Director Of Entrepreneurship - Hybrid

ALEXANDRIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP MISSION

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) is a public-private partnership that serves to promote the City of Alexandria as a premier location for businesses by capitalizing on its assets including multiple Metro stations, historical character, and riverfront location in order to enhance the city’s tax revenue and increase employment opportunities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship serves as the department lead for the newly reimagined Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship department at AEDP. The Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship department focuses on three pillars counseling, access to capital, and building the ecosystem. With tried-and-true programming as the foundation, AEDP is moving towards a more aggressive and purposeful outreach approach to the small business community. Programs, partners, and resources will support this large effort, continuing to offer guidance, assistance, and connections to current and future clients.

With equal amounts of opportunity to grow an existing department, the Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship has the capacity to design, plan, and implement strategies for the success of the department. In addition to management of the internal team including the Small Business Program Manager, Equitable Small Business/Outreach Program Manager, and the Client Services Coordinator, the Director will have oversight of external partners, contractors, and consultants. Areas of interest and expertise for external partners cover various fields of business from financial planning, government contracting, technology, to social media, and human resources.

The Director of Small Business will step in a spokesman and advocate role, with the ability to address diverse stakeholders, from members of City Council to tech startup founders, and main street business owners. With a people-first approach, the Director will lead the Small Business team to engage in an intentional mission to provide access, opportunities, and equity to all members of the Alexandria business community.

DIRECTION

General and specific direction to this position is provided by the Senior Vice President.

• Experience managing complex projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent leadership skills in the areas of team building and coaching
• Ability to think strategically and create long-term plans
• Identify creative opportunities to build trust within the community, for AEDP to be recognized as the home for small business
• Ability to forge partnerships and build trust
• Develop targeted approaches to reaching underrepresented communities, business owners, and industries
• Ability to apply logic and methods to solve difficult projects with effective solutions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent business acumen in the areas of financing, in terms of pitching investors for access to capital
• Expertise in economic development, small business, and entrepreneurship
• Guide and coach small business department team members to help execute program and initiative planning
• Lead and navigate the public launch of the AEDP Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship department, in conjunction with the AEDP Marketing and Communication Team

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience At least five years; that includes a mix of candidates who have previously owned (not currently involved), started, or served in an executive capacity for a business is required. AEDP seeks an individual who understands the density of running a business, as well as the ability to speak on behalf of the Alexandria small business community.

Education Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Public Administration, or a related field.