Business Outreach Specialist (Contract)

Job Title

Under general supervision interfaces and develops relationships with local small to mid-sized businesses. Contract employees enjoy: Health, dental, and vision insurance Paid vacation and sick leave Paid holidays Retirement and life insurance options Please note that this position requires bilingual English/Spanish skills.

Essential Functions

Recommends and assists with the development and management of programs and services customized to the needs of the Alliance Business Assistance Center and small business community, to include existing businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs. Provides technical assistance and liaison services to connect businesses with programs and services available through the Alliance Business Assistance Center. Provides bilingual small business programming and services. Communicates in English and Spanish for public speaking activities, written communication, group events and one-on-one meetings. Acts as a key contact for local small to mid-sized businesses to ensure broad awareness of business assistance services related to the Alliance Business Assistance Center, which includes door-to-door visits, cold calls, emails, one-on-one meetings, networking, group and special events, and other means as directed. Assists new businesses and startups with navigating through new business licensing and permit processes, coordinates meet and greet meetings with other city department leads to clarify regulations and requirements of opening a business in the city of Thornton. Assists with the coordination and implementation of ribbon cutting events and other related services. Assists local businesses with applying for and completing grant applications. Participates in the review and packaging of Thornton grant applications and documents in preparation for committee reviews and audits. Maintains existing CRM system for all business contacts, communications, and services provided. Submits monthly activity report to administrative staff for data tracking. Assists with identifying and coordinating facilitators and business service providers to provide educational workshops and services through the Alliance Business Assistance Center. May lead workshops or cohort as knowledge and experience allow. Maintains a strong working relationship with the partners and consultants of the Alliance Center, maintains awareness and knowledge of their programs and services, to facilitate referrals and coordination of services for small businesses. Maintains communication with other Economic Development offices, business support organizations and business service providers to promote the activities and services available through the Alliance Business Assistance Center and to gain partnership and support from other communities and organizations. Maintains knowledge of the operations of the department, city and its community partners, to assist and direct customers in English and Spanish, and to obtain awareness of issues or concern related to the business community. Represents Alliance Business Assistance Center at city, public, and community meetings and events when requested. Works in coordination with the Economic Development staff, business advisors, contracted partners and consultants to identify business needs for programming and services necessary to assist businesses. Remains current and informed on outside community services, programs, funding and government regulations related to small businesses, entrepreneurial programs and startups. Identifies trends and activities related to small business needs, challenges, and programming. Communicates findings with supervisor and staff. Contributes input for the Alliance Business Assistance Center, local business marketing collateral, Economic Development newsletter, and may be responsible for other content. Provides staff support for the Alianza Advisory Board and Alliance Partners Committee. Assists in the production of invitations, PowerPoint presentations, and proposals for the Alliance Business Assistance Center. Assists with coordination and hosting of meetings, events, workshops, business functions, and community programs when necessary. Assists with food orders, set up and clean up for meetings, workshops, and other events. Some early mornings/evenings may be required. Conducts administrative duties such as answering phones, responding to emails, ordering supplies, and scheduling meetings as needed. Additionally, greets and assists walk-in guests and provides excellent customer service to all. Local travel and/or work outside of business hours may be required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or related field from an accredited college or university; four years' experience in business ownership, economic/business development, small business consulting/services preferred. Familiarity with incubators, startups, or co-working spaces preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the policies, procedures and goals of the City of Thornton and the department. Knowledge of principles and practices of local government administration. Knowledge of general practices, programs and initiatives in the field of economic development and small business programming. Ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish for public speaking activities, written communication, group events and one-on-one meetings. Ability to think creatively, research and develop new relationships to help design and implement new programs and services related to small businesses including startups, entrepreneurs, incubators, and existing businesses. Ability to work successfully in a team-oriented atmosphere that provides businesses, citizens and employees with accurate information and excellent customer service. Ability to use standard computer equipment and software including Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other database management programs. Ability to listen well and communicate effectively in English and Spanish, orally and in writing, with various audiences. Ability to research, develop and lead formal and informal presentations and discussions with diverse groups. Ability to regularly exercise significant discretion and independent judgment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city employees, city boards and commissions, other agencies, and the public. Ability to be highly detail-oriented and able to prove own work with a high level of accuracy. Ability to set work priorities, handle multiple work assignments and meet deadlines. Ability to adhere to established policies, procedures and standards. Ability to resolve problems as non-routine situations arise. Physical and Mental Requirements: While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, feel, talk, hear, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.

Testing Procedures

Examinations may include but are not limited to application screening beyond minimum qualifications; written, oral, practical exercise or any combination thereof or other job related assessment deemed appropriate by Human Resources. Your application will be used as a screening tool. Completeness and accuracy are important! Any false or untrue statements or material omissions in the application and related paperwork or during the selection process could disqualify you from consideration. As a condition of employment, the city of Thornton conducts background investigations for all positions which may also include a review of credit report and/or driving record. A drug screen, physical, and/or psychological examination administered by a city-designated provider will be required for pre-determined positions.

The City of Thornton is an equal opportunity employer.