Business Outreach Coordinator
North Branch Works
Chicago, IL
Overview/Purpose
North Branch Works is a non-profit, community based economic development agency that works with industry and businesses located in four industrial corridors on Chicago’s north side to maintain stable and growing business corridors that retain and expand jobs for area residents. The Business Outreach Coordinator will build and maintain relationships with local companies and the community through outreach and marketing of city and business services, explore and document company needs and connect them to solutions. A successful applicant will possess self confidence, the ability to connect with business owners and community members and demonstrate how they worked effectively to help others and benefit the community in past jobs or endeavors.
Responsibilities
Contact Krista Elam, Director, Sustainable Economic Development, for more information at krista@northbrachworks.org
Deliverables
Spend 25% of time outside the office visiting local firms in sales/marketing/service delivery effort
25 + new or renewed contacts with local businesses (per month) that result in issue resolution or retention/expansion of firms (documented and tracked in ECM)
Update Salesforce with current membership status and company information, key contacts, etc.
Produce 4 e-news letters per month
2 company e-news features per month
Assist with planning events (for example: Wendella Boat Networking, Business Mixers & Fall Fundraiser)
Organize and conduct 3-4 Infrastructure Task Force Meetings per year
Assist with meeting our annual membership revenue of goal of $ 25,000; recruit 2 new members per month (revenue sharing based on existing policy)
- Become conversant in and effectively market public and private business assistance programs available through NBW and our partner organizations such as OCS Micro Loan program, SomerCor-SBIF, TIF Works, BCAP, IMEC, etc.;
- Conduct outreach to firms in our service area to explore/obtain/explain issues related to business retention/expansion; work with company leadership to resolve issues resulting in retention that supports private investment and job creation;
- Organize and ensure strong attendance at NBW’s Infrastructure Task Force meetings. This includes finding a location, creating an agenda in coordination with city departments, aldermen, and local companies to address company/community needs;
- Assist with membership revenue generation-both of new member recruitment and member retention. Help plan member events and update membership marketing materials. Work with Membership Coordinator and Executive Director to set target membership goals to meet revenue goal;
- Write, edit and produce the NB_Connector (our weekly e-newsletter). Compose and gather relevant articles for the e-news letter including new member stories and features. Ask staff for articles on their programs, events, and seek additional relevant info to include in e-news.
- Work with Executive Director and Director of Finance to prepare and submit LIRI contract budget and workplan documents in coordination with DPD.
- Track and report monthly and quarterly progress on LIRI contract related to goals of the program including: business outreach, economic development programs, and real estate listings for our area.
- Work with the local real-estate community to market space in our area and address expansion/relocation needs of area businesses.
- Update NBW’s website with business incentives, real estate, membership info, events, and other relevant info as needed.
- Update social media by tweeting and making Facebook posts at least once a week and as needed.
- Help create and plan networking events, business workshops and fundraisers.
- BA or BS in business administration, social services, urban planning, or related field and 3-5 years work experience or MS;
- Emphasis on excellent sales and market skills, self-starter and ability to work independently and as a team member;
- Strong time management skills, ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks. Diligence in record keeping and reporting;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft office suite, Salesforce.com, and constant contact; ability to pick up and learn databases quickly.
- The LIRI Rep reports to the Director of Sustainable Economic Development
- Local Travel in Chicago neighborhoods is required
- Salary $38,000 - $48,000 /yr based on experience; competitive benefit package
- Full time: Monday- Friday (40 hours a week)
- Position starts mid July, 2016
Contact Krista Elam, Director, Sustainable Economic Development, for more information at krista@northbrachworks.org
Deliverables
Spend 25% of time outside the office visiting local firms in sales/marketing/service delivery effort
25 + new or renewed contacts with local businesses (per month) that result in issue resolution or retention/expansion of firms (documented and tracked in ECM)
Update Salesforce with current membership status and company information, key contacts, etc.
Produce 4 e-news letters per month
2 company e-news features per month
Assist with planning events (for example: Wendella Boat Networking, Business Mixers & Fall Fundraiser)
Organize and conduct 3-4 Infrastructure Task Force Meetings per year
Assist with meeting our annual membership revenue of goal of $ 25,000; recruit 2 new members per month (revenue sharing based on existing policy)