Business Retention + Expansion Manager – Allentown Economic Development Corporation

Position Title:  Business Retention + Expansion Manager

Position Status:  Exempt, Full-time

Supervisor’s Title:  Executive Director

Location: ONSITE, Allentown, Pennsylvania

Summary:

The Program Manager for Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) will be responsible for implementation of AEDC’s Urban Made Program and will report directly to the AEDC Executive Director.  The Program manager will assist the manufacturing community in Allentown through a wide range of activities including: business retention and expansion; business outreach and survey; co-ordination of assistance resources; new business attraction; financial analysis, counselling, and loan processing; grant writing; public relations; development and coordination of training resources; and follow-up; marketing of financing programs and business assistance services; database design and management; collaboration with other Lehigh Valley economic development service providers. AEDC has been supporting the growth of manufacturing companies since 1979.

Interested applicants must send resume + cover letter to [email protected]

Primary Duties:

A.    Economic Development Lending and Support:

  • Ensure accurate and professional evaluation and preparation of loan applications & documentation, program status reports, analytical reports, and monitoring reports both internally and for outside recipients.
  • Analysis, underwriting, structuring, and preparation of financing or grant applications; processing client loan applications; verbal or documentary presentations to potential funding sources; tracking of loan results and portfolio management.
  • Provide program budget management
  • Design and prepare updates to the Urban Made Program; assist in the development of promotional materials for the design and preparation of media releases, public relations, public speaking presentations.
  • Prepare detailed program results and reports as required by State, City or other organizations as may be required.
  • Maintain accurate tracking of manufacturing investment and job creation by companies expanding or locating in the city.

B.    Business Retention, Expansion, and Outreach:

  • Preparation and continual update of database of Allentown Manufacturing companies. Coordinate with the City of Allentown to keep GIS and business office data up to date.
  • Outreach through personal contact and visits with Allentown Manufacturing businesses to identify concerns and opportunities.  Provide appropriate and timely assistance/responses with follow-ups and/or referrals.
  • Develop thorough knowledge of all assistance programs and all resources available. Act as liaison between businesses and not-for-profit resource providers or Government agencies as appropriate.
  • Gain familiarity with applicable City codes and permitting requirements. Develop/maintain effective working relationships with City Business Development, Building and Zoning staff.
  • Participation and attendance in staff, board and committee meetings, public presentations, and/or other external meetings. Participation in special projects, duties, or committee staffing as assigned by the Executive Director.
  • Design and implementation of timely and relevant business assistance programs.
  • Implementation and annual results tracking of the program’s key performance indicators.  Provide presentations and reporting to the AEDC Board of Directors.
  • Review and apply data from City of Allentown, Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. (LVEDC), and Lehigh Valley Planning Commission (LVPC) to analyses as needed.

 

Supervisory Duties:

  • This position has no direct reports although the person may provide supervisory duties in the absence of the Executive Director and/or other staff members.

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree required
  • MBA Preferred
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in finance, business analytics, lending, small business support services or related fields.

Other Information, Skills, and Requirements:

  • Work hours (on site) are generally 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. although occasions may arise where it is necessary to work outside those hours to attend or host events and other activities.
  • Local and regional travel is required. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is necessary. Occasional national travel may arise from time to time.
  • Intermediate computer skills required including the proficient use of Microsoft Office suite
  • Networking and public speaking skills required. Applicant must be comfortable interacting with individuals across many organizations and levels, including local, state, and Federal officials (or their staff), corporate C-level staff, etc.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

 

Note:

This position description does not list all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the position. It reflects principal job elements. Allentown Economic Development Corp. reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

 

Benefits Include:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Health care plan (medical, dental, prescription, life and disability insurance)
  • Vacation, Personal, and Sick Leave, plus Holidays
  • Retirement Plan

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