FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY CENTER

Position/Title: F/T Business Developer

Location: 506 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ
Hours: Monday to Friday; 9am - 5pm (Hybrid)
Salary: $50,000 to $55,000 annually plus benefits
Reports To: Department Director
Position Posted: 3/27/25; until filled

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Urban League of Essex County (ULEC) in partnership with Greater Newark LISC and additional funders is committed to improving the quality of life for families served by its Financial Opportunity Center (FOC). The FOC provides a supportive and resource-rich environment for low and middle-income families to obtain employment and career advancement opportunities, income supports, as well as financial tools and services. By utilizing a comprehensive approach, the FOC is instrumental in helping families and individuals reach economic stability. The Business Developer will work to integrate employment and career advancement services into the FOC model.

BASIC FUNCTIONS:

Under the direction of the Department Director, the Business Developer’s primary responsibility is to develop relationships with employers while monitoring Employment Service Plans (ESPs). He/ she will conduct assessments of individuals’ employability dimensions to determine suitability for services and make appropriate referrals both internally and externally to community services to support successful Service Plan completion. The Business Developer will assist clients in achieving employment goals by providing individual employment counseling as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Business Development

  • Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging programming lessons tailored to middle school students.
  • Promote and develop employment and on-the-job training opportunities for job seekers.
  • Provide local labor market information (What companies and industries are in the area? What skills and experience do local area employers prefer and require? What is the usual means of entry into those companies/ industries?).
  • Enter client data accurately into designated reporting computer systems and update as needed.
  • Conduct outreach to clients, employers, and the community to promote program services.
  • Provide consulting services to community groups and agencies, businesses, industries, and other organizations involved in providing community-based career planning resources.
  • Attend networking events and represent ULEC on community committees.
  • Make cold calls to potential employers explaining the benefits and employment support services provided to employers, including addressing employer’s special needs.
  • Check with candidates and employers to assess the success of the referral.
  • Identify growing employment sectors and potential employers.
  • Develop relationships with employers to understand their business and job requirements of positions they seek to fill.
  • Work with employers to identify specific skills they are seeking and develop a process for clients to acquire those skills.
  • Maintain open dialogue with employers and respond to their concerns.
  • Working as a member of a cross-functional team: providing services to families served by the FOC, sharing information, participating in team meetings, and helping to track as well as report progress and outcomes.
  • Advocate for hard-to-employ clients such as the disabled and ex-offenders.
  • Provide reports and data on a timely basis.
  • Provide monthly documentation of job openings, neighborhood applicants, and an analysis of outcomes.

Employment Counseling / Coaching

  • Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging programming lessons tailored to middle school students.
  • Assess the need for additional assistance such as rehabilitation, financial aid, further vocational training, and make appropriate referrals.
  • Follow-up with clients at appropriate intervals to assess progress and record outcomes.
  • Establish relationships with employers regarding problems, complaints, and the progress of recently placed job seekers while recommending corrective action.
  • Inform business, labor, and the public about training programs through various media.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • BA or BS required, Master’s degree preferred.
  • Ability to work in a performance-based, outcomes-driven environment with a proven track record of meeting targets is essential.
  • Requires minimum supervision, able to work independently, and maintain a supportive and cooperative environment with colleagues.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in workforce development, business-to-business services, and customer care, with an emphasis on employer outreach and service to the disadvantaged preferred.
  • Previous successful experience in business development, recruiting, and job retention services is highly desirable.
  • Excellent knowledge of the local business environment in Newark, NJ.
  • General knowledge and understanding of the needs of a low-income working population as well as knowledge of available community resources.
  • Excellent social/interpersonal skills and writing ability commensurate with the communication and reporting requirements of the position.
  • Well-organized and self-directed.
  • Must be Proficient in MS Office Applications; Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook and able to effectively utilize the internet for research.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle as this position requires regular local travel.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

HOW TO APPLY:

E-mail resume/CV and cover letter to: #CareersAtULEC here
In the subject line write: Business Developer

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