Purpose

To bolster the economic development environment in the Northside by supporting existing and prospective Northside businesses, business districts, and member community organizations of the Northside Leadership Conference.

Authority

The Director of Business and Economic Development will:

• Report directly to the Executive Director;
• Work in collaboration with other staff;
• Work in collaboration with member community organizations.

Responsibilities

The Director of Business and Economic Development will:

Develop and foster positive professional relationships with existing and prospective Northside businesses and property owners;

Support existing and prospective Northside small businesses by providing a multitude of services, including but not limited to:

• Business plan review;
• Financial planning and preparation;
• Identification of and assistance with securing financial and capital resources for business and property owners for business/property expansion, improvement, acquisition, etc.;
• Social media and traditional marketing services;
• Routine distribution of pertinent industry information and updates to the Northside business email list;
• Assistance with permitting, inspections, troubleshooting, and other local government processes;
• Referrals to appropriate organizations, agencies, professionals, businesses etc.;
• Business referrals to the Neighborhood Community Development Fund, other relevant Community Development Financial Institutions, traditional banks, etc.

Work closely and foster strong relationships with local government and economic development organizations, including but not limited to:

• Urban Redevelopment Authority;
• City of Pittsburgh (City Council; Department of Permitting, Licenses and Inspections; Department of Mobility and Infrastructure);
• Allegheny County Economic Development Department;
• Northside/Shore Chamber of Commerce;
• Neighborhood Community Development Fund, and additional Community Development Financial Institutions, traditional banks;
• The Northside Chronicle and other local media and news institutions;
• Other similar local nonprofit community development corporations;
• Local Small Business Development Centers;
• Regional foundations.

Identify available commercial real estate and recruit prospective business tenants to enhance the vitality, vibrancy, and diversity of the Northside business community;

Maintain the Northside Available Commercial Spaces list;

• Act as a liaison between Northside businesses and local government authorities and other relevant economic development organizations;
• Assist member community organizations in developing the revitalization and implementation plans for the business districts;
• Research and interpret market data to guide business assistance, recruitment, and marketing efforts;
• Assist with commercial real estate development projects as needed. Assess commercial real estate project opportunities and feasibility;
• Work cooperatively with other Northside Leadership Conference staff to increase program impacts and efficiencies;
• Identify sources of funding for the Business and Economic Development of the Northside Leadership Conference.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum 3 years of successful experience in community development or other equivalent field;
• Experience with business development preferred;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with businesses and grassroots community-based organizations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Disability insurance
• Life insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• community development or equivalent field: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15212: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Pittsburgh, PA 15212