Hybrid Division Head of Small Businesses bei Middlesex County

Responsible for overseeing the implementation of strategies and programs focused on small businesses and growing marginalized business owners and other historically underrepresented populations, as well as veterans of the armed services. Serve as an instrumental facilitator and public policy specialist for government assisted programs available to businesses throughout Middlesex County. Focus on identifying and leveraging market intelligence to inform management of program development, deployment and administer programs within the core focus of the role on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively outreach and meet with small business owners to provide access and awareness to resources to support growth, including the availability of current and upcoming incentives.
• Responsible for establishing, monitoring, and modifying government programs dedicated to assisting New Jersey small businesses.
• Work with external partners, local government officials, and businesses to achieve the Office of Business Engagement’s goals and build rapport with external stakeholder groups.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for a comprehensive program of webinars and in-person events designed to meet the specific needs of County small businesses.
• Oversees a network of partners to ensure the Office is actively engaged in outreach activities across the state on a regular basis (e.g., chambers of commerce, industry working groups, NJBAC, SBA, SBDCs, SCORE, CDFIs, COIs).
• Ensure relationships with CDFIs are maintained and grown, and that programs encourage servicing SWMVBE business owners throughout the state.
• Direct and manage the implementation of effective business development efforts for SWMBVE and targeted communities throughout New Jersey.
• Identify deficiencies and grievances among stakeholders in the small business community, and provide to strategic recommendations to leaderships on adjusting program implementation.
• Collaborate with external local, statewide, and national institutions involved in economic development to coordinate deployment and management of programmed services – technical assistance, grant funding and administration, tax incentives, lending, and economic development programs.
• Working within and between county service teams to advance county-wide strategic goals and objectives related to business engagement and economic development.
• Coordinate outreach and awareness by strategically engaging with businesses through conferences, events, and showcases – effectively communicate the value of the resources offered by Middlesex County.
• Responsible for utilizing the CRM system to track all business interactions and inquiries, ensuring timely and efficient responses that support customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
• Provide material support and thought leadership to Middlesex County’s marketing and communications campaigns.

Preferred Qualificiations:

• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of economic development incentives.
• Extensive knowledge of CDFI, SBA, SBDC, NJEDA, and NJDOL product offerings.
• Knowledge of New Jersey business registration and reporting requirements.
• Oversee and coordinate personnel.
• Provide financial stewardship of the organization’s assets and program deployment.
• Ability to interface with a broad range of audiences including senior management, NJEDA, SBA, NJBAC, Chamber of Commerce, senior government officials, industry partners, and individual prospects.
• Ability to prioritize workload, must be highly organized, detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously and work independently within limited time constraints with little or no supervision.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and adeptness at learning new software packages.
• Build and Manage a Team - Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills with the ability to build, coach and lead a team with diverse levels of experience.
• Vision - Inspires a sense of shared purpose; drives a vision.
• Results-Oriented – Demonstrates a relentless commitment to achieving program goals and positively influencing the small business community.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in business administration with emphasis in accounting, statistics, finance,economics and/or equivalent professional experience.
• Seven to ten years of business experience, preferably banking or finance.
• Minimum of five years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Must have experience with financing tools supporting economic and urban/community development.
• Travel and meetings as necessary.

Requirements:

• Must satisfy employer paid physical, drug screen and criminal background check.
• NJ residency required by State Statute. R.S.52:14-7.
• Valid Driver’s License.

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is:

• $85,000-$100,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: You can build your own future while helping to build the future of your community. With competitive benefits, including a pension plan, on-site wellness coaches, and health and dental insurance, Middlesex County offers the support employees need. The County also promotes a healthy work-life balance with generous vacation, sick, and holiday leave. 

Middlesex County is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.