Small Business Development Manager

Introduction

Are you passionate about helping small businesses succeed? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment? Prince William County is looking for a dynamic Small Business Development Manager (Business Development Officer) to join our Economic Development and Tourism team. In this role, you will support new and existing small business owners, helping them launch and grow their businesses. You'll be part of a dedicated team focused on fostering a vibrant business community and strengthening the local economy. If you're a self-starter with a passion for small business development and a knack for building strong relationships, we want to hear from you.

About This Role

As the Small Business Development Manager, you will play a critical role in fostering the growth and success of small businesses in Prince William County. Your responsibilities will include:

• Business Start-Up Support: Assist new businesses in finding suitable real estate, understanding zoning requirements, and navigating the permitting and licensing process. Serve as a liaison to other county departments to facilitate smooth project management and ensure timely openings.
• Customer Service & Lead Generation: Provide exceptional customer service, responding quickly to inquiries and leads. Proactively identify and generate new business leads through outreach and networking efforts.
• Business Retention, Inclusion Initiatives, & Performance Tracking: Maintain positive relationships with county businesses to encourage business retention and expansion. Seek opportunities and partnerships to broaden the services available to veteran, minority, low-income, and women-owned businesses. Track and report KPIs on new small business projects and ribbon cuttings. Ensure accurate and timely reporting to highlight the impact of the county's economic development efforts.
• Small Business Marketing & Promotion Support: Support the marketing team by promoting the county’s small business programs and generating awareness of available services and opportunities. Collaborate with the marketing team to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• Networking & Partnership Development: Attend local events and meetings to build and maintain strategic partnerships. Create partnerships to broaden the array of subject-matter experts available to small businesses, especially in areas of real estate and construction.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for this position:

• A high school diploma or GED; and
• 5 years of experience in economic development, real estate, marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field

Preferences

Preferred candidates will have:

• A bachelor’s degree in economic development, real estate, marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field
• Consultative sales and customer service background with a proven track record of solving client challenges with relevant business solutions
• Analytical problem-solving skills with efficient, tech-driven, and organized work habits
• Strong written and oral communication skills with clear messaging tactics for supporting audiences of various socio-economic backgrounds
• Thorough understanding of business acumen with an emphasis on small business development
• Experience handling multiple projects simultaneously, flexibility, goal-oriented with detail-oriented work habits
• Experience working with small business owners and/or commercial development professionals
• Background in commercial real estate and/or construction permitting practices preferred but not required

Special Requirements

This role requires occasional local travel for trade shows and conferences. A valid driver’s license, background check, and credit check are mandatory. Physical demands include standard office duties with occasional lifting of materials for events.

Work Schedule

The Department operates from Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though this role may require occasional evening and weekend commitments. Travel will be required on an as-needed basis. Additionally, there is an opportunity for regular telework, subject to mutual agreement and alignment with departmental needs.

Starting Salary Range: $75,649.60 - $100,332.05

• Excellent Pay
• Paid accrued annual and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays
• 4 paid personal days
• Optional, comprehensive health care plans
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to online courses
• Virginia State Retirement
• 401a and 457 Retirement Savings Plans
• Credit Union eligibility
• Job security
• Opportunities for career growth, advancement specialization