Job Information
NJEDA Small Business Officer in New Jersey
Overview
Job Summary
Assists department efforts in the creation and processing of statewide program applications in an accurate, effective and productive manner. Assists with the development and implementation of proactive small women, minority, veteran, business enterprises (SWMVBE) inclusion initiatives. Promotes, creates, tracks, reports, and processes statewide small/micro business program applications (ie. grants and loan applications) focused on servicing NJ based small, women, minority, and veteran owned business enterprises (SWMVBE).
$65,484 - $81,855
Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a manager's approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Reviews and processes a high volume of grant and incentive applications in a timely and accurate manner with an attention to detail
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, responsibilities and pipeline of applications
Assist management in the identification of funding gaps in the marketplace, providing feedback and making recommendations on how to close those gaps through the creation of new products or initiatives.
Ability to learn and apply departmental procedures and practices to effectively administer products adding efficiency and enhancing production
Demonstrates an ownership mindset within Small Business Services, including suggesting new ideas related to new products, programs and technical assistance,
Collaborative and proactive team player that implements best practices to process a large volume of applications accurately
Adapts to changes in the work environment and manages competing demands
Supports on other strategic initiatives as necessary for statewide small business targeted efforts
Performs duties to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism
Perform reviews of applications prior to the Program Manager and/or Director’s review to ensure checklist items are accounted for and files are complete
Builds, maintains and strengthens relationships with various state and federal organizations focused on small, women, minority and veteran businesses and makes recommendations on ways to improve or expand these relationships to better serve NJ based small and micro business owners
Acts as a representative of the State and EDA for public speaking events focused on targeted segments when needed to market and promote how to apply for Small Business Services specific products.
Collaborates with external business segments and internal departments on projects or to provide information as needed
Must be willing to go above and beyond to provide a superior customer service to all calls and customer interactions when needed.
Inputs client inquires, application and activities information into CRM and updates system on a continual basis when needed.
Promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
Assist small business owners pursuing EDA products specific to the Small Business Services department by providing technical assistance through the application process to ensure the applicants are qualified for the appropriate program.
Must complete annual and semiannual self-assessment as required.
Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.
Skills and Abilities
Must be a self-starter and have the ability to take initiative with minimal supervision
Must be a detail-oriented person
Knowledge of state small business resources
Knowledge of state business registration process
Customer service oriented
Strong analytical skills
Demonstrated learning agility and adaptation to change
Experience with working with small business owners
Ability to work with groups and individually with all levels within the organization
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; proficient in grammar, spelling and editing; and foster communications with business professionals and EDA staff
Ability to work across different functions and build relationships with stakeholders on local city levels and state level
Ability to prioritize workload, must be highly organized, detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously and work independently within limited time constraints with little or no supervision
Must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff
Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
Demonstrated ability to self-motivate and self-lead own work planning and execution with a strong results orientation
Exceptional history of strong performance and consistent high-quality delivery on commitments
Ability to adapt to changes in work environment and manage competing demands
Demonstrated proficiency in creative and analytical problem solving, including structuring issues, framing solutions, and executing complex analyses with limited errors and oversight
Ability to synthesize findings and propose actionable solutions
Strong written (presentation, memos, and emails) and oral presentation skills
Ability to work on small project teams tackling complex and challenging work
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; proficient in grammar, spelling and editing; and foster communications with business professionals and EDA staff
Qualifications
Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Business Administration, Accounting and/or equivalent professional experience
Minimum 5 years job related experience
Experience working with small businesses, especially women, minority or veteran owned businesses, preferred
Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience
Physical Demands
Minimal: Includes standing, carrying materials and hand-puts, and other audio-visual equipment.
Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed
Travel
As necessary to statewide events, meetings, businesses, etc.
Certificates and Licenses Required
License: Staff are 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 essentials duties of the position.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.
Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees.
This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.
NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.
NJ SAME Program
In accordance with P.L. 2021, c. 465 and P.L. 2021, 466, the SAME program was established to enable New Jersey State agencies to hire, promote, retain, and advance qualified individuals whose physical or mental impairments impact their abilities to participate in the hiring and promotion process for non-competitive and unclassified titles within the State workforce.
The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. This program uses a fast-track process that permits people who are eligible for the program to request that the State appointing authority schedule with them a good faith interview. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please Click Here (https://www.nj.gov/csc/same/overview/index.shtml) . If you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.
This posting open to eligible applicants regardless of SAME eligibility.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Position Requirements
Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
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LocationUS-NJ
Job ID 2024-2114
Category/Department Small Business Services