BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Business Development Coordinator

The Office of Business Opportunity provides equal representation and advocacy for all small businesses by creating pathways to partnerships, education, and accelerated growth.

OBO's vision is to empower a thriving small business community by removing barriers and building connections that spark growth and opportunity across the Houston region.

The Business Development Coordinator will serve as a key representative of the Office of Business Opportunity, supporting Houston's entrepreneurial ecosystem through strategic outreach, stakeholder engagement, program coordination, and business development initiatives. This role requires a highly organized, customer-focused professional with strong communication skills and the ability to build meaningful relationships across Houston's diverse business community.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Customer Service & Public Guidance

• Serve as a frontline resource for Houston-area entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community stakeholders by responding to inquiries in person, by phone, email, and through digital platforms in a timely and professional manner.
• Guide business owners through available City of Houston resources, programs, certifications, and procurement opportunities.
• Provide clear and accurate information regarding OBO services and business development programs.
• Deliver high-level customer service and problem-solving support to members of the public and small business owners.

Stakeholder Engagement & Community Relations

• Coordinate and facilitate meetings with chambers of commerce, business associations, community organizations, economic development partners, and external stakeholders throughout the Houston region.
• Build, maintain, and continuously update a comprehensive stakeholder engagement database that includes chambers, partner organizations, small businesses, community leaders, and strategic contacts.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with local, regional, and industry-specific organizations to expand awareness of OBO programs and increase community engagement.
• Represent OBO at networking events, business expos, workshops, public meetings, and outreach initiatives to promote departmental programs, services, and initiatives.
• Assist with identifying new partnership opportunities that support Houston's small business ecosystem and OBO strategic priorities.

Outreach, Communications & Strategic Engagement

• Assist with executing outreach and engagement strategies that increase visibility and participation in OBO programs and initiatives.
• Support the development and distribution of business resource materials, newsletters, presentations, marketing collateral, and digital communications.
• Maintain consistent engagement with Houston's business community across multiple communication channels, including social media, email marketing, print materials, and web-based platforms.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify outreach opportunities, community partnerships, and engagement initiatives.
• Assist with community-facing communications and promotional efforts related to OBO events, workshops, and business development programs.

Administrative Operations & Data Management

• Maintain organized records, stakeholder lists, outreach reports, engagement metrics, and program databases to support departmental planning and reporting efforts.
• Create, update, and manage databases, contact records, and program tracking systems to ensure accurate reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Compile, track, and analyze participation data for reports, executive briefings, presentations, and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare professional correspondence, meeting summaries, outreach materials, and stakeholder communications for leadership and external partners.
• Assist with scheduling, logistics coordination, and operational support for meetings, workshops, special events, and external engagement activities.
• Support the External Affairs Division through administrative coordination and special projects as assigned.

Program Coordination & Special Initiatives

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of the Future Founders Program, including curriculum development, participant engagement, workshop facilitation support, partner coordination, scheduling, communications, and overall program management.
• Assist with creating educational materials, business development resources, program timelines, and engagement strategies designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders.
• Build and maintain relationships with program partners, guest speakers, mentors, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to strengthen program participation and impact.
• Provide administrative and operational support for flagship OBO initiatives, including:
• Liftoff Houston! Business Plan Competition
• Turnaround Houston Entrepreneurship Program
• Small business workshops, networking events, and workforce development initiatives
• Assist in planning and executing community engagement campaigns, special projects, and public-facing initiatives aligned with OBO's mission and strategic priorities.
• Support additional assignments, initiatives, and departmental priorities as directed by leadership.

Working Conditions

This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

Minimum Requirements

Education Requirements: Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Liberal Arts, or a related field.

Experience Requirements: One (1) year of responsible professional administrative, outreach, communications, business development, stakeholder engagement, community relations, or program coordination experience is required. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

License Requirements: None

Preferences

• Experience managing multiple projects, assignments, and deadlines in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Experience coordinating public events, business workshops, community engagement initiatives, or educational programs.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, community outreach, public affairs, business development, or economic development initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, business organizations, nonprofit partners, and community stakeholders.
• Experience creating, maintaining, and managing outreach databases, stakeholder contact systems, or CRM-style tracking tools.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse audiences professionally and effectively.
• Knowledge of social media strategy, digital communications, and community outreach best practices.
• Experience with graphic design, photography, content creation, or marketing materials development.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide high-level customer service and detailed guidance to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and members of the public.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including occasional nights and weekends, to support OBO programs and community events.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
• A degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.