BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE 1DEFINITION:
Under general direction of a supervisory officer in a State department or agency, performs the office-work involved in initiating, developing, and maintaining programs aimed at the retention of, or provision of assistance to new or expanding businesses in New Jersey; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
NOTE: The following examples of work include services which are provided to a variety of businesses, included but not limited to small businesses, agriculture-based businesses, women owned businesses, and/or minority owned businesses.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Initiates and supervises systems and mechanisms to establish and maintain communication to and with business organizations, public and private agencies, owners and operators of businesses, colleges and universities, and economic development organizations, to assist those organizations in the delivery of services and programs to and for businesses.
Evaluates existing programs of assistance and recommends changes to benefit the business entrepreneur. Makes recommendations for corrective action on matters of concern regarding businesses.
Assists with the implementation of new programs assigned to the office and participates in the development of the rules and procedures for such programs.
Designs information programs to announce new opportunities for financing, procurement, business development, educational programs, legislative actions, or other events or services and circulates such information and maintains records of how data is used. Prepares reports.
Provides general assistance and guidance to new and expanding business owners in management, financing, procurement, and in inter/intra agency referrals.
Represents the office, the division, and the department as a member of planning and implementation committees for annual or periodic statewide or regional public conferences.
Maintains effective working relationships with local and regional private consultants, and local, statewide, and regional business groups and associations to help address the needs of the business community.
Participates in the initiation, development, and implementation of education, training, orientation, and counseling programs for business owners through local, county, regional, and statewide workshops, seminars, trade shows and conferences.
Encourages organizations serving businesses to share and coordinate programs to extend the value of those services to additional businesses.
Interacts with chambers of commerce, satellites of the Small Business Development Center, statewide and regional organizations in the presentation of information programs and in disseminating information to businesses.
Develops communications with County Task Forces on Small Business, and updates Task Force members on department, division, office, and legislative activities impacting on the business community.
Maintains effective working relationships with State agencies and county organizations involved with federal and state employee training programs for businesses.
May represent the department or agency on committees and councils.
Participates in the initiation, development, and implementation, of expositions, conferences, and workshops on a statewide basis to promote the well-being of businesses throughout the State.
Develops and staffs exhibits, arranges workshops and selects workshop speakers, evaluates training programs, rewrites, or reorganizes as needed.
Supervises the office and clerical routines required to support the office's responsibilities for statewide and regional events such as the Governor's Conference on Small Business, Annual Small Business celebrations, and similar events.
Conducts research into technical and general business problems for which there are no ready solutions.
Identifies and recommends specialists and consultants who might provide additional information and technical service.
Counsels businesses and arranges for management and technical assistance to solve problems of the owners ensuring effective delivery of these services through a feedback mechanism from the business owners, public and private agencies.
Initiates, develops, and implements public briefings, orientations, seminars, and workshops on these and other such programs, and exposes small business owners to the experts employed by agencies and organizations involved in assistance programs and activities.
Reviews state and federal legislation which impacts business, makes recommendations regarding the benefits and encumbrances (or negatives) which might impact businesses, the department, or agencies position and/or amendments.
As directed, investigates the regulatory activities of other state agencies performing functions affecting the operation of businesses in the state.
Monitors new federal programs, laws, and regulations which should be included in the general information the staff makes available to New Jersey businesses.
Assists in planning and implementing new programs (federal and state) in which the department or agency is assigned to function.
Receives grievances and complaints of businesses and refers them to the appropriate federal, state, or local agency authorized to action. Conducts follow up actions.
Acts as central clearinghouse and resource for the staff in the receipt and dissemination and publication of information and in the development of staff information and procedures manuals. Accumulates data from state, federal and local entities.
Using available resources within the state, acts as a liaison to coordinate managerial and technical assistance in a systematic manner to businesses.
Develops promotional materials, news releases, and other written materials on office, division, or department programs and other state activities affecting businesses. Represents the office at public and private functions and meetings, and on radio and television shows, as assigned.
Prepares press releases, public service announcements, brochure copy and announcements for functions and events sponsored or co-sponsored by the office, division, or department.
Supervises the preparation of monthly and annual reports.
Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Eight (8) years of professional experience providing services such as management, planning, training, organization, or financial assistance to new or expanding businesses.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or related fields; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILTIES:
Knowledge of the programs to be initiated, problems involved and impact on businesses and the community.
Knowledge of management principles, concepts, and techniques and their practical application when attempting to aid businesses.
Knowledge of Business Administration Programs, Business Institute Programs and Business Development Center Programs and other Business Assistance type programs.
Ability to identify problems facing business owners.
Ability to coordinate an adequate exchange of information and planning resources between various intra-agency divisions to ensure the implementation and maintenance of programs designed to aid the business owner.
Ability to work effectively with personnel in other government, public, and private agencies, and with representatives of employer and/or worker groups to establish and implement programs to aid businesses.
Ability to respond to all public inquiries regarding business programs and to provide the necessary information in person or in writing.
Ability to prepare news releases relating to business activities in the State.
Ability to develop pamphlets and other promotional materials to explain programs and their benefits.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and comprehensive technical reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it may cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
