Neighborhood Business Manager

Overview
Brief Job Description (essential functions of the job):
Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director or designee, the Neighborhood Business Manager is responsible for providing needs assessment, direct assistance and the delivery of programming and initiatives to address the needs of merchants, Boston Main Streets and other Neighborhood Business districts in Boston.
Responsibilities
* Facilitates the strengthening of existing and launch of new businesses in Boston.
* Assists in the strengthening of Boston Main Streets and other neighborhood commercial districts.
* Assists in developing, implementing and sustaining programs and initiatives to address business needs, including women, minority and immigrant-owned businesses.
* Identify business needs and provide one-on-one business assistance for a wide diversity of businesses and entrepreneurs, including:
* Guidance on how to start, strengthen or relocate a business in Boston
* Connections to appropriate business service organizations for legal advice financial assistance, business plan development, bookkeeping services and marketing experts.
* Provide referral recommendations on requests for loans and other financial assistance.
* Provide assistance with permitting and licensing requests.
* Assist businesses with site selection service providers in Boston's neighborhoods and Boston Main Streets commercial districts based on business needs.
* Provide direct assistance and/or referrals on requests for additional City services.
* Develop formal and informal partnerships with external organizations in order to better leverage and coordinate business assistance resources.
* Provide support on district planning issues.
* Develop and provide administrative oversight of grants and contracts related to supporting Boston's Neighborhood Businesses and neighborhood commercial districts.
* Perform related work as required.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications
* At least (3) three years relevant experience, including at least one (1) year directing/managing Neighborhood Business improvement or related activities and two (2) years experience with small business development and assistance.
* A Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, marketing, finance or related field preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. Appropriate educational substitutions may be made.
* Familiarity with Boston's neighborhoods and direct experience dealing with Neighborhood Businesses' needs preferred.
* Strong customer service skills, including rapid & quality follow-through.
* Demonstrated business needs-assessment and direct business assistance skills, including financials.
* Strong negotiation and organizational skills.
* Ability to lead, strategize and problem solve.
* Demonstrated knowledge of city services.
* Strong oral and written communication skills.
* Bilingual or multilingual proficiency preferred.
* Excellent computer skills, including MS Office and experience with other field related programs/software preferred.
* Ability to work evenings as necessary.
* Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
Boston Residency Required
Terms:
Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SEIU 888/N-22
Hours Per Week: 35