The Business Development Specialist supports business development, employer engagement, workforce services, marketing, outreach, and training activities within the Workforce & Business Development Program. This position assists with connecting businesses to resources through the Business Resource Network (BRN), supports the ongoing operation of the OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Career Center, and develops relationships with employers, community partners, and workforce organizations. The role also supports program communications, client services, business development assistance, training and curriculum development, data tracking, events, and other initiatives designed to strengthen businesses and connect job seekers with employment opportunities.

Essential Functions Functional Area:

Communications & Outreach Estimated Effort:

35% Package Business Development services and resources to meet the specific needs of employers and clients Assist with the development, implementation, and delivery of business-related events and outreach activities, including job fairs, workshops, and other program activities Manage, monitor, and update program social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, and other applicable platforms Assist with program marketing, communications, and outreach activities Maintain and update the Workforce & Business Development (W&B) webpage to ensure information is accurate, current, and relevant to the communities and businesses served Develop and coordinate the quarterly newsletter, periodic "Hot Topics" email communications, and other media, public relations, and promotional content Develop communications, marketing materials, advertising, and other public-facing content that informs and connects communities, businesses, and clients with available programs, services, resources, and opportunities Collaborate with team members to research, plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate events, outreach activities, and other program initiatives Provide hands-on support for events, outreach, and community engagement activities to strengthen the program's presence throughout Pike County and surrounding counties Perform general office duties, including filing, copying, faxing, answering telephones, and other administrative responsibilities as assigned

Functional Area:

Outreach & Program Delivery Estimated Effort:

35% Develop and implement marketing plans, promotional materials, graphic designs, public relations materials, and media outreach strategies for clients, partners, and program initiatives Initiate, develop, and maintain professional relationships with businesses, OhioMeansJobs (OMJ) Centers, Business Resource Network (BRN) partners, OMJ partners, workforce professionals, and community organizations Enter and maintain accurate client and service data in CFIS and ARIES in accordance with program guidelines and procedures for tracking BRN and OMJ services Coordinate outreach and business events in collaboration with BRN and Business Development clients and community partners Make appropriate referrals to available programs, services, and resources Conduct intake and needs assessments with business clients through the BRN or similar processes to identify business needs and connect employers with appropriate OMJ and BRN partner services Connect employers with resources including On-the-Job Training (OJT), tax credits, job orders, job fairs, Business Summits, open interviews, and other employer services Provide case management and follow-up services to enrolled clients participating in the BRN Program and Business Development Services Provide one-on-one business development assistance, including support with business plan development, financial projections, cash flow projections, business start-up planning, and other business development needs Organize, promote, and conduct OMJ and business workshops on a regular basis Track, maintain, and share data related to employer contacts, business services, client engagement, and program outcomes for reporting and evaluation Complete required monthly program reports accurately and within established deadlines Participate in internal and external meetings, networking opportunities, and professional development activities as assigned Monitor employer job orders and collaborate with OMJ staff to assist area businesses with recruiting and filling employment openings Assist with OMJ Career Center duties and provide coverage as needed to ensure continuity of services Assist with the VITA Tax Assistance Program as needed, including obtaining required annual IRS certifications and serving as an Income Tax Intake Specialist, Preparer, and Reviewer Maintain and update Constant Contact distribution lists to support program communications and outreach Maintain accurate and current Business Development and BRN client records and databases in

HubSpot Functional Area:

Training, Curriculum & Professional Development Estimated Effort:

20% Develop and implement training content and curriculum related to leadership, team building, business development, and other identified client and staff needs Evaluate organizational, client, and staff development needs and design targeted learning programs, workshops, and activities Plan, coordinate, and participate in the delivery of workshops, trainings, and other educational activities Serve as an instructor or facilitator for assigned workshops, trainings, and educational programs Provide one-on-one coaching and technical assistance to clients and staff based on identified needs Collaborate with program leadership and team members to develop, manage, and implement strategic learning and development plans and activities Lead or facilitate instructional programs focused on leadership development, emotional intelligence, team building, coaching skills, professional development, and other relevant areas of functional knowledge Identify and recommend appropriate community, workforce, business, and professional partnerships to expand training, development, and resource opportunities for clients and staff Collaborate with clients, staff, partners, and community organizations to develop and deliver training programs and educational opportunities based on identified needs

Functional Area:

Service & Other Responsibilities Estimated Effort:

10% Serve as a member of assigned agency committees and collaborate with staff to promote program activities, coordinate services, and support continuous improvement initiatives Represent the Workforce & Business Development Program on assigned committees, boards, professional associations, and community organizations, including the Business Management Advisory Committee, as appropriate Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor Minimum Requirements Education Associate degree in Business, Marketing, Human Resources, Workforce Development, or a related field At least one (1) year of experience working with businesses or employers in recruitment, marketing, business development, workforce development, or related activities may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement Job-Related Experience Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in an office setting, including demonstrated experience in marketing, outreach, and the use of digital publishing and outreach tools Extensive knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications Demonstrated ability to develop and implement marketing, outreach, and communications activities using appropriate digital and publishing tools Licenses & Requirements Valid driver's license Must be insurable under agency insurance Must obtain required VITA Program certifications prior to tax season, including: Standards of Conduct VITA Site Coordinator Basic Advanced People Management Experience Demonstrated experience in leadership, team collaboration, and project coordination Supervision, mentoring, or people-management experience is preferred Preferred Qualifications Prior supervisory or people-management experience Working Conditions Position is based in a well-lighted office environment Occasional local and regional travel is required to engage with assigned programs and departments Occasional evening and weekend work and travel are required Work is fast-paced and involves multiple, sometimes competing priorities Position requires management of complex project details Work may involve moderate-to-high levels of stress