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:

• 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.

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is:

• $58,000-$72,000 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.