Municipal Employment Opportunities
Oakland Business Coordinator
The Town of Oakland and Greater Oakland Business Association (GOBA) are seeking an energetic, resourceful, creative thinker to be the new Oakland Business Coordinator. This is a full-time position that will require the ability to communicate effectively with different audiences and constituents, from the business owner in Oakland to the volunteers who are part of the GOBA/Main Street Committees. This person will be expected to provide economic development opportunities for both new and existing businesses, assist the Town with a variety of tasks, and plan, coordinate and oversee new and on-going events that help to promote and market the Town and business community. The position requires a person who can initiate and carry out projects with minimal supervision and who possesses good time management skills, has a valid driver’s license, and is willing to attend a variety of meetings and functions. An application and resume must be submitted to the Oakland City Hall, 15 South Third Street, Oakland MD, 21550, or via email to clerk@oaklandmd.com by April 12, 2024.
TITLE: Oakland Business Coordinator (OBC)
REPORTS TO: Town Clerk
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SUMMARY OF POSITION: Responsible for providing economic development opportunities for both new and existing businesses. Serve as the GOBA/Main Street liaison and ensure continuation of Main Street designation. Develop and identify funding sources and other incentives that will work to encourage and promote economic development within Oakland, as well as organize and promote various business retention activities. Represent Oakland on various committees that work to promote business retention, expansion, economic development, and workforce development opportunities. As necessary, coordinate retention and recruitment efforts with the Garrett County Economic Development Office to ensure the efforts undertaken by both Oakland and the County are complimentary in nature. Ensure at all times that Oakland’s goals are represented.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Be self-motivated with knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of economic development and business retention. Have knowledge of local, State and Federal funding programs for economic development initiatives and Main Street initiatives. Be proficient in a Microsoft Office environment. Have a working knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet computer applications. Have great organizational skills as well as skill in written and verbal communication. Have skill in working effectively with Town and County representatives and departments. Have skill in communication including persuasive communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, staff, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Have skill in solving problems by utilizing good analytical skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A degree in Business, Hospitality, Media Relations, Public Administration, Economic Development, Planning, or related field, with a minimum of two years of related experience. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid Driver's License.
TITLE: Oakland Business Coordinator (OBC)
REPORTS TO: Town Clerk
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SUMMARY OF POSITION: Responsible for providing economic development opportunities for both new and existing businesses. Serve as the GOBA/Main Street liaison and ensure continuation of Main Street designation. Develop and identify funding sources and other incentives that will work to encourage and promote economic development within Oakland, as well as organize and promote various business retention activities. Represent Oakland on various committees that work to promote business retention, expansion, economic development, and workforce development opportunities. As necessary, coordinate retention and recruitment efforts with the Garrett County Economic Development Office to ensure the efforts undertaken by both Oakland and the County are complimentary in nature. Ensure at all times that Oakland’s goals are represented.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)
- Coordinate and participate in the development of economic development programs, plans and strategies.
- Represent Oakland in organizations concerning economic development.
- Communicate effectively with the media, and establish and coordinate effective public relations.
- Recruit businesses on a continual and active basis that is consistent with the community’s needs.
- Work with existing businesses on retention efforts as well as growth and expansion efforts.
- Continue with downtown Oakland’s revitalization efforts.
- Coordinate activities of GOBA/Main Street in conjunction with the Mayor and Town Council of Oakland and officers of GOBA.
- Work with GOBA/Main Street to organize and oversee the required Main Street Committees.
- Assist with fundraising activities of GOBA/Main Street to ensure continued funding.
- Ensure accurate record keeping of fundraising activities and report to GOBA Board and Town Council as requested.
- Prepare necessary Main Street reports and attend necessary trainings/meetings.
- Prepare correspondence as needed for the Committees and Boards.
- Plans and coordinated all Main Street events through the year including Little Yough Family Flicks, Little Yough Summer Concert Festival, Autumn Glory, and others.
- Coordinate with the County on Business Recruitment and Retention efforts as well as implementation of a complimentary economic development marketing effort.
- Write applications for finding incentives, and work to generate creative incentives for businesses to utilize when undertaking Economic development activities.
- Work to build and maintain a database of commercial buildings within Oakland and their availability starting within the downtown area and building from there.
- Responsible for development, in conjunction with Oakland representatives, and execution of Oakland’s Marketing Plan both general marketing of Oakland as well as marketing specific to economic development efforts.
- Represent Oakland at various shows, promotions, events, and other functions.
- Act as a liaison for the Mayor and Town Council by visiting all existing businesses on a regular and scheduled basis to learn their concerns and needs.
- Develop and update promotional material for Oakland, via website, printed brochures, newsletters, etc.
- Develop protocol for responding to inquiries by new businesses and for welcoming new businesses.
- Develop an understanding of downtown Oakland and develop a good working relationship with businesses and municipal representatives.
- Assist Executive Coordinator in developing a budget and ensuring that expenditures are within the budget.
- Provide assistance to the Executive Coordinator and Department of Administration and Finance as needed.
- Meet with GOBA/Main Street Board monthly and the Mayor and Town Council quarterly.
- Be willing to work flexible hours.
- Perform related work as required.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Be self-motivated with knowledge of concepts, principles and practices of economic development and business retention. Have knowledge of local, State and Federal funding programs for economic development initiatives and Main Street initiatives. Be proficient in a Microsoft Office environment. Have a working knowledge of database, word processing, and spreadsheet computer applications. Have great organizational skills as well as skill in written and verbal communication. Have skill in working effectively with Town and County representatives and departments. Have skill in communication including persuasive communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, staff, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Have skill in solving problems by utilizing good analytical skills.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A degree in Business, Hospitality, Media Relations, Public Administration, Economic Development, Planning, or related field, with a minimum of two years of related experience. A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls. Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid Driver's License.