Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the strategic vision and programming that support entrepreneurship, business technical assistance, and other targeted or identified programming. Scopes, develops, implements, and manages programs and initiatives.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with businesses, non-profits, lenders, government partners, educational institutions, community associations, and other stakeholders; builds and leverages partnerships to support the growth of business owners in Portland.
• Works collaboratively with partners to support the continued viability and growth of business owners in Portland.
• Convenes and facilitates meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manages the deployment and maintenance of software tool that connects business owners to external navigation services.
• Provides subject matter expertise on accessing opportunities for small businesses at the Federal, State & Local level.
• Responds to business requests by answering questions, providing guidance, and connecting them to technical assistance and other resources.
• Manages Federal grant contract development and administration, including managing solicitation, scope, disbursement, compliance, and reporting.
• Develops and implements marketing and outreach strategy in collaboration with the Community and Involvement Team; creates and maintains related materials including website, social media, newsletters, and distribution lists.
• Develops and makes presentations to Board of Commissioners, City Council, community associations, and other stakeholders.
• Oversees and manages the data collection, generation of metrics and outcomes, analysis, and reporting for projects and programs. Utilizes data to inform strategy and program/policy evaluation.
• Manages and tracks budget for assigned projects and programs.
• Analyzes research, tracks, and participates in the creation of best practices and trends related to community economic development and access to Federal, State & Local small business resources.
• Plans and leads presentations, promotions, and trainings related to Prosper Portland initiatives.
• Crafts scopes of work and manages related professional services, contracts, and agreements. Participates on selection committee.
• Collaborates across the agency to align efforts in support of building an equitable economy; participates in the creation and implementation of projects and programs across the agency, including business lending products.
• Makes recommendations and leads and/or participates in program, process, and policy improvements; coordinates or assists with their implementation.
• Supports ECED Team and agency with economic development initiatives, special projects, participation on committees, and other relevant duties as assigned.

• Operates under minimal supervision. Establishes own approaches and procedures to work. Receives general or little instruction on new assignments. Work is subject to final review.
• Makes decisions for many aspects of work that requires technical expertise, initiative, and good judgement. Makes recommendations for complex and politically sensitive decisions that require oversight.
• Decisions and errors in work can have a significant legal, financial, political, or operational impact to the agency.
• Work involves a high level of complexity due to tight timelines, the need to prioritize multiple assignments, relationship management with a variety of external stakeholders that require negotiation, bridge-building, and compromise, and the inherent nature of creating and implementing programs grounded in racial equity.
• Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, will oversee the work of consultants, vendors, temporary workers, and/or student staff.

• Interpersonal Skills: Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, and discretion.
• Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and a willingness to help. Ability to train and provide guidance to others.
• Teamwork: Ability to work with others inclusively and collaboratively. Works to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
• Communication: Effectively communicates both verbally and in writing. Ability to speak and present in public. Utilizes negotiation, facilitation, and persuasion skills. Ability to organize, simplify, and report complex data and information to a variety of audiences.
• Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions.
• Advancing Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity, and actively seeks out opportunities to do so. Ability to learn, understand, and apply the principles and practices of equity to work.

• Knowledge: Advanced technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: community economic development, inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation, workforce development, or small business development. Knowledge and understanding of small business technical assistance, access to capital, and other supports for entrepreneurs and businesses. General knowledge of federal, state, and local economic development and public policy. Knowledge of and ability to apply strategies that center equity in project/program development and implementation. Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and database systems. Basic understanding of public administration.
• Technical Abilities: Advanced project/program management skills overseeing complex initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders.

• Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.
• Problem Solving: Apply research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Exercises sound judgement in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure to work.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.

• Planning and Organization: Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate, and monitor complex projects, initiatives, and contracts independently. Ability to strategize, develop, implement, and evaluate goals, policies, and procedures. Ability to manage a budget with multiple funding streams.

• Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for one’s actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.