Business Retention and Small Business Program Manager

City of Fairfax•Va 22030, VA

20h

About The Position

The Business Retention and Small Business Program Manager of Fairfax City Economic Development (FCED) develops, coordinates, and implements business retention and expansion initiatives for existing businesses, as well as small business development and support, with an emphasis on retail and Main Street businesses. The position is part of the Business Investment team, maintains a database of existing businesses, conducts proactive outreach, and serves as a liaison to the local business community. Business attraction is handled by other members of the Business Investment team. The incumbent is the content lead for small business education and support programs and works with partner organizations to develop or co-deliver programs that advance shared economic development goals. The position reports to the Senior Assistant Director of Economic Development, with support to individual portfolio leads. It does not supervise employees and works under general direction, exercising initiative within established programs and policies.

Requirements

Three years of professional experience in economic development, business development, local government, or closely related work; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience managing programs or events from concept through logistics.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, WordPress, CRM management, and Adobe.
Knowledge of government operations, private sector business development support, and economic development efforts.
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to pay close attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively within a small but growing team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for diverse business and community audiences.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, marketing, or a related field.
Experience owning or operating a business or running a business retention or small business support program.
Additional IEDC coursework or comparable professional development.
IEDC Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) certification.
State-issued driver’s license; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Maintain and regularly update a database of existing businesses, including retail, small business, and Main Street establishments, by assigned industry and size category.
Develop and carry out a structured outreach strategy, including site visits and business check-ins, to identify local business needs, opportunities, and challenges and support business retention and expansion.
Analyze CoStar real estate data on lease renewals, closures, and local commercial property trends to anticipate retention needs, and connect businesses with City, regional, and partner resources.
Document business interactions and data in FCED’s BluDot customer relationship management system.
Build and strengthen relationships with business owners, managers, and local business associations.
Develop, coordinate, and deliver small business education classes, workshops, training series, and technical assistance programs, whether led by FCED or under an approved partnership agreement.
Support the creation, delivery, and evaluation of programs and events for local retail and Main Street businesses, including initiatives intended to drive consumer traffic and sales.
Build and maintain partnerships with business associations, nonprofit organizations, local schools, and regional economic development partners.
Work with partner organizations to co-develop or support programs, events, and education opportunities aligned with the FCED strategic work plan.
Prepare reports on program outcomes, measurements, and impacts for FCED leadership, the City’s Senior Leadership Team, and City Council, and present findings as needed.