Manager, Business Development & Outreach

Harris County•Houston, TX

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, Business Development & Outreach is a key member of the Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity (DEEO), supporting department-wide initiatives that advance economic opportunity, business development, stakeholder engagement, and workforce and community outcomes. This position is responsible for developing and managing strategic programs, partnerships, outreach, and educational initiatives that connect businesses and community stakeholders with DEEO programs and resources. The position collaborates across DEEO divisions and with County departments, external agencies, business organizations, and community partners to strengthen the capacity of small, minority- and woman-owned businesses, support contractors doing business with Harris County, and advance departmental priorities. The Manager of Business Development & Outreach identifies emerging business and community needs and develops programs and partnerships that expand DEEO’s reach, effectiveness, and impact throughout Harris County.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, Public Relations, or a related field, and A minimum of 3 years of experience in supplier diversity, procurement, compliance monitoring or a related role, with a strong focus on capacity-building programs, stakeholder engagement, and outreach OR A minimum of 7 years of experience in supplier diversity, procurement, compliance monitoring or a related role, with a strong focus on capacity-building programs, stakeholder engagement, and outreach with a High School Diploma.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of proficiency in the production of content accessible to a broad range of educational backgrounds and reading levels.
Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information in compliance with appropriate policy and law.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team; take direction from management; keep management informed of important developments.
Ability to identify problem areas and develop solutions/corrective measures, as part of continuous program improvement and for ad hoc situations.
Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), including calendaring and Teams, Zoom, Adobe InDesign, and project management software.
Strong leadership, collaboration, facilitation, diplomacy, and negotiation skills.
Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of people.

Nice To Haves

Experience in compliance monitoring or other work experience in a highly regulated field.
Fluent Spanish or other language skills strongly preferred; cultural competence required.
Stakeholder management includes engagement across internal departments, third-party consultants, the business community, and related business associations, labor unions, and other community stakeholders.
Experience/familiarity with Houston’s business community.
Advanced levels of expertise in use of ability to quickly achieve expertise in MS Office Suite, including calendaring and Teams, Zoom, Adobe InDesign, Canva, B2G Now, and Monday.com.

Responsibilities

Plan, execute, manage, and track DEEO's current and future capacity-building programs and represent DEEO on partner-led programs/initiatives.
Plan, execute, manage, and track DEEO's outreach efforts throughout the local area, including events that serve to connect businesses to opportunities, and represent DEEO at external meetings, events, and conferences.
Track customer requests for assistance, provide customized business development assistance, including guidance on how to navigate the County's procurement process and contracting opportunities, refer clients to appropriate educational and business development services and networking opportunities, including County procurement staff.
Produce, manage, and track presentations, outreach and training materials, talking points, social media and website content assisting contractors with meeting program requirements and building small business capacity to compete for County contracts.
Plan, manage, and oversee Mentor-Protégé programs and initiatives, including participant recruitment and matching, program implementation, coordination with County departments and external partners, monitoring mentor-protégé engagement and progress, and tracking program outcomes to support business growth, capacity building, and increased readiness to compete for County contracting opportunities.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of DEEO’s divisions, programs, services, initiatives, and resources to effectively represent the Department, respond to stakeholder needs, identify cross-divisional opportunities, and connect businesses and community partners with appropriate resources and services.