Job description

HOURS OF WORK: 37.50 hours per week. Flexibility to work nights and weekends for community meetings and events, as needed. This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s new Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We care deeply about supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship and providing economic opportunity to our residents and business owners. Under the direction of the Senior Economic Development Manager, and working closely with staff, the Small Business Specialist will develop initiatives aimed at small businesses and entrepreneurs, advance efforts to support businesses of all types, and work regularly with businesses owners, residents, and start-ups. You should be a self-motivated and detail-oriented professional, and ready to work as part of a team to support our diverse businesses and create economic opportunities for our residents. We seek candidates with a strong commitment to equity and respect, both in the provision of services and in the workplace.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the management of the Division’s business development workshops and trainings programs. This includes a mix of tax-funded and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded entrepreneurship and financial workshops. This work includes developing the program and finding program-related contractors, marketing and conducting outreach to entrepreneurs and business owners, and working with contractors to carry out workshops.
• Identify and work with local partners to promote, develop, and support entrepreneurship through new programming, including developing a business mentorship program.
• Assist with the Retail Strategic Plan and BIPOC Business Advisory Committee implementation projects, including construction mitigation and marketing efforts.
• Provide one-on-one counseling to entrepreneurs and small business owners interested in starting or growing their businesses.
• Conduct research and industry analysis regarding the Cambridge economy including commercial district market profiles, employment, and other local and national economic trends.
• Provide support for other division initiatives, such as ARPA-funded program implementation, and perform other duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essentials functions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 4 years of experience in planning, public policy, public administration, or similar professional experience. A Master's Degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience; an Associate’s Degree in a related field with 6 years of experience in public or non-profit administration or similar professional experience will also be considered.
• Strong community engagement and outreach experience, especially involving stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and with diverse interests and opinions; demonstrated ability to relate to the public and co-workers in a positive manner.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse range of Department staff, other City employees, volunteer board/committee members, elected officials, and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to develop, research, analyze, interpret, and communicate written program guidance, requirements, and regulations.
• A desire to study challenging and current issues in economic and community development.
• Strong project management skills; strong organizational and time management skills.
• Overall computer proficiency including general office applications (Microsoft Office suite) and advanced applications (e.g., Adobe Acrobat, CRM).
• Ability to prioritize workloads, multitask and meet deadlines while working in a fast-paced environment.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse.   Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of Cambridge community.
• Familiarity with federal or other grant award programs would be a plus.

RATE: $65,545-$91,137/year + competitive benefits

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation and Sick leave eligible
• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
• 3 Personal days
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Management Allowance, $2,700/year
• City employee transportation benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle)

APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit both your resume and cover letter via email to the City's employment email account or to the Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA 02139. Fax 617-349-4312. Resume and cover letter requested by 09/13/22. Position will remain open until filled. We are an AA/EEO Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,545.00 - $91,137.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• planning, public policy, and/or public administration: 4 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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