Economic Development Officer

Southwest Initiative Foundation Job Description 

We believe that dignity and belonging are core human values and that all people deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential.

We are a human-centered organization and acknowledge that people have different needs and aspirations. We commit to removing barriers that prevent full participation in southwest Minnesota’s abundant opportunities. We use our resources to create opportunities for all people to thrive in the communities they call home.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

POSITION:     Economic Development Officer

POSITION SUMMARY:   
This position has primary responsibility for designing, managing, and implementing activities of the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) Economic Development Program, with a focus on entrepreneurship programming/education, business financing, and special initiatives. This position provides leadership in program design and direction, technical assistance and business coaching, program budgeting, relationship management, coordination of resource providers and partners, professional communication, and outreach and marketing.  The Economic Development Officer works directly with prospective and current loan clients and other entrepreneurs and business leaders, in addition to project partners, Economic Development organizations, program funders, and technical assistance partners.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for general incoming finance and technical assistance inquiries; respond to inquiries related to the Economic Development program.
• Manage the process for initial intake, due diligence, and other steps to determine potential eligibility for SWIF’s Economic Development programs and initiatives.
• Research, develop, coordinate, implement and deliver technical assistance services to SWIF loan clients. Regular site visits to current and potential loan clients. Work closely with contracted technical assistance providers, and potential providers, to fit technical assistance needs.
• Plan, coordinate and lead internal team meetings to facilitate efficiency and communication for prospect management, technical assistance planning, challenged loans, and Microloan portfolio management.
• Market the Economic Development program through one-on-one visits, presentations, materials, and Initiate Prosperity website. Work closely with communications to provide stories, promote SWIF loan clients, and the work of Economic Development. Represent SWIF to external stakeholders.
• Manage utilization and engagement of the Initiate Prosperity website. Work in partnership with Northern Initiatives in utilization training.
• Engage in functions regarding program budgeting, reporting to funders and other stakeholders, expenditure analysis, external funding compliance, and other related duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Written and verbal communication skills, program management, and stakeholder relationship management. Proficient skills in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word and database management.
• Strong ability to demonstrate empathy in complex or challenging situations.

• Strong understanding of Economic Development, commercial finance, business operations and management, business technical assistance, fundamentals of entrepreneurship, and available resources. Knowledge and understanding of southwest Minnesota’s economy and the network of key stakeholders regionally, statewide and nationally.
• Strong administrative and time management skills: ability to prioritize and multitask that includes balancing travel and administrative compliance requirements. Travel includes occasional overnights, early morning and evening meetings that fit the schedules of current and potential loan clients and key stakeholders. Ability to meet deadlines for reporting requirements to SBA and USDA.
• Ability to be a team player in an environment that is fast-paced and able to handle multiple demands and deadlines. This includes internal programing and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel frequently throughout the SWIF region, the expanded Microloan service area, with occasional travel throughout the state and nationally.
• Ability to lift 20 pounds on occasion.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Manages Complexity, Values Differences, Cultivates Innovation, Nimble Learning, Resourcefulness, Demonstrates Self Awareness, Financial Acumen, Business Insight, Communicates Effectively, and Situational Adaptability.

CORE VALUES:

Southwest Initiative Foundation employees are expected to demonstrate these core values: Integrity, Equity, Curiosity, Collaboration, and Optimism.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:   

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, accounting or related field. Minimum of four years’ experience in Economic Development, business finance, and working directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners. Must have a current driver’s license and an insured personal vehicle as frequent travel in the region is required, in addition to occasional state or national travel.  

STATUS:                                REPORTS TO:

Full time, Exempt                    President

OFFICE LOCATION:                
Hutchinson-based with flexible work option 

Remote Work Option

As part of our commitment to equitable practices, we want to ensure employees have access to resources and accommodations that empower us to thrive. We believe that both employees and the organization can benefit from flexible work arrangements. Remote work options apply to full-time and part-time employees regardless of tenure. Given the nature of some job functions, SWIF remote work arrangements may not apply to all employees. Each employee’s remote work arrangement should maximize individual, team, and organizational well-being, and will be co-created in collaboration with their supervisor.

                                                                                                                        modified   12/12/2023