Business Support Program Manager

About the job

Business Support Program Manager

Organization: Greater Iowa City, Inc.

Greater Iowa City, Inc. (Greater IC) is a network of business and community leaders working to support business, invest in strategic initiatives, and advocate for an economically resilient Johnson County. We are seeking a Business Support Program Manager to oversee and drive programs that support local business and workforce needs.

The Business Support Program Manager will play a pivotal role in driving our mission to enhance the economic vitality and overall well-being of our business and entrepreneurial community. This individual will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a diverse range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting economic growth, workforce needs, fostering engagement, and addressing business challenges.

1.
Program / Initiative Development
:
Lead the conceptualization, design, and implementation of business support programs / initiatives aligned with organizational goals and business, workforce and entrepreneurial needs. This includes:

• Developing comprehensive program plans, including goals, objectives, budget, activities, and timelines.
• Collaborating with internal and external partners to leverage resources and expertise in program design and implementation.
• Ensuring that programs are inclusive, culturally responsive, and tailored to the unique needs and assets of the business and entrepreneurial community.
• Continuously evaluate and adapt programs based on feedback, data analysis, and changing business dynamics.

2.
Stakeholder Engagement
:
Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including business leaders, university partners, business organizations, and local government officials to foster collaboration and support for programs / initiatives.

3.
Project Management
:
Oversee program implementation, including budget management, timeline adherence, resource allocation, and performance monitoring in collaboration with Greater IC leadership.

1. Business Resource Center

• Oversee the development and daily operations of a centralized hub for business support services
• Curate and maintain resources including guides, toolkits, and referral networks
• Ensure accessibility and relevance for businesses of all sizes and sectors
• Coordinate with local service providers to offer workshops, consultations, and technical assistance

2. Entrepreneurial Support

• Design and manage programs that support startups and small businesses, like 1 Million Cups.
• Provide technical assistance, mentorship, and access to capital resources
• Partner with local incubators, accelerators, conferences like Entre Fest, and universities
• Track outcomes and adjust programming to meet evolving needs

3. Coworking and Entrepreneurial Space Management

• Manage Co-Working and 808 member communications and community building activities and delegate to the office manager, where appropriate, for facilities requests and rentals, invoicing, and maintenance issues.

Business Support Innovation Council
:
Take lead in agenda and content development to support this quarterly meeting of industry leaders. This effort corresponds with a newsletter and engagement with Council members that helps inform all stakeholders of the efforts of business support and workforce programs. Conversations within this council may lead to emerging programs.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, urban planning, public policy, business administration, or related field.
• Experience and progressive opportunities in educational roles in community development, business support, workforce or a related field, with a proven track record of program management and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong understanding of business support principles, community development strategies, and social impact measurement.
• Experience in data analysis and other community and business support data tools.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences through written reports, presentations, and public speaking engagements.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, businesses, and residents.
• Commitment to inclusive programming.

This is an exempt, full-time, benefits eligible position. Work is performed in-person at the Greater Iowa City, Inc. office at the MERGE co-working location in downtown Iowa City, 136 S Dubuque St. Work hours are primarily 8:30-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, but may require occasional early morning, late afternoon, or weekend hours to accommodate meetings/events. Johnson County residence is required for emergency and facility access.

A valid driver’s license and access to transportation is required.

Greater IC provides competitive benefits including health/dental insurance,…