In collaboration with the VP, Member Value, and various departments across the organization, the Director, Small Business and Growth Initiatives will serve as the staff lead for the content development, implementation and management of Business Studio, Leadership Connect, Leadership Connect Advisory Committee and Alumni Group, Nashpreneurs Conference and Happy Hours, the Small and Diverse Business Forum, Supplier Procurement Fair, Small Business Committee, Hospitality Link industry initiative, Music Industry Initiative and other small business programs as assigned. The Director, Small Business and Growth Initiatives will ensure these programs meet the objectives set in the annual strategic plan and budget.
Value Creation
- In consultation with the VP, Member Value, lead planning, content development and implementation of small business programs, to include:
- Business Studio, Leadership Connect, Leadership Connect Advisory Committee and Alumni Group, Nashpreneurs Conference and Happy Hours, the Small and Diverse Business Fair & Forum, Small Business Committee, Hospitality Link industry initiative, Music Industry Initiative and other small business programs as assigned. Ensuring all programs and events stay within budget guidelines.
- Responsible for all communication associated with small business programs, including correspondence with participants, speakers and others as needed.
- Responsible for setting program goals with VP, Member Value, generating ideas to meet those goals, developing high-quality content through speakers and participant experiences, and implementing best practices that provide value to Chamber members.
- As a member of the Member Value team, serve in a support role for:
- Annual Celebration, Coffee, Content & Conversation, Executive Insights, Growing Together, Higher Ed Series, Intro Nashville, Leadership Connect, LSM, President’s Table, Professional Development Series, Regional Business After Hours, Strategic Networking, Thrive and YP Nashville programming (NELAs, YP Leadership Council, YP Nashville Connect, YP Connect, YP Learning Series, YP Summit, etc.).
- Provide rotational logistical support for event programming within chamber theater structure (ex. Growth, Public Policy, Talent Development and Economic Development)
- Work with the Chamber’s marketing and communications team to support member value programming through the Chamber’s website, graphic design, social media, printed collateral, broadcast e-mails and newsletters.
- Create and manage online programming content through interactive media (i.e. podcasts, webinars, blogs, etc.) in collaboration with Chamber’s marketing and communications team.
- Lead staff debrief following each program to recap the strategic and financial outcomes, summarize participants and evaluate overall effectiveness.
- Determine the appropriate course of action when opportunities or solicitations arise related to small business programs.
- Serve as the staff advocate to address needs, issues, activities, and member value for small businesses.
- Stay apprised of advocacy needs to build awareness of public policy issues affecting small business members and communicate those to the Chamber’s policy staff.
- Collaborate with the Chamber’s economic development staff to provide feedback from small businesses and gain understanding of economic development resources available to small businesses.
- Create a central directory of all programs and resources available to small businesses in the Nashville region and design additional programs as the need presents itself.
- Recruit small business members as appropriate for engagement and leadership opportunities within the Chamber.
- Deliver effective presentations throughout the community (local colleges and universities, professional groups, one-on-one business meetings) highlighting resources available to small businesses with an emphasis on engagement.
- Provide counsel to small business owners who inquire about a wide range of topics.
- Build a personal rapport with stakeholders, including senior leadership, all Chamber personnel, community leaders and Chamber members.
- Serve as a liaison between the Chamber and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, Small Business Administration, Pathway, and other small business support organizations, in order to keep abreast of the range of offerings available for small businesses in the Nashville region and to direct small businesses to the appropriate resource to meet their need.
- Execute other special projects as determined by the VP, Member Value.
Event Operations
- For designated events:
- Conduct meetings and site inspections as necessary to secure, coordinate and supervise the work of contracted venues and suppliers, such as hotels, direct mail service, rental equipment, caterers, decorators, audio/visual, etc.
- Ensure Chamber database is used to enter and maintain all event records, such as registration and event calendar web pages.
- Ensure event supplies are well maintained, make decisions regarding inventory levels and purchase necessary items.
- Secure volunteer support, providing direction, assigning job descriptions, establishing schedules and training as needed.
Strategic Planning and Financial Responsibility
- Contribute to the Member Value team’s comprehensive annual plan – including purpose, objectives, strategies and tactics – with an emphasis on small business programs.
- With guidance from VP, Member Value, prepare and manage the annual budget for these programs.
- Ensure programs meet the goals of the Chamber’s annual strategic plan and budget.
- Work with Director, Sponsorship to secure cash and in-kind sponsors for programs and to ensure fulfillment of sponsorship contracts.
- Research grants available to support small businesses; as appropriate and with guidance from VP, Member Value, seek grants to support Chamber’s small business programs and initiatives.
- Provide reporting and administration for grants secured to support the Chamber’s small business programs and initiatives.
- Analyze market position and identify growth opportunities and threats to position the Chamber as a resource for small business.
- Generate ideas, help develop resources, and gain support from fellow team members to launch new products and services that provide value to small businesses.
- Continually evaluate and recommend updates to programs using national best practices.
- Research small business programs produced by other organizations to remain competitive and relevant in the marketplace.
