Business Retention and Expansion Director
Black Business Association of Oregon
Job Location: in-office at BBA-Oregon headquarters
Compensation: $90,000 - $100,000

Motus Recruiting and Staffing is proud to partner with the Black Business Association of Oregon in its executive search for a Business Retention and Expansion Director.

ABOUT BLACK BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF OREGON:
The Black Business Association of Oregon (“BBA-Oregon”) is a newly founded organization aimed at advocating and promoting the successful development of Black-owned businesses. It is focused on improving economic equity across Oregon’s communities of color.

For more information on BBA-Oregon, visit https://bbaoregon.org/

OVERVIEW OF THE BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION DIRECTOR ROLE:
The Business Retention and Expansion Director will partner with the Executive Director, Board Members, staff, and other colleagues to develop and execute a strategic and influential business retention and expansion program that furthers BBA-Oregon’s mission to improve economic prosperity and resiliency for Black businesses and residents across the State of Oregon.

The Business Retention and Expansion Director is part of a cross-cutting support team that works closely with Board Members, strategic partners, and Black business owners across Oregon.

The Director will perform advanced professional economic development work; manage key projects from inception to completion; conducts business recruitment and retention activities and perform departmental administrative functions.  Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the incumbent conducts economic development policy analyses and development, and is responsible for making various public presentations.  Frequent and consistent interaction with various community groups, including residents, members of the business community, and elected and appointed officials at all levels of government is vital to the success of incumbent in this position.

Salary range for Business Retention and Expansion Director: $ 90,000 - $100,000

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION DIRECTOR:

• Lead the effort to locate and identify Black owned businesses across the state of Oregon.
• Oversee the management of the Customer Relationship Management Database.
• Provide problem-solving support to Black businesses that seek direct technical assistance.
• Serve as a liaison between businesses and public/private agencies.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data regarding economic conditions for Black businesses.
• Plan and organize the business visitation program to include regular and periodic communication, various correspondence methods and primarily on-site personal interviews with business and property owners to assess business concerns and opportunities.
• Provide guidance to businesses on overcoming development obstacles, identifying opportunities for growth, and facilitating expansion. Offers assistance through business support programs
• Conduct research and compiles information from numerous sources on local business activity, expansion plans and potential start-up operations.
• Documents and maintains results of business, visits, and implements resulting action items.
• Develop presentations for individual businesses, chambers of commerce, business associations, and government entities showcasing available services and assistance programs.
• Recommend resources and networking connections with local industry partners.
• Provide business contacts with banking institutions, state and federal agencies which can provide technical expertise for most business needs.
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of programs and resources available to businesses.

• Communication – ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing, to include the preparation of detailed reports which include numerical information and statistics and preparing and presenting a wide variety of public relations materials. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner. Ability to listen and understand information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing.

• Time Management – ability to establish and implement effective administrative programs and procedures. Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

• Accounting and Budgeting –ability to employ economic and basic accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting of financial data.

• Strategic Planning – plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Excellent skills in planning and coordinating multiple projects.

• Judgment/Decision Making – evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

• Interpersonal Relationships - develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees and all levels of management to include representatives from other departments, business owners, municipal leaders, and outside organizations.

• Business Development – comprehensive understanding of economic development processes and practices in the areas of marketing and business development, economics, business administration, economic development, and workforce development. General knowledge of the regulations of federal and state funding programs to effectively ensure grant program compliance.

• Marketing - general knowledge of marketing and marketing material development to include visual aids, brochures, reports, and multi-media presentations.

• Customer Service – extensive expertise in the principles and methodologies of delivering exceptional customer services. This includes setting and meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Information Technology – knowledge of office equipment and personal computers to include word processing and a variety of presentation media, AND economic development customer relationship management platforms.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing or related field from an accredited university.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in economic development working with a government agency, Chamber of Commerce, or non-profit organization.
• Must have experience in managing staff and assigning projects.
• Must demonstrate tangible successes of retaining and expanding business in a leadership position.
• Must possess the ability to build consensus and develop productive relationships with businesses, staff, stakeholders, and partnering organizations.

• Graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute
• Business retention and expansion training from the International Economic Development Council

The Black Business Association of Oregon (“BBA-Oregon) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels challenged, appreciated, respected, and engaged. BBA-Oregon prohibits discrimination and harassment and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any characteristic (or classification) protected by applicable law.

About Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc.
Founded in 2006, Motus is an award-winning recruiting and staffing firm in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in professional services and technology solutions. We are a group of people who not only recognize the importance of representation, but actively fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process. Our goal is to educate organizations on the importance of DEI when hiring, promoting, and supporting diverse employees. We are calling organizations to demonstrate their commitment to DEI by being intentional about who they hire.
 
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability or protected veteran status.