Outreach & Events Associate

Summary

The Outreach & Events Associate is a critical role which builds and maintains relationships with local companies through outreach and marketing of city programs and business services and through events hosted by NBW. The Associate will explore and document company needs and connect them to solutions. The Associate will also plan and execute events designed to promote business and community networking opportunities. This position will deliver resources to businesses and plan events that highlight our service area as the preeminent place to work and own a business.

A successful applicant will possess self-confidence, the ability to connect with business owners, and demonstrate how they worked effectively to help others and benefit the community in past jobs or endeavors. The job requires a multi-tasking professional with strong communications skills, the ability to meet deadlines, with a background in urban planning, public policy, or a related field

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach to small, industrial, and manufacturing businesses for our Local Industrial Retention Initiative (LIRI) and Neighborhood Business Development Center (NBDC) contracts with the City of Chicago.
• Lead the initial contact with businesses in our service area. This task will require research, virtual and in-person meetings, phone calls, direct mail, and helping to provide technical assistance, and extensive follow up.
• Work closely with our Director of Business and Economic Development to help businesses identify and apply for grant opportunities that build their capacity, increase revenue, and create more job opportunities.
• Help NBW organize and deliver webinars targeted to the community and will include opportunities for public speaking, program development, event planning, and group facilitation.
• Help to design and execute community events including our annual boat tour and Fall Fest.
• Update records in Salesforce, Constant Contact, and QuickBooks
• Help with communications work such as social media and writing stories for our blog and our bi-weekly e-newsletter.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BA/BAS in urban planning, business administration, public policy, or related field
• 2+ years’ work experience
• Self-starter with ability to work independently and as a team member
• Strong time management skills, ability to meet deadlines and complete taxes.
• Diligence in record keeping and reporting
• Excellent verbal and communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, Eventbrite, and Constant Contact
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking candidates are preferred.

Additional Info

• Reports to Director of Business and Economic Development
• Local travel in Chicago is required
• Full Time – Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Some nights and weekends will be required
• Salary - $40,000 including a generous benefits program
• This position is funded for through the end of the year with the expectation of continued funding
• To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Steve Simmons, Director of Business and Economic Development at admin@northbranchworks.org

About North Branch Works

North Branch Works (NBW) is a membership-supported nonprofit organization that has promoted job-creating economic development along the North Branch of the Chicago River for more than 40 years. NBW is a City of Chicago “delegate agency” providing services to a wide array of businesses and advocating for environmentally and economically sustainable development in the North Branch, Addison, Kennedy, and Pulaski business corridors and surrounding communities.

North Branch Works is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy status, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. NBW works to practice the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do and seeks to recruit, develop and retain talent from a diverse candidate pool.