AEDP is hiring an Economic Recovery Program Manager
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a personable and dependable self-starter to help Alexandria businesses return to growth and profitability after years of pandemic-related disruption and challenges. Your success in this role begins by being a great communicator who can connect with and listen to business owners on a personal level. You are a collaborator who enjoys working in a dynamic team environment and building relationships that bring forward the most creative and innovative ideas. When building new programs, you put the business owner’s needs first and believe that details, execution, and results matter. If challenges arise, you quickly exercise independent judgment and problem-solving skills to address problems or adopt alternative solutions. Above all else, you have a deep passion for helping individuals and contributing to Alexandria’s success and COVID-19 economic revival.
Who we are
The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) is devoted to helping businesses get started, grow, or relocate in the City of Alexandria. Our job is to connect founders, entrepreneurs, and executives with the resources they need to help their unique businesses get started and grow. Our team members are experts in the City of Alexandria and its workings, exceptional relationship-builders, and driven by the success of the ALX business community.
What You Will Be Doing
The Economic Development Program Manager oversees COVID-19 business recovery programs that are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The position is responsible for managing existing programs, as well as implementing and executing new programs related to small business recovery and business district revitalization. A key component of success will be the ability to use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships across the business community and to learn about the complex needs and challenges facing business owners in a post-COVID-19 economy. The Program Manager will rely on their independent judgment, analytical skills, and creative thinking to develop and administer innovative and impactful business recovery programs. The incumbent must be able to respond tactfully and collaborate with others, operate within a team environment, and communicate effectively (written and verbal). The position requires the incumbent to be highly organized and experienced in the development and execution of budgets, timelines, and tracking/reporting of metrics and the use of funds.
Here are some key duties and responsibilities:
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain meaningful and effective relationships with members of the local business community
- Serve as the liaison between AEDP and external stakeholders such as business leaders and city staff
- Clearly communicate AEDP’s business recovery priorities, programs, and resources in an organized manner
- Oversee the development, implementation, and management of creative and innovative small business recovery programs
- Develop and administer program rules, guidelines, and application processes; respond to inquiries and questions from business owners, city staff, and members of the public
- Create materials to promote recovery programs and collaborate with AEDP team members to market programs to the business community through a variety of online and print formats
- Partner with AEDP team members, city staff, and external stakeholders to ensure recovery programs are equitable and reach a diverse audience of businesses in Alexandria
- Effectively manage program budgets, timelines, and reporting requirements in accordance with local and federal rules and regulations
- Deliver presentations on AEDP’s programs in public meetings to a diverse audience of stakeholders
- Conduct program audits and draft reports on program performance.
What You Will Bring
- Knowledge of economic development programs and principles
- Experience working with small businesses and/or business improvement districts (BIDs)
- Ability to build relationships with partners across all sectors – including public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations
- Proven ability to listen, adapt to challenges, and identify solutions
- Ability to deal tactfully with and equitably with people
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to multitask
- Ability to work under time pressure
- Experience developing project/program goals and objectives
- Ability to collaborate with a team and work independently
- Experience creating and managing budgets, timelines, and tracking metrics
- Ability to analyze and interpret data and write reports
- Experience interpreting legislation and regulations
- Experience using CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite
- A can-do work ethic and willingness to take initiative.
Basic Qualifications
Experience: At least three years of work-related experience in program development and/or program management. Experience working for an economic development organization is preferred, not required.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. Graduate degree and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred, not required.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Other information
Salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications, starting at $70,000
Benefits: AEDP offers a competitive benefits package including health, vision, and dental, a 401K retirement plan with an employer match, life insurance, among other benefits.
Position Type: Full-time, Temporary. This position is primarily funded with money from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for a period of 1 year (12 months from the date of hire). It is possible, but not guaranteed, that AEDP could receive additional ARPA funds to extend employment through 2024.
Work Location & Schedule: This position requires the incumbent to regularly meet in person with business owners, AEDP staff, and other stakeholders. AEDP does permit telework and is open to discussing flexible work hours.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status: All employees of AEDP are required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19.
To apply
If you are interested in this position, please send your resume and an engaging cover letter highlighting your unique skillsets, experience, and interest in the position to careers@alexecon.org.
Applications will be accepted through February 18, 2022.
AEDP is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected class, in accordance with applicable law.