Project Manager I – Business Advancement Liaison, PORTLAND

Summary

This position plans, coordinates, and manages industry-specific programming by working collaboratively with local companies and institutions to advance the goal of creating access to quality jobs for Portlanders. In addition, this position manages and contributes to the development and implementation of other economic development initiatives for the agency that work to build an equitable economy. 

Functions and Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages the strategic vision and day-to-day core functions of developing targeted industry clusters.
• Scopes, develops, implements, and manages programs and initiatives to support business development, expand export market opportunities, enhance equity and inclusion within industry and other targeted or identified programming.
• Develops and cultivates relationships with businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and other business associations to build and leverage partnerships; identifies synergies to support and grow industry clusters.
• Works proactively with businesses and partners to identify and remove obstacles and/or create opportunities to grow the industry.  
• Responds to business requests by answering questions, providing guidance, and connecting them to technical assistance and other resources.
• Responds to and coordinates with regional, state, and federal partners on recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts.
• Advocates for and promotes policy and programs that advance an equitable and thriving industry.
• Develops and implements marketing and outreach strategy; creates and maintains related materials including website, social media, newsletters, and distribution lists. 
• Develops and makes presentations to Board of Commissioners, City Council, economic development groups, and other related trade associations. 
• Possesses and cultivates an advanced understanding of the industry including trends, competitor markets, company information, economic indicators, key leaders, economic factors that impact the industry, and the institutional and interpersonal dynamics that influence the corporate and community ecosystems.
• Oversees and manages the data collection, analysis, and reporting of specific industry clusters. Utilizes data to inform cluster strategy and program evaluation.
• Monitors, tracks, and responds to legislative and policy initiatives to support industry priorities and widely shared prosperity within the industry.
• Analyzes research, tracks, and participates in the creation of best practices and trends related to cluster strategies, inclusive economic development, and public-private partnerships.
• Plans, represents, and participates in a variety of meetings, events, and trade shows on behalf of the agency. 
• Plans and leads presentations, promotions, and trainings related to Prosper Portland and the Business Advancement Team.
• Collaborates across the agency to align efforts in support of building an equitable economy. 

• Makes recommendations and leads and/or participates in program, process, and policy improvements; coordinates or assists with their implementation. 
• Crafts scopes of work and manages related professional services, contracts, and agreements. Participates on selection committee.

• Supports the Business Advancement Team and agency with economic development initiatives, special projects, participation on committees, and other relevant duties as assigned. 

Scope   

• Operates under minimal supervision. Establishes own approaches and procedures to work. Receives general or little instruction on new assignments. Work is subject to final review.
• Makes decisions for many aspects of work that requires technical expertise, initiative, and good judgement. Makes recommendations for complex and politically sensitive decisions that require oversight.
• Decisions and errors in work can have a significant legal, financial, political, or operational impact to the agency.
• Work involves a high level of complexity due to tight timelines, the need to prioritize multiple assignments, relationship management with a variety of external stakeholders that require negotiation, bridge-building, and compromise, the need to navigate political dynamics, the agency’s history of gentrification, and the inherent nature of creating and implementing projects and programs grounded in racial equity.
• Position has no supervisory responsibilities; however, will oversee the work of consultants, vendors, temporary workers, and/or student staff.

Competencies

Putting People First, Inclusion & Collaboration

• Interpersonal Skills: Advanced ability to establish and cultivate authentic and effective working relationships and partnerships. Exercises active listening, tact, patience, and discretion.
• Mission-Driven Service: Ability to provide excellent service by demonstrating a people-oriented mindset and willingness to help. Ability to train and provide guidance to others.
• Teamwork: Ability to work with others inclusively and collaboratively. Works to resolve conflicts and build consensus.
• Communication: Effectively communicates both verbally and in writing. Ability to speak and present in public. Utilizes negotiation, facilitation, and persuasion skills. Ability to organize, simplify, and report complex data and information to a variety of audiences. Bilingual or multilingual a plus.
• Cultural Curiosity and Reflection: Ability to learn and use culturally responsive practices to understand, communicate, and work with people across cultures and identities. Honors and embraces differences and models inclusivity in interactions and decisions.
• Advancing Equity: A demonstrated commitment to advancing social and racial equity, and actively seeks out opportunities to do so. Ability to learn, understand, and apply the principles and practices of equity to work.

Excellence, Innovation & Learning

• Knowledge: Advanced technical knowledge in one or more of the following areas: cluster strategies, economic development, economic analysis, inclusive economic development approaches, or business development. General knowledge of federal, state, and local economic development and public policy. Knowledge of and ability to apply strategies that center equity in cluster strategy development.  Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and database systems. Basic understanding of public administration.
• Technical Abilities: Advanced project/program management skills overseeing complex initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders. 
• Continuous Learning: Openness to new ideas. Ability to provide and receive constructive feedback. Ability to ask for help and learn from experiences.
• Problem Solving: Apply research, analytical, and creative problem-solving skills. Exercises sound judgement in carrying out responsibilities. Ability to interpret and apply law, policy, and procedure to work.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to shifting and competing work demands. Ability to work with ambiguity. Perseveres in the face of obstacles.
• Planning and Organization: Ability to organize, prioritize, coordinate, and monitor complex projects, initiatives, and outsourced contracts independently. Ability to strategize, develop, implement, and evaluate goals, policies, and procedures. Ability to manage a budget with multiple funding streams.
• Accountability: Takes initiative and responsibility for actions. Follows through on commitments and meets deadlines. Maintains confidentiality as appropriate.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience

Six years of experience in economic development, cluster strategies, business development, or equivalent experience.  An associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree will substitute for up to one year of experience.

Physical Requirements

Position requires ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time along with the ability to move throughout the office and travel to jobsites and events. Although rare, this position may need to lift up to 50lbs. Position often uses a computer and other standard office equipment. Position must communicate and interact with internal and external stakeholders often regarding complex subject matter.

Working Conditions

Normal working hours Monday through Friday [8 AM – 5 PM] in a combination of in-person and remote work; Additional hours may be needed to meet deadlines. Position requires frequent travel to external meetings and events; travel out of the metro area, although rare, will occur. Position will be expected to engage in conversation and personal reflection around race, racism, and equity.