Lead the re-launch of DEGC's small business team to provide programs and ... in Business Administration, Economics, Urba
JOB DESCRIPTION DETROIT ECONOMIC GROWTH CORPORATION Small Business Development Title: Vice President of Small Business Development FLSA: Exempt Reporting Relationship: Chief Operating Officer Organization The Detroit Economic Growth Corporation is the public‐private partnership leading the economic revitalization efforts for Detroit, the most exciting urban recovery in the country. The DEGC works on the behalf of the City of Detroit and closely with other partners to support existing businesses and bring new companies and investments to the City. The DEGC designs and implements innovative solutions that drive investment, create jobs, and build the economy through strong public‐private collaborations. The DEGC’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and professionalism permeate the organization and and undergirds our stature as the economic development authority for the City. The DEGC provides staff services to Detroit’s public development authorities including: The Downtown Development Authority, The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, The Economic Development Corporation, The Eight Mile Woodward Corridor Improvement Authority, Neighborhood Development Corporation, the Local Development Finance Authority, and the Tax Increment Finance Authority. General Summary The Small Business Department is positioned to drive the City of Detroit’s small business growth strategy. The DEGC seeks a dynamic seasoned executive to lead the re‐launch of DEGC’s small business department, helping to shift it from siloed programs to a cohesive service delivery system that provides value to its clients and external partners. This service delivery model would include centralized intake system; citywide marketing; engagement and outreach platform; client services; policy direction and program coordination. In addition to strong small business and entrepreneurship background, this individual will represent the DEGC with a myriad of diverse stakeholders in getting deals done and advancing Detroit’s small business community. Principal Duties and Responsibilities 1) Oversee the Small Business team, making final decisions and recommendations regarding client services, programs, and policy recommendations. 2) Provides vision and leadership in partnership with the City of Detroit regarding strategies to grow and strengthen Detroit’s small business community, especially in an inclusive and diverse way. 3) Creates and implements strategies, programs and services to grow and strengthen Detroit’s small business community. 4) Work with Detroit’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and governmental partners to collaboratively develop and advance a small business agenda for the City of Detroit. 5) Develops and maintains partner relationships needed to advance small business goals and agenda. 6) Lead the re‐launch of DEGC’s small business team to provide programs and services in a more efficient and effective way.
7)
8)
9)
10) 11)
Sets goals and targets for the small business team. Oversees the execution of the overall DEGC small business team strategy, monitoring performance and adjusting strategies and programs to ensure results. Directs and manages a team of highly skilled economic development professionals and resources to meet the small business goals of the DEGC, continually working to build and maintain a high‐performing team. Coordinates across DEGC and City of Detroit programs, departments and initiatives to maximize the impact of the City’s small business initiatives on neighborhood development and overall economic development strategy. Works with the CEO and President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer to set and manage the departmental budget, assist in fundraising efforts and new revenue opportunities. Serves as the senior representative from the DEGC’s Small Business team and the City of Detroit on small business issues to existing companies, clients, external economic development organizations, foundations and other public and private sector partners.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required 1) A Bachelor Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Community Planning, Finance, or a directly related field from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience. 2) A Masters Degree in a directly related field from an accredited college or university (preferred). 3) Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation (preferred). 4) Minimum of 7 years of experience in economic development positions which demonstrate increasing responsibility, including managing a moderate‐sized group of multi‐skilled economic development professionals. 5) Must be able to build, develop and direct a highly proficient team of economic development professionals performing small business and community development activities. 6) Strong portfolio of relationships with local, regional and national entrepreneurial organizations and influencers. 7) Significant experience interfacing with internal and external stakeholders and diverse clientele 8) Self‐starter with the ability to think creatively and work effectively with small teams. 9) Understanding of and ability to work with individuals at many levels within business, labor, government and quasi‐public institutions. 10) Demonstrated public relations skills in exchanging information as well as negotiating and resolving issues with companies and development partners. 11) Comfort with a quasi‐start up environment where challenges are ever‐revolving. 12) Knowledge of MS Office software.
