WILMINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JOB TITLE: VP of Small Business Development and Business Retention
REPORTS TO: President and CEO
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
PAY STATUS: Administrative Exemption
PRIMARY FUNCTION:
The position calls for a person with an aptitude for recruiting, supporting, and networking professional, technological, business, and other high growth companies, specifically high-growth entrepreneurs and small businesses in all stages of growth up to 25 employees. It is imperative this person be experienced in broad-based business services and extremely self-motivated, team driven, collaborative and persistent. This position requires extensive travel within New Hanover County and some out of area travel for the purpose of recruiting, marketing, representing the organization and client visits.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
· Serving as the primary point of contact for client activity and working to increase the number of, and cross-connections between, high growth companies in New Hanover County.
· Identifying, recruiting, and networking angel and venture capital sources.
· Continuously making critical introductions for entrepreneurial companies.
· Identifying potential collaborations and seeking opportunities on behalf of high growth companies within New Hanover County.
· Work with local, regional, state, and national partners in a collaborative manner to further build capacity for high growth companies.
· Work with local partners including high growth companies to develop an annual strategic plan which accomplishes clear goals and measureable performance metrics which further economic development, including but not limited to:
o recruit or grow ___ high growth companies within the 5-year period of 2021-2026.
o Identify/attract investments of $__M of equity investment within the period of 2021-2026.
· Serve as the liaison to outside partners on behalf of entrepreneurship including participation on local advisory boards and committees.
· Assist in designing additions to the Choose Cape Fear campaign that targets high growth businesses in target-rich areas.
· Selectively, where aligned with the business support goals of this position, attend and participate in local, regional and state meetings on behalf of the Wilmington Chamber regarding economic development.
· Maintain excellent professional relationships with service providers, educational partners, capital providers and client/target companies to accomplish the goals of this position.
· Develop databases of both high growth companies and angel/venture capital sources to facilitate connections, networking, and introductions.
· Apply principles of business retention and expansion to entrepreneurial companies in the region.
· Assist the chamber in strategic planning for annual program of work.
· Aggressively market our region as a location for entrepreneurial development.
· Assist in the development of chamber events focused on target sectors that will support growth of those sectors.
· Develop plan for visiting existing businesses in target sectors to aid in retention and growth.
· Demonstrate continuous efforts to improve operations and organizational culture, streamline work processes and work collaboratively and jointly to provide excellent customer service.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in business, economics or equivalent combination of education, related experience or training would be required to prepare for this position. Prior work experience of up to five years in a related management position would be required to prepare for this position.
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of economic development and business recruitment principles and practices is required. Knowledge of angel/venture capital sectors and equity investment due diligence process would be very helpful. Requires the ability to package and sell the area to prospects. Working knowledge of Chamber policies and procedures regarding economic development is essential. Knowledge of computers, related software and basic office equipment is required. Must possess management and organizational skills to maintain files and logs, and compile data to generate reports. Must possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, economic development allies, investors, prospects, and active clients.
COMPLEXITY OF DUTIES:
Performs duties according to established guidelines and procedures. Initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity are used to attract and recruit businesses and investors to the area.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer. Typically, only unusual or non-routine situations will be referred to the CEO.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY:
A high level of accuracy is required when researching economic development materials
and providing financial data to prospects and grant foundations. Most errors would be detected through proofing and editing procedures with undetected errors ranging in severity from slight to far reaching.
CONTACT WITH OTHERS:
Has frequent internal contact with Chamber staff, the Executive Committee, volunteers, economic development and entrepreneurship partners and the President/CEO. External contacts include clients and prospects, State, County and City staff and local businesses. All contacts are for the purpose of exchanging or providing information and require tact, courtesy and professional decorum.
CONFIDENTIAL DATA:
Has access to prospective client information, knowledge of local projects, City/County financial records, proposed labor strikes and various development problems, all of which are considered confidential and would not be in the Chamber's best interest to disclose.
MENTAL/PHYSICAL/VISUAL EFFORT:
The degree of concentration ranges from slight to intense based on the work being performed. Position is subject to frequent interruptions that require varied responses. While performing duties of the job, incumbent is routinely required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. Requires visual acuity and manual dexterity.
ENVIRONMENT:
Works in a normal office environment with business travel and exposure to traffic.
ACTIVITIES:
While time on activity is fluid the following represents the current percentage of time on activities:
· Entrepreneurship and angel investments: 20%
· Small Business Growth: 20%
· Business Retention: 20%
· Networking/ Prospecting: 15%
· State/ Local Partnership Building: 10%
· Marketing & Communications: 10%
· Directing Strategic Events: 5%
APPLICATION:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to info@wilmingtonchamber.org.
