JOB SUMMARYEmpty heading

This position is responsible for delivery of technical assistance services to prospective and existing clients. The Business Specialist, Market Research Lead will conduct activities and strategies to identify, cultivate and prepare entrepreneurs in the local markets and communities. Provides support to clients and manages market research efforts for the organization. Sets policies and practices for gathering research on market conditions, competitors and consumer trends. Analyzes and presents gathered research to clients and management. Ensures that project/department goals are met and adheres to approved budgets by performing the following duties:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides business development direct services to clients, specifically in the area of marketing.
• Leads market research efforts across the organization. 
• Provides marketing skills and expertise to MESO by building, developing and managing a marketing team capable of carrying out the necessary marketing strategies and tactics.
• Manages complex studies using internal and external resources.
• Analyzes data to identify strengths, pain points, strategic, and tactical actions for the business.

JOB DUTIES

• Counsels and trains small business clients on how to plan, develop, and operate a successful small business, specifically in relation to business strategy, marketing, operations, human resources, compliance, and financial planning. 
• Assists in establishing strategic marketing plans to achieve client objectives for products and services.
• Meets with assigned clients, performs assessment of the business, formulates recommendations, and provides support services to carry out recommendations. 
• Connects clients to referrals and additional business resources as needed.
• Develops and executes marketing programs to achieve stated objectives regarding revenue, profitability, and market share.
• Plans and conducts market research to identify opportunities for increased sales.
• Maintains customer database and approves the use of internal and external mailing lists.
• Reviews analysis of marketing surveys on current and new product concepts in order to recommend future product development.
• Provides post-event reports, analysis, and regular status reports on marketing programs.
• Plans, promotes, and executes sales meetings and community and goodwill events.
• Helps establish and maintain consistent corporate image throughout product lines, promotional materials, and events.
• Facilitates, teaches, coordinates and promotes small business forums, workshops, trainings, and client networking events. Contributes to and/or develop training curricula.  
• Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with other economic development and business assistance agencies and professionals.
• Conducts outreach efforts to the small business community, under the manager’s guidance.
• Answers phones and meets walk-in clients as needed.
• Attends community partner meetings, acting as an advocate for clients and for MESO in alignment with organization’s goals.
• Works in partnership with other departments to ensure efficient service delivery, positive customer relations, and financial accountability.
• Performs administrative duties to remain in compliance with contract guidelines and reporting requirements in coordination with manager. 
• Uses Outcome Tracker and other tracking/database systems, accurately documents activities and outcomes, including: time tracking, project progress, client goals and action plans, and client activities and achievements.
• Prepares and submits recurring reports to agency management and funders as required.
• Strives to create relationships internally and with all of our suppliers and customers.
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance. 
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
• Respectfully takes direction from manager.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS  

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Bilingual preferred.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; to write routine reports and correspondence; to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to apply advance mathematical concepts related to finance. Ability to synthesize complex or diverse information; collect and research data; use intuition and experience to complement data; designs work flows and procedures; demonstrate attention to detail; gather and analyze information skillfully; complete projects on time and budget; demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness; work within approved budget; contribute to profits and revenue; conserve organizational resources. 

COMPUTER SKILLS

Job requires specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including database, spreadsheet, report writing, project management, graphics, word processing, presentation creation/editing, communicate by e-mail and use scheduling software. Preferred familiarity with Down-home Loan Manager, Outcome Tracker and Microsoft Office products. 

REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

This position requires no certificates, licenses or registrations.

Vaccination Requirement

All current employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID‐19 by October 18, 2021, as mandated by the State of Oregon unless a reasonable accommodation is approved as a result of a medical or religious exemption.

• You must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or exemption prior to start date. New employees must show they've had both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (or one dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine) and are 14 days past the final dose prior to start date. 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance
• Work from home

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle, or feel and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and climb or balance.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.