Director - Business Banking

Njeda • Camden, NJ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director - Business Banking shapes, leads, and markets NJEDA financing programs for New Jersey micro, small, and mid-size businesses, including business loans and lending and grant products delivered through banks and community lenders. The role serves as EDA’s market expert, advocates for small businesses within State government, builds relationships with industry stakeholders, and leads a team responsible for developing and administering programs that support the state’s economic growth and long-term competitiveness.

The Director oversees the existing financing product portfolio and launches new programs to foster business growth. This includes identifying business opportunities, using market information to guide product development and program administration, and coordinating programs and resources with state and federal economic plans. The position advises senior leadership and the EDA Board, represents EDA with industry and government groups, and works with internal and external partners to advance organizational and state economic development objectives.

The role reports directly to the Managing Director and coordinates with department leadership. NJEDA currently offers a hybrid schedule of up to two work-from-home days per week, subject to high-speed home internet access and manager approval. Employees must establish and maintain their principal residence in New Jersey under the New Jersey First Act. Travel may be required for business operations. The position is exempt under the FLSA.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of experience in a banking and/or finance environment.
• At least 5 years of management or supervisory experience leading teams and driving results.
• Proven knowledge of EDA programs and services, banking, SBA lending products, underwriting principles, and financing and incentives.
• Deep understanding of state business registration and reporting requirements and how they affect program design and administration.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, including the ability to engage senior management, the EDA Board, government officials, business and industry partners, staff, and customers.
• Strong relationship-building skills, discretion, and ability to deal diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize, manage competing demands, and work independently with limited supervision.
• Adaptable, energetic, and proactive.
• Customer-focused, with commitment to EDA’s mission and serving the small business community.
• Must comply with the New Jersey First Act residency requirements; non-New Jersey residents must relocate to New Jersey within one year of hire and provide proof of residency.
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire annually and review the required New Jersey State Ethics Guidelines.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States; the State of New Jersey does not provide citizenship sponsorship.
• Foreign degrees or transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at the candidate’s expense and submitted before the start date; if not provided within 21 days of an offer, the offer will be rescinded.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field is highly preferred.
• An advanced degree or industry-specific certification may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the portfolio of programs supporting small and mid-size business growth, including policy, research, program creation, implementation, and administration.
• Manage multiple high-volume programs and align state and federal programs and resources with the State’s economic plan.
• Track and analyze program effectiveness, identify issues and market gaps, and recommend changes and solutions to senior leadership.
• Advise the Executive team and EDA Board on resources, policy, and advocacy, and review legislation to recommend policy.
• Represent EDA on investment panels, industry boards, and board, interagency, advisory, and task force meetings; present at forums to promote EDA resources.
• Ensure marketing and web materials are accurate, provide industry updates to stakeholders and the press, and ensure department practices comply with EDA policies.
• Recommend product development based on market and customer needs; create and administer pilot products to address market gaps; and oversee product launches with the Product Development team.
• Develop outreach plans to market programs and track and report outreach efforts.
• Build, mentor, and coach direct reports; set goals and priorities; conduct semi-annual reviews and annual appraisals; administer salary adjustments; and implement training and succession plans.
• Promote high performance, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to EDA’s strategic goals and management, and support business attraction, expansion, and retention efforts.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to communicate initiatives and products, assess program performance against organizational and state goals, and advance state economic development objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with private-sector partners, industry associations, and academic and government stakeholders.
• Assist with budget and legislative advocacy for EDA programs and funding.
• Complete annual and semiannual self-assessments as required and perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans
• Extensive wellness programs
• Hybrid work schedule with up to two telecommute days per week, subject to requirements and manager approval

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director