals, and revitalizing the City’s urban core;
• Plan, budget, oversee, and document all aspects of special projects;
• Assist with the development and implementation of the City’s work plans for innovation, entrepreneurship, and small businesses. This includes goals, strategies, tasks, and performance benchmarks;
• Manage business development grant and loan programs to recruit business prospects and economic opportunities;
• Coordinate meetings among City departments, utility companies, and other government entities to address specific business development issues;
• Assist with the City’s urban revitalization efforts, including affordable housing initiatives, public infrastructure projects, and quality of life initiatives;
• Perform small business outreach through targeted marketing and multimedia communication strategies;
• Develop and publish program reports on program activities and outcomes;
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public or business administration, marketing, finance, planning, or related field; AND
• At least three (3) years of professional-level experience in economic development, redevelopment, planning, or business and industrial development.

OR

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in business administration or a related field; AND
• At least six (6) years of professional-level experience in business development, economic development, marketing, entrepreneurship support, business coaching, customer relationship management, program administration, or closely related experience.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• The principles, programs, and initiatives that support economic development, entrepreneurship, and small business development.
• Local, regional, and state organizations, partners, and resources available to support business growth, retention, and entrepreneurial development.
• Principles and practices of program administration, stakeholder engagement, and outreach strategies.
• Methods for evaluating program effectiveness, identifying opportunities for improvement, and supporting division and departmental goals and initiatives.
• Business engagement, relationship-building, and marketing strategies that are used to support business growth and community partnerships.
• Program guidelines, policies, and procedures related to business development, business assistance programs, and business engagement initiatives.

Skilled in:

• Building and maintaining relationships with businesses, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Researching and connecting businesses to local, regional, and state resources.
• Communicating effectively through presentations, meetings, written correspondence, and outreach activities.
• Supporting the administration, tracking, and reporting of programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Supporting event planning, coordination, and logistics activities.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with businesses, community partners, City officials, other employees, and the general public.
• Manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines while maintaining a high level of customer service delivery.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment, as well as work independently under general supervision to complete tasks.
• Analyze information, identify solutions, and make recommendations related to business development programs and initiatives.
• Adapt to changing priorities and support a variety of business development, outreach, and business engagement activities.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

• Meet mental and physical demands of the job.

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License.