Economic Development Manager

Stratiscope harnesses the power of community by serving governmental agencies, professional associations, consulting firms, civic organizations, non-profits, corporations, and community leaders. We provide community engagement, strategic facilitation and planning, government relations and policy advising, and educational programs to this extraordinary spectrum of clients in support of their missions to build, serve, and advocate for their communities. POSITION SUMMARY The Economic Development Manager is responsible for driving membership growth, business engagement, and economic development initiatives for Southern California cities and business associations. This position develops and executes strategic recruitment, onboarding, and retention programs while serving as a primary liaison between businesses, local governments, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders. The role leads programs and committees focused on economic development, workforce development, real estate, and land use; supports board leadership; coordinates business engagement and public events; and identifies opportunities to elevate member success through strategic communications and storytelling. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building, project management, business development, and communication skills, with the ability to translate organizational value into meaningful partnerships that strengthen the regional business community. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop prospecting plans, outreach strategies, and action plans to recruit members for Southern California-based business associations Coordinate with marketing and social media team members to produce materials, online content, and promotional incentives for new members Coordinate with program coordinators, project coordinators, and board/committee members to leverage organizations’ events for member recruitment Implement action plans to attract, follow-up with, and secure new members through an organized funnel that reliably converts prospects to members Create and execute successful new member onboarding processes Develop and implement a replicable member retention program As part of member relations, utilize the organization’s resources and membership to provide business assistance and support to new and current members Visit local businesses in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles County to create new connections, provide assistance, and maintain relationships Liaison with city staff on economic development efforts to keep up to date and provide insights for actionable steps to members and committees Lead member committee meetings that involve economic development, including real estate, land use, and workforce development Support nonprofit board members in their roles Coordinate projects related to public events and engagement activities Identify stories, individuals and businesses that may be featured in compelling stories, with the goal of amplifying their profiles. Oversee and participate in the collection of dues for memberships and events Invite stakeholders and potential attendees to business events and programs Articulately convey to prospects and others the benefits that our associations provide to their members and communities General Activity Breakdown Direct business engagement by phone and in person (30%) Coordinating/attending Board, committee, and project meetings (25%) (Working with volunteer leadership to set agendas, working with attendees, and support/co-lead meetings) Supporting events through planning, engagement, and attendance (25%) Writing pitches, briefs and actionable memos (10%) QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree required. Minimum 5 years of experience in economic development, business assistance, community relations, government affairs, and communications within a nonprofit organization, trade association, or local, state, or federal government agency or elected office (7 years of experience is preferred). Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information concisely to engaged and less engaged audiences. Experience with public speaking and presentation development. Proven ability to identify, develop, and leverage key relationships into collaborative opportunities with a range of stakeholders and diverse communities. Demonstrated ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects and objectives, lead projects, and work effectively with others internally to produce positive results. Mastery of economic development principles Strong understanding of the inner workings of local and state government as it relates to economic development, permitting, business growth, and land use. Ability to troubleshoot business needs and act as an ombudsman to address concerns and issues. High degree of self-motivation, ethics, and commitment to inclusion. OTHER Requires some travel, mainly throughout Southern California. Some nights and weekends required. Compensation: $75,000 to $100,000 Job Type: Full-time, non-exempt position #J-18808-Ljbffr