Business Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:Coordinates business development services to clients utilizing a client-centered case management approach providing curriculum-based educational sessions, coaching, and guidance in the various aspects of creating and operating a small business.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Research best and promising practices in small business services models used to serve tribal communities throughout the U.S.;Deliver small business development curricula through train-the-trainer and other capacity building methods to clients and community members at-large;Deliver presentations, workshops, and other educational sessions;Develops and maintains collateral materials about business development services, including a program brochure, fliers, and other outreach materials;Conduct outreach and recruitment through various community forums to identify prospective clients;Conduct assessment and discovery activities to develop and execute an Individualized Service Plan for each client;Provide technical assistance to clients in formulating business development goals;Meet with clients periodically to review progress toward goals, identify other needs, and provide coaching and case management services as needed;Coordinate a Speakers Bureau in order to bring regional and national trainers & speakers to YDSP providing clients and community members with subject-matter experts in various business-related and capacity-building topics;Create, grow and maintain a robust network of partners who can provide ancillary services in key areas, such as workforce development services, child care, health care, and other services;Assist client in obtaining credit building and credit repair services through a referral system and through information sharing;Provide technical assistance to the Tigua Community Development Corporation (TCDC) including participation in board meetings;Refers clients in need of small business loans to TCDC;Educate clients and community members about universal services at the Tigua Business Center (TBC) and Tigua Technology & Enterprise Center (TTEC);Participate in formative evaluation efforts to ensure that progress can be quantifiably measured over time in order to identify program strengths and challenges;Work closely with city and county Chambers of Commerce, and any community entities in order to enhance existing business relationships;Provides oversight of the Target Tigua AmeriCorps members assigned to the Business Development Services;Other duties as assigned.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, statistics, business, community development or related discipline, Master’s Degree preferred.Four years of experience in small business development, economic research or economic or community development preferred.Must be able to successfully pass a post-offer drug screen and a criminal background investigationA valid Texas driver’s license is required and must be insurable.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:Must be proficient with software applications such as: MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access; extensive mathematical skills necessary to research and interpret economic, accounting, financial and statistical data; knowledge of small business development; planning and project/program development; business development best and promising practices; ability to write in a professional manner, to communicate and correspond with clients, colleagues, supervisory staff, tribal council, tribal agencies & department, partnering organizations and others; ability to understand risk management concepts in order to provide clients with realistic and fact-based information regarding business creation and operation needs, such as capital needs, credit, and skills; must possess effective communications and teaching skills; ability to work effectively as part of a management team dedicated to collaboration of economic development initiatives; consensus building, conflict resolution, and problem solving; ability to handle multiple responsibilities and solve problems creatively; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; knowledge of and adherence to using proper and required citation of materials and sources used in program materials, such as PowerPoint presentations, educational sessions, technical narratives for proposals, and other disseminated or published literature; ability to understand and exercise the EDD’s “Do No Harm” philosophy in all program offerings; ability to exercise independent judgment; ability to establish and maintain good community relations and deliver effective public presentations; ability to work flexible schedule to meet clients after normal business hours and weekends as needed is required; ability to travel out of town to job-related conferences, trainings, and other meetings; ability to adapt to multi-projects, challenging assignments, flexing of schedule, diverse funding sources and emergent duties and tasks.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 25 pounds. The vision requirements include: close vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.This description is a summary of principle responsibilities and is not intended to include all duties which may be assigned. #J-18808-Ljbffr