Business Assistant Specialist

City of Bloomington, MN • Bloomington, MN

369d • $37 - $41

About The Position

The Business Assistance Specialist focuses on business assistance, serving as a connector between the business community, economic development partners, and the City. As a liaison to the business community, you will cultivate relationships with entrepreneurs, business owners, and organizations dedicated to small business development; administer and evaluate business programs; provide assistance and guidance to businesses located in or considering Bloomington and help business owners connect to resources. As a team member in a relatively new working group, you will be able to help shape new processes and new programs, while maintaining existing successful programs. This position reports directly to the Assistant Port Authority Administrator - Business Assistance. This position will be in person and may be considered for a flexible work schedule upon completion of training, dependent on the needs of the organization.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in a role that required excellent customer service
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, City officials, partner organizations, the business community and general public
• Ability to represent the City in public settings, communicate effectively with the public and employees, both orally and in writing
• Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Office products; excellent aptitude with presentation software, i.e. PowerPoint or similar
• High School Diploma or equivalent

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Planning, Urban Affairs, Public Administration, Economics, or a similar field
• Additional years of government or development experience with a Port Authority, Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Authority, planning agency, or consultant
• Experience with GIS, CRM, and other applicable software
• Experience in program development and implementation for small business support
• Ability to speak another language
• Driver's license preferred

Responsibilities

• Respond to questions from entrepreneurs and business owners and follow through with excellent customer service
• Provide direct guidance on City permitting and referrals to local assistance programs
• Establish and nurture relationships with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and small business support organizations
• Occasionally haul, set up, take down, and coordinate event/meeting/tabling materials and supplies including tents, tables, and chairs
• Collaborate closely with the City's Communications team to promote the City's services and programs to the local business community
• Develop and monitor business-relevant content for websites and social media
• Contribute to targeted outreach campaigns to engage small businesses and entrepreneurs, addressing their unique needs and challenges
• Coordinate with other City departments and community organizations to foster a supportive ecosystem for small business growth
• Represent the interests of the small business community in internal conversation, policy development, etc.
• Conduct educational and informative presentations about Bloomington's business support services
• Actively participate in and represent the City at small business events, forums, and networking opportunities
• Assist the Assistant Port Authority Administrator - Business Assistance, to plan and implement business support services, events, workshops, and meetings
• Attend meetings and public events and take minutes or notes as needed
• Track metrics and performance measures related to business support services on a timely and consistent basis for internal and external reporting
• Administer grant processes, including applications, timely reporting, and compliance with local, county, state, federal, and other agency requirements
• Prepare and coordinate Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) and Requests for Proposals (RFP) for acquiring professional services
• Monitor public contracts for compliance
• Monitor budgets and track expenditures for programs and projects
• Facilitate and manage programs, i.e., Welcoming Wednesdays, Business Engagement Visits, CEO Start, etc.

Benefits

• Full-Time; Non-Exempt; AFSCME Union; Benefits Eligible per Union Contract

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support
• Education Level: High school or GED