Job Description

Job Description

Business Support Program Manager  

Organization: Greater Iowa City, Inc. 

OVERVIEW  

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.  

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES  

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. 

Initial Program Responsibilities:  

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 EntreFest, 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.  

Other Responsibilities:  

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. 

Qualifications:  

• 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. 

POSITION DETAILS  

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, short-term/long-term/life insurance; retirement plan; parking PTO and paid holidays, cell/vehicle/wellness reimbursement plan. 

Greater IC is an EEO employer. 

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Salary: Compensation is between $50,000 to $80,000 and/or commensurate with experience.   

Application Deadline: Open until filled. 

Application Instructions: submit resume and cover letter to Nancy Bird, President & CEO,  nancy@greateriowacity.com. Pre-screen interviews will be online; second-level interviews will be in-person and include staff and key stakeholders. 

Greater Iowa City, Inc is an EEO employer. 

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