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NJEDA

Team Lead - Economic Access & Equity

NJEDA, Trenton, New Jersey, United States, 08601

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Team Lead, Economic Access and Equity Job Description

Join the NJEDA and help lead New Jersey to sustainable economic growth, fostering equitable opportunities and vibrant communities. We offer hybrid work, a supportive culture, and robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and extensive wellness programs. Make a tangible impact and shape New Jersey's future with innovative economic development at NJEDA. The Team Lead, Economic Access and Equity plays a key role in expanding access to NJEDA programs and statewide economic opportunities for small businesses and those that have not been fully reached or supported by existing economic programs. The position collaborates closely with local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community-based partners to identify needs, remove barriers, and expand economic opportunities for underserved business communities across New Jersey. This role will champion the Authority's mission to cultivate a fair and equitable economy by developing scalable outreach strategies and public engagement initiatives that connect business communities with NJEDA's products and services, providing guidance on government contracting policies to support inclusive participation, and mobilizing outreach efforts to effectively engage diverse business communities across New Jersey. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in designing and implementing outreach and engagement initiatives that advance equitable economic participation. They will have a solid understanding of government procurement and contract compliance requirements, with the ability to translate complex policies into accessible guidance for diverse business communities. Exceptional communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with a proven track record of collaborating effectively with public agencies, business associations, and community partners. Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of educational programs including webinars, workshops, and events that enhance business capacity and provide clear guidance on procurement and contracting requirements. Offer expert advice on government contracting policies and compliance matters to internal teams and external partners, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulatory frameworks and supporting businesses in navigating public sector opportunities. Develop and implement targeted outreach and engagement strategies that proactively connect with local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community partners. Serve as the primary liaison between NJEDA and external stakeholders including government agencies and community organizations to facilitate collaboration and broaden access to economic inclusion initiatives. Oversee the collection and analysis of program performance data to evaluate outreach effectiveness and inform continuous improvement efforts. Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, state agencies, and community stakeholders. Collaborate cross-functionally within NJEDA to integrate economic inclusion objectives with organizational priorities. Represent NJEDA externally at events and meetings including travel and off-hours commitments to advance strategic engagement goals. Lead and oversee strategic outreach initiatives aimed at expanding equitable access to NJEDA's programs and resources by proactively engaging local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community partners. Develop inclusive engagement frameworks that address unique challenges faced by small and underrepresented businesses, ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to access and utilize NJEDA's products and programs. Design and implement high-impact public engagement programs such as workshops, webinars, and community forums that build capacity and improve understanding among diverse business communities. Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to align outreach efforts with NJEDA's mission of inclusion and economic opportunity. Act as a central coordinator for strategic partnerships with business groups, community organizations, and government agencies to advance inclusive economic development initiatives. Use data and stakeholder feedback to regularly assess and enhance outreach strategies, ensuring greater access and meaningful impact across New Jersey's diverse business communities. Qualifications

Strong knowledge of government procurement policies, contract compliance, and regulatory frameworks related to public sector economic programs Proficiency in developing and managing outreach and engagement initiatives targeting small businesses and underrepresented communities Experience with program performance monitoring and reporting Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex policies for diverse audiences Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a strategic mindset Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple projects independently Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in business engagement, economic inclusion programs, or procurement contract administration Proven track record of leading data-driven initiatives to inform strategic business decisions and economic policy preferred. Experience working in government or public sector environments strongly preferred. Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience Bachelor's degree in relevant field or equivalent experience NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.