Economic Development Program Specialist 2 (NY HELPS)

Empire State•Albany, NY

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Minority and Women’s Business Development (MWBD) Director for Business Development, the incumbent will act as the primary liaison to assigned regional areas and agencies/authorities and will serve as program manager for certain business development programs. The incumbent promotes growth and opportunity for MWBE firms through education and outreach to agencies and prime contractors throughout New York State. Such activities will include but not be limited to: finding and disseminating information on contracting opportunities; providing information and training regarding tools for launching/expanding a business; technical support; marketing access to capital programs; and participating in and/or developing local/regional events and workshops. The incumbent will keep Division management apprised - on a timely basis - of significant issues, trends, or developments, with supported written findings and recommendations.

Requirements

A bachelor's and three years of experience applying business knowledge, training and experience to provide a wide range of professional and management level economic development services for the promotion of business, tourism and international trade in New York State, providing technical advice and problem-solving assistance to economic development organizations and businesses by conducting business-to-business marketing programs, and promoting, publicizing,and developing strategic plans and initiatives related to business and economic development services.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of professional experience in the field of business development, economic development and/or management consulting experience.
Knowledge of minority-and-women-owned business certification processes and/or advocacy programs.
Experience in program management.
Experience in partnership development.
Exceptional writing and presentation skills.
Proficient in developing presentations using programs including PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Identifies business opportunities in contracting and capital programs for MWBEs, and counsels MWBEs on contract access strategies including but not limited to creating/improving capability statements, bidding, RFP proposals and access to capital resources.
Monitors assigned New York State agency/authority procurements, Request for Proposals (“RFPs”) and contracting opportunities in the New York State Contract Systems (“NYSCS”), and via partnership meetings and general research for MWBE matchmaking.
Provides support to agencies/authorities in identifying viable MWBEs for their opportunities. Support activities include but is not limited to assisting with the NYS Directory of Certified Firms, pulling MWBE data based on parameters including business location and NAICs codes, promoting agency/authority procurement events and meeting with agencies to develop business development strategies.
Track certified firms for prime and subcontracting opportunities based on the parameters provided by agency/authority or Prime Contractors.
Develop/maintain relationships with agencies/authorities and prime contractors to create pathways for MWBE supply chain networks and their access to contract opportunities.
Develops and provides training and technical assistance workshops and resource materials to agencies/authorities, municipalities and businesses in identifying and accessing MWBE contracting opportunities, access to capital, marketing to government agencies and general business strategies.
Serves in a program management role for Division programs including the Business Growth Accelerator Program. This role includes but is not limited to leading weekly check-in meetings with Incubator leads, reviewing programmatic reports, providing oversight on program delivery and reporting progress to management.
Works with agencies/authorities, MWBEs, and external stakeholders to promote and encourage full engagement in programs authorized under Article 15-A (such as MWBD-related procurement practices and reporting protocols), as well as policies and practices relating to new initiatives.
Creates evaluation metrics, measures effectiveness, and elicits feedback for specific business development programs. Conducts meetings to share these results to help the participating agencies/authorities and/or stakeholders improve on current performance.
Assists in event development and planning for Division-led events including the MWBE Regional Opportunities Expo Series and MWBE Forum. Planning assignments include but are not limited to developing panel/workshop topics, identifying recommended speakers, participating in briefing meetings and developing MWBE resource guides.
Compiles economic/business development information needed for program management and MWBE service delivery purposes.
Based on assignment, develops and maintains relationships with agencies/authorities, regional business organizations, banking institutions and prime contractors to connect MWBEs to business opportunities and promote Division events and programs.
Represents Empire State Development and the Division in business events. Participation includes but is not limited to exhibiting, presenting, panelist/moderator roles and developing social media content.
Monitors and responds to inquiries submitted to the Business Development Unit from MWBE vendors, agencies/authorities, prime contractors, and external organizations.
Approximately 30% statewide travel to regions including, but not limited to, Western NY and Finger Lakes is required.
Special projects and other relevant tasks as assigned.