The Douglas County Chamber is seeking Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship whose primary focus is dedicated to cultivating and supporting a thriving small business ecosystem, consistent with the strategic initiatives of the Douglas County Chamber and Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership. This position is responsible for managing, overseeing, and executing the initiatives included in the Small Business Ecosystem Strategy as part of the larger economic development strategy for Douglasville and Douglas County. This individual will maintain a significant, physical presence as the recognizable, primary point of contact for small business and entrepreneurial support in the Douglas community. The ideal candidate is proactive, innovative, and passionate about all sectors of business and relationship engagement.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategy Development and Management
- Identify key initiatives to support entrepreneurs and small businesses that provide the greatest impact both short and long term.
- Develop an execution strategy with specific milestones and timelines to move these key strategies forward.
- Actively engage key stakeholders in the ecosystem to manage and leverage opportunities that further the ecosystem goals.
Programming, Partnerships, and Infrastructure
- Lead the small business ecosystem development initiative in Douglas
- Work with existing small business partners to develop, launch and develop a journey map for small businesses.
- Develop and lead the annual small business ecosystem programing agenda for the organization.
- Identify partnership opportunities that support the goals of the ecosystem and leverage the opportunity on behalf of the small business ecosystem.
- Work with the public and private sector to identify opportunities to utilize the physical and cultural assets of Douglas County to support the small business ecosystem.
- Conceptualize and curate unique small business engagement experiences that create support an equitable and inclusive small business ecosystem.
- Champion Douglas County small businesses on a local, regional and national level to build Douglas County’s reputation as a small business mecca.
- Develop strategies to distinguish Douglas County within the Metro Atlanta region as well as the south.
Management and Administration
- Work with stakeholders, investors and key partners across strategy, programming, and partnerships in the small business ecosystem work.
- Develop relationships and interact with key partners and institutions key to the ecosystem’s success.
- Assist the President & CEO in presentations to key audiences.
- Develop and lead meetings and agendas with stakeholders, investors and key partners.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The successful candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds but should possess these attributes:
- 2-3 years of ecosystem experience and/or building, including some management experience
- Relevant bachelor’s degree required with preference given to graduate degree or demonstrated experience in working with issues relevant to small business and/or ecosystem development.
- Content knowledge and mission-driven: the Director of Small Business & Entrepreneurship must not only have a passion for the mission but must also have – formally or otherwise – a strong grasp of ecosystem building.
- The successful candidate needs to understand the importance of equity and the commitment to equitable and inclusive opportunity for small business success in Douglas County.
- Entrepreneurial and creative: Candidate must take an entrepreneurial approach to the position and organization, employing a creative approach to conceive effective programming and partnership initiatives and pursue organizational strategy.
- Goal-oriented: Candidate must be driven to achieve organizational objectives including growth in both the organization and the small business community we seek to serve.
- Teamwork and leadership: Candidate must manage, motivate and work effectively with our team, as well as with partner and key stakeholder organizational leadership.
- Highly organized: Candidate must be able to effectively manage time in order to juggle multiple responsibilities.
- Excellent public speaking skills: Candidate must be comfortable in speaking to small and large groups about the mission and the strategy. They must have the capacity to both inform and inspire audiences as a community champion for small business.
- Technology savvy, experience with content management systems (CMS), or willingness to be trained in addition to presentation and design.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills, ability to interact with senior level business leaders.
- Excellent business correspondence skills-both written and spoken to clients, stakeholders, and internal departments
- Positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
This job description reflects the essential duties and responsibilities, which may change or be amended from time to time. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned as determined by the President and CEO.
QUALIFICATIONS
In order to successfully perform this job, the applicant must be able to adequately carry out each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Additional Preferred Skills:
- Microsoft 365 Suite Applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
- Membership/non-profit CRM database management (preferably ChamberMaster)
- Electronic file sharing systems such as Dropbox or SharePoint
- Video meeting applications such as Zoom or WebEx
- Must have/maintain a dependable vehicle with proof of license and insurance.
Qualified applicants should submit the following to Sara Ray at ray@douglascountygeorgia.com
- Professional resume
- Cover Letter containing salary/commission requirements.
No phone calls or walk-ins will be accepted. Due to the high level of interest, not all applicants will be contacted. The Douglas County Chamber is an equal opportunity employer, a drug free-workplace, and an e-verify participant. All employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check. The Douglas County Chamber is a high -performance, mission-driven, and strengths-based organization. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.
