Business Development Specialist

This position assists with connecting businesses to resources through the Business Resource Network (BRN), supports the ongoing operation of the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center, and develops relationships with employers, community partners, and workforce organizations. The role also supports program communications, client services, business development assistance, training and curriculum development, data tracking, events, and other initiatives designed to strengthen businesses and connect job seekers with employment opportunities.

The Business Development Specialist supports business development, employer engagement, workforce services, marketing, outreach, and training activities within the Workforce & Business Development Program. This position assists with connecting businesses to resources through the Business Resource Network (BRN), supports the ongoing operation of the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center, and develops relationships with employers, community partners, and workforce organizations. The role also supports program communications, client services, business development assistance, training and curriculum development, data tracking, events, and other initiatives designed to strengthen businesses and connect job seekers with employment opportunities. Essential Functions Functional Area: Communications & Outreach Estimated Effort: 35% Package Business Development services and resources to meet the specific needs of employers and clientsAssist with the development, implementation, and delivery of business-related events and outreach activities, including job fairs, workshops, and other program activitiesManage, monitor, and update program social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and other applicable platformsAssist with program marketing, communications, and outreach activitiesMaintain and update the Workforce & Business Development (W&B) webpage to ensure information is accurate, current, and relevant to the communities and businesses servedDevelop and coordinate the quarterly newsletter, periodic Hot Topics email communications, and other media, public relations, and promotional contentDevelop communications, marketing materials, advertising, and other public-facing content that informs and connects communities, businesses, and clients with available programs, services, resources, and opportunitiesCollaborate with team members to research, plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate events, outreach activities, and other program initiativesProvide hands-on support for events, outreach, and community engagement activities to strengthen the programs presence throughout Pike County and surrounding countiesPerform general office duties, including filing, copying, faxing, answering telephones, and other administrative responsibilities as assigned Functional Area: Outreach & Program Delivery Estimated Effort: 35% Develop and implement marketing plans, promotional materials, graphic designs, public relations materials, and media outreach strategies for clients, partners, and program initiativesInitiate, develop, and maintain professional relationships with businesses, OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Centers, Business Resource Network (BRN) partners, OMJ partners, workforce professionals, and community organizationsEnter and maintain accurate client and service data in CFIS and ARIES in accordance with program guidelines and procedures for tracking BRN and OMJ servicesCoordinate outreach and business events in collaboration with BRN and Business Development clients and community partnersMake appropriate referrals to available programs, services, and resourcesConduct intake and needs assessments with business clients through the BRN or similar processes to identify business needs and connect employers with appropriate OMJ and BRN partner servicesConnect employers with resources including On-the-Job Training (OJT), tax credits, job orders, job fairs, Business Summits, open interviews, and other employer servicesProvide case management and follow-up services to enrolled clients participating in the BRN Program and Business Development ServicesProvide one-on-one business development assistance, including support with business plan development, financial projections, cash flow projections, business start-up planning, and other business development needsOrganize, promote, and conduct OMJ and business workshops on a regular basisTrack, maintain, and share data related to employer contacts, business services, client engagement, and program outcomes for reporting and evaluationComplete required monthly program reports accurately and within established deadlinesParticipate in internal and external meetings, networking opportunities, and professional development activities as assignedMonitor employer job orders and collaborate with OMJ staff to assist area businesses with recruiting and filling employment openingsAssist with OMJ Career Center duties and provide coverage as needed to ensure continuity of servicesAssist with the VITA Tax Assistance Program as needed, including obtaining required annual IRS certifications and serving as an Income Tax Intake Specialist, Preparer, and ReviewerMaintain and update Constant Contact distribution lists to support program communications and outreachMaintain accurate and current Business Development and BRN client records and databases in HubSpot Functional Area: Training, Curriculum & Professional Development Estimated Effort: 20% Develop and implement training content and curriculum related to leadership, team building, business development, and other identified client and staff needsEvaluate organizational, client, and staff development needs and design targeted learning programs, workshops, and activitiesPlan, coordinate, and participate in the delivery of workshops, trainings, and other educational activitiesServe as an instructor or facilitator for assigned workshops, trainings, and educational programsProvide one-on-one coaching and technical assistance to clients and staff based on identified needsCollaborate with program leadership and team members to develop, manage, and implement strategic learning and development plans and activitiesLead or facilitate instructional programs focused on leadership development, emotional intelligence, team building, coaching skills, professional development, and other relevant areas of functional knowledgeIdentify and recommend appropriate community, workforce, business, and professional partnerships to expand training, development, and resource opportunities for clients and staffCollaborate with clients, staff, partners, and community organizations to develop and deliver training programs and educational opportunities based on identified needs Functional Area: Service & Other Responsibilities Estimated Effort: 10% Serve as a member of assigned agency committees and collaborate with staff to promote program activities, coordinate services, and support continuous improvement initiativesRepresent the Workforce & Business Development Program on assigned committees, boards, professional associations, and community organizations, including the Business Management Advisory Committee, as appropriatePerform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor Minimum Requirements Education Associate degree in Business, Marketing, Human Resources, Workforce Development, or a related fieldAt least one (1) year of experience working with businesses or employers in recruitment, marketing, business development, workforce development, or related activities may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement Job-Related Experience Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in an office setting, including demonstrated experience in marketing, outreach, and the use of digital publishing and outreach toolsExtensive knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applicationsDemonstrated ability to develop and implement marketing, outreach, and communications activities using appropriate digital and publishing tools Licenses & Requirements Valid drivers licenseMust be insurable under agency insuranceMust obtain required VITA Program certifications prior to tax season, including: Standards of ConductVITA Site CoordinatorBasicAdvanced People Management Experience Demonstrated experience in leadership, team collaboration, and project coordinationSupervision, mentoring, or people-management experience is preferred Preferred Qualifications Prior supervisory or people-management experience Working Conditions Position is based in a well-lighted office environmentOccasional local and regional travel is required to engage with assigned programs and departmentsOccasional evening and weekend work and travel are requiredWork is fast-paced and involves multiple, sometimes competing prioritiesPosition requires management of complex project detailsWork may involve moderate-to-high levels of stress