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Existing Business Consultant
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Reports To: Chief Economic Development Officer
Purpose:
This position is responsible for creating jobs by helping existing Memphis companies grow and expand by connecting them to resources and information.
The role requires a team player who is capable of multitasking and working as part of a cross-functional team. The Existing Business Consultant is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with businesses throughout the Memphis region, identifying opportunities that exist to assist these businesses, and leading efforts to bridge the gap which may prevent businesses from being successful or expanding. This position will serve as a resource for local government coordination and will develop and maintain appropriate databases to support Economic Development activities as needed.
The role requires a team player who is capable of multitasking and working as part of a cross-functional team. The Existing Business Consultant is responsible for the below.
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Establish and maintain relationships with businesses throughout the Memphis region.
- Identify opportunities that exist to assist businesses interested in growth and expansion.
- Lead efforts to address issues/concerns that may prevent businesses from surviving or expanding.
- Serve as a resource for local government coordination and will develop and maintain appropriate databases to support Economic Development activities as needed.
- Ability to multitask and work effectively as part of a cross-functional team.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for business retention and expansion outreach.
- Conduct existing industry visits to discuss potential expansions, gather feedback on any issues a company may be facing that are hindering growth, and learn about challenges they face such as workforce readiness.
- Develop strong community relationships by meeting with economic development stakeholders such as EDGE, Greater Memphis Workforce Development, the Tennessee Valley Authority and other local economic development organizations, county and municipal mayors, small business and entrepreneurship partners, universities and community colleges, and other community based economic development partners so that they can assist with business growth and expansion in the region.
- For companies seeking either a relocation or expansion in the region, identify potential sites and/or buildings, coordinate and/or write RFI responses, coordinate and participate in site visits, coordinate incentive applications, and deliver incentive letters, as well as assisting with other activities for companies seeking relocation to the region or expansion.
- Provide explanations for all incentive programs available to companies relocating or expanding in Tennessee including federal, state, and local incentive programs such as tax abatements, grants, or workforce programs.
- Be knowledgeable and provide support of programs such as International Trade, Federal Grant Programs, LaunchTN, and other initiatives as they are introduced.
Other Functions:
1. BRE Meetings
- Responsible for identifying targeted businesses to visit, scheduling of company visits, identification of business assistance needs, and execution of full scope of services needed for assistance, utilizing a customer relationship management system to track visits and business trends. This includes:
a. Conducting a minimum of 15 company consultations per month.
b. Setting and attend weekly company appointments.
c. Visiting a minimum of 15 companies per month.
d. Managing and achieve required key performing indicators (KPI) goals quarterly.
e. Reporting quarterly the total companies visited, contact person, results, and next steps.
2. Industry Advisory Councils
- Responsible for helping launch industry-specific advisory groups to develop competitiveness agendas to drive key sectors forward.
- Assist with coordination of these meetings, communications to stakeholders and updates to internal partners about agenda priorities. This includes:
a. Targeting a unique sector per quarter.
b. Arranging and coordinating industry council meetings.
c. Presenting the Existing Business Services to the industry.
3. Project Support
- Manage existing business projects from start to finish, facilitate all required meetings and events during visits, as well as follow up.
- Coordinate all aspects of retention and expansion projects with various government agencies, areas businesses, educational institutions and utilities as needed. Stay up to date on the industry trends and news as it pertains to assigned target industries.
4. Membership Support
- Serve as a resource to Membership staff and other divisions of the Chamber regarding business needs and assistance provided by the Economic Development division.
5. General Functions
- May also work with other staff members on marketing projects.
- Must perform other related duties as assigned or required.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Prior work experience in economic development and/or sales preferred.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- A versatile self-starter that can execute high-level research strategies while analyzing and translating data into actionable insights.
- Proficient in client management software, including CRM.
- Strong skills with MS Office products, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Project management skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and writing skills in English.
Environmental Requirements:
- Most work is conducted in typical indoor office environment.
- The position may require work on some nights and weekends.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- Frequently required to sit, talk, and hear,
- Occasionally required to walk,
- Regularly uses hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls,
- Constantly reaches with hands and arms,
- Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds,
- Regularly uses close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it is not meant to be all-inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned.
Please apply by completing the form below. Application will remain open until the position is filled.
Business Development Consultant
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Reports To: Chief Economic Development Officer
Purpose:
This position leads the Chamber’s efforts to recruit new businesses to the greater Memphis region, creating high quality jobs and increased capital investments.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for businesses considering locating in the Greater Memphis region.
- Build strong relationships throughout the site selection and real estate industries to present Memphis as the ideal location for business expansion.
- Develop strong community relationships by meeting with economic development stakeholders such as EDGE, Greater Memphis Workforce Development, the Tennessee Valley Authority and other local economic development organizations, county and municipal mayors, small business and entrepreneurship partners, universities and community colleges, and other community based economic development partners so that they can assist with business growth and expansion in the region.
- Lead all prospecting and recruitment activities, including site visits and documentation under the guidance of the Chief Economic Development Officer.
- Assist with the development of key market visits to present the Memphis region to site selection consultants and real estate brokers.
Other Functions:
- Execute on business recruitment strategies developed in partnership with the larger Economic Development team.
- Direct outreach to site selection consultants and real estate community.
- Assist in the development of marketing strategies to attract new businesses.
- Attend industry conferences and events
- Lead recruitment projects for the department, including coordinating Requests for Information (RFI) responses, all research and workforce data
- Organize, coordinate and lead prospect visits including follow up activities.
- Serve as a resource to other components of the Chamber team, including supporting the Membership team to convert new companies to new members; engaging with Marketing and Communications team to ensure strong messaging of business development opportunities; and working closely with Research and Workforce teams to ensure all materials are up to date and reflect the strongest value proposition.
- Must perform other related duties as required or assigned.
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Prior work experience in economic development and/or sales preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Versatile self-starter that can execute high-level research strategies while analyzing and translating data into actionable insights.
- Proficient in client management software, including CRM.
- Strong skills with MS Office products, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Project management skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
Environmental Requirements:
- Most work is conducted in typical indoor office environment.
- Position may require up to 25% travel, including some overnight and weekends.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- frequently required to sit, talk, and hear;
- occasionally required to walk;
- regularly uses hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls;
- constantly reaches with hands and arms;
- occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds;
- regularly uses close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it is not meant to be all-inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned.
Please apply by completing the form below. Application will remain open until the position is filled.
Director of Public Policy and Advocacy
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Reports To: Chief Government Affairs Officer
Purpose:
The Director of Public Policy and Advocacy collaborates directly with the Chief of Government Affairs to
provide vision, direct management, and oversight of all aspects of the Public Policy department. This
includes development of advocacy programs associated with the Chambers initiatives at the local, state,
and federal levels and the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce and Workforce Development
boards. This position also serves as the primary staff liaison to our Public Policy Committee.
Essential Functions:
- Supports in the development and implementation of The Chamber’s policy and advocacy priorities.
- Tracks policy and legislative trends and provides these insights with internal partners to help guide
development of policy positions. - Gathers and develops external research to help develop and support The Chamber’s policy positions.
- Manages critical relationships with regional stakeholders, including state and local elected officials,
key public agencies, and key external stakeholders. - Tracks, monitors, and analyzes local and state legislation to develop The Chamber’s policy positions
and strategy for response. - Creates policy position papers for internal and external audiences on a range of regional regulatory
matters.
Develops written and oral regulatory comments, testimony, and presentations. - Supports Chamber Public Policy programs and events as necessary for policy development and the
execution of programs such as blank and blank. - Works with the President & CEO in support of the Chamber Political Action Committee and Public
Policy Committee. - Provides oversight and support for the Chambers Issues PAC
- Represents The Chamber in trade associations and membership organization meetings.
- Provides direct supervision of the Public Policy Coordinator and/or other policy staff.
- Attends public agency meetings, public hearings to monitor and represent The Chamber on priority
issues. - Serves as primary staff liaison to ethnic and geographic chambers and partner organizations in the
service area. - Exemplifies Chamber’s mission, vision, and values.
- Other duties as assigned
Education/Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university in a Public Policy related field; or two to four
years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Excellent organizational skills and diligence.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate and work cross-functionally.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
- Strong critical thinking skills.
- Excellent facilitation skills.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Ability to negotiate with various stakeholders.
Environmental Requirements:
- Most work is conducted in a typical indoor office environment.
- The position may require some nights and weekends week.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- frequently required to sit, talk, and hear;
- occasionally required to walk;
- extensively uses hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls;
- constantly reaches with hands and arms;
- occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds;
- extensively uses close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the
ability to adjust focus.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it is not meant to be all-inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned.
Please apply by completing the form below. Application will remain open until the position is filled.
Executive Director, Workforce Development – Grant Funded
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Department: Workforce Development
Reports To: The VP of Talent Innovation and Community Engagement
FLSA Status: Exempt
Purpose:
The Greater Memphis Chamber (Chamber) serves as both the Fiscal Agent and Staff to the Greater Memphis Local Workforce Development Board. As such, the Chamber is seeking an Executive Director to plan, implement, and direct workforce development activities, of the Greater Memphis Workforce Development Board (GMWDB), carrying out its policies and administering day to day activities and programs in accordance with legal responsibilities and Board philosophies and values.
The Executive Director’s responsibilities fall into the following major categories: policy and system building; stakeholder support; external relations and administration and compliance. The Executive Director is an employee of the Greater Memphis Chamber, who in its capacity as the Fiscal Agent and Staff to the GMWDB, reports directly to the GMWDB and the Chief Local Elected Official (CLEO).
Essential Functions:
Responsibilities listed below are provided both directly and through delegation and oversight as appropriate and necessary to maintain smooth departmental operations.
- Serve as the senior staff member of the Workforce Development Board, providing training to new members; organizing Board development and strategic planning efforts; collaborating with the Chair to schedule Board meetings, develop agendas, and disseminate meeting materials; informing membership of relevant issues; maintaining Board membership in accordance with legislation and bylaws; assisting Board in fulfilling its legal and ethical obligations.
- Staff appropriate Board committee(s), working closely with committee chairs to schedule meetings, plan agendas and ensure assignments and expectations are carried out; coordinate other Board committee work with department staff to ensure staffing and implementation of Board and committee policies and recommendations.
- Guide the Board in preparation of strategic plan and other community leadership publications; serve as official spokesperson for the Board; serve as Board liaison with local governments, organizations, businesses, and other entities with an interest in workforce development issues.
- Coordinate with Chief Elected Official, Local Elected Officials, and the Chamber to schedule and plan meeting agendas, review annual plans and modifications, and guide board in making timely and appropriate appointments to the Workforce Development Board.
- Build community and organizational relationships. Lead efforts to implement innovative and effective initiatives and services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and other funding sources. Develop broad policy guidance to direct regional career, job training, and employment initiatives. Lead other projects that enhance development of a consolidated regional system. Work closely with the business community to understand job trends and to connect employers with a trained workforce to fill vacant jobs.
- Make presentations to public and civic groups on matters of significance to the system; participate in community meetings and other public events that advance the Board’s leadership role in workforce development and economic development issues; participate in state, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and training sessions designed to enhance professional knowledge and skills.
- Review relevant data and literature to keep abreast of current trends and developments in the field of workforce development and communicate key findings to appropriate individuals and organizations; maintain knowledge of additional funding opportunities and be able to successfully implement with little or no prior preparation time.
- Oversight of the production and distribution of public communications materials that identify the purpose, goals, and achievements of the Board and those that market the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Greater Memphis American Job Centers and System, including newsletters, AJC publications, news releases, WDB strategic plans, State of the Workforce reports, Workforce Development annual reports, and other relevant public documents using website(s), various social media, press releases, and written publications
- Ensure development of Local Area workforce plans, policies and procedures, modifications, and budgets by department staff and in keeping with Board policy.
- Determine equitable allocation of funds in consultation with the GMWDB and designated staff; assess and evaluate service delivery strategies and service provider outcomes; oversee performance measurements and standards as established by federal and state regulations and the Workforce Development Board.
- Coordinate development of all budgets; work closely with Fiscal Agent staff to monitor expenditures of funds; analyze data, operational, and management reports for the region; prepare, review, and submit reports concerning activities, budget, expenses, and other items affecting program services.
- Oversee contract negotiations and agreements for funding and implementation of programs; develop professional services requests, review proposals, manage the process for selecting contractors, prepare contracts; oversee implementation of contracts; ensure that obligations are met; that invoices are received, processed, and within parameters of contract budgets.
- Guide staff in preparation of policies for the Greater Memphis American Job Center System, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and such other systems and legislation as may fall under the Department’s purview; review progress of centers toward goal build regional business plans and report progress and discrepancies to the Board; direct continuous improvement campaigns for Greater Memphis American Job Centers; advocate and lead effort to build regional one-stop career center system.
- Direct and oversee department staff in assignment and conduct of their respective responsibilities to include hiring, training, coaching, evaluating, disciplining, and recommendation for change in status, including promotion, demotion, suspension, and termination.
- Provide professional development opportunities to department staff to enhance and upgrade skills to meet current demands.
- Always Represent the Chamber, the CLEO and the Workforce Development Board in a respectful and professional manner.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, and (5) years of full-time senior level management experience that exhibits the candidate’s ability to effectively perform the duties and tasks related to this position.
- A master’s degree is preferred.
- Comprehensive understanding of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act and OMB guidelines.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Position requires strong grant management and leadership skills.
- Effective written and oral communication abilities, including the ability to speak comfortably before large audiences and to engage in open dialogue.
- Ability to convey complex concepts accurately and succinctly to distinctly address different audiences, (both verbally and in writing); ability to build consensus among workforce system stakeholders.
- Knowledge and skill regarding administration of an entity with responsibility to oversee multi-million dollar grant budgets, and administrative processes.
- Strong commitment to improving employment and economic opportunities for all members of the community.
- Thorough knowledge of federal and state workforce development and other pertinent legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Thorough knowledge of the state’s open meetings requirements; general knowledge of and ability to operate personal computers, associated software applications, hardware and peripheral equipment.
- Thorough understanding of and ability to effectively use social media and other 21st century communication tools to advance the goals of the WDB.
- Demonstrated support for diversity within department and among contracted organizations; understanding of and commitment to continuous quality improvement processes.
- Ability to work and manage effectively in dynamic and rapidly changing environment
- Capable of multi-tasking in a complex organizational setting.
Environmental Requirements:
- Work is conducted in a typical indoor office environment.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- frequently required to sit, talk, and hear;
- occasionally required to walk;
- regularly uses hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls;
- constantly reaches with hands and arms;
- occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 pounds;
- regularly uses close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it is not meant to be all-inclusive of the tasks that may be assigned.
Please apply by completing the form below. Application will remain open until the position is filled.