Director of Business Engagement

POSITION PURPOSE

This position’s primary responsibility is to lead stewardship of the Localist movement through direct engagement with the local business community. Through this work, the Director of Business Engagement will expand Local First’s reach and impact with Arizona’s local business community, primarily, Local First members. This role oversees a team focused on attracting and retaining local businesses to our Localist Coalition, creating a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient Arizona economy.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

You’re passionate about the power of local business, and you want to see Arizona become a resilient state through a locally-driven economy. You love an opportunity to be a part of something big. You are a leader and know how to nurture a team to accomplish goals and creatively solve problems. You are a proven strategist, a self-starter and get excited about launching new ideas.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for leading the Localist Coalition team as part of the overall Entrepreneurship and Business Development work at Local First. Your leadership will motivate business owners to join, stay and give back to the only coalition in the state focused on Localism. You’ll lead the strategy to grow and retain membership.

Coalition Recruitment and Engagement

• Oversee development of meaningful events, campaigns and opportunities delivered to locally owned businesses throughout the state.
• Create a member retention strategy that ensures we’re delivering value to all members at every tier, growing members when appropriate and turning our members into Local First ambassadors.
• Lead and improve a system for targeting, prospecting, onboarding and retaining new members.
• Leverage various technology platforms to analyze, measure and report on the Localist membership program.
• Lead a statewide team to achieve goals, drive value to members and become highly-engaged members of the local business community.
• Participate in outreach to businesses to encourage participation in the coalition, our programs, events and campaigns.
• Grow the business coalition budget through sponsorships and partnerships.
• In partnership with the marketing communications team, create and manage a member communication strategy that is both proactive and reactive to inbound member inquiries.

Events, Campaigns, and Community Opportunities

• Oversee Local First community events, such as networking mixers, to ensure high-quality engagement and an attendee mix that’s representative of our broad coalition.
• Manage the execution of annual campaigns and initiatives that drive community support towards local businesses.
• Collaborate with the Director of Tucson Business Development to streamline processes and ensure regional teams are aligned in delivering resources and opportunities to members.
• Identify and speak with community organizations, partners and stakeholders looking for resources and opportunities to engage in the local movement.
• Partner with the marketing communications team to promote member businesses through Local First channels, such as newsletters, stories, social media and speaking opportunities.
• Support management of the Localist AZ Directory, a proprietary technology used to easily connect the public with locally-owned businesses.

Local First Leadership

• Work alongside the Local First leadership team on strategic planning and goal setting, helping to ensure the organization is always improving and doing great work.
• Activate as a community leader through attending and participating in Local First Arizona and business community related events.
• Represent Local First Arizona through partnerships and community collaborations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree or work experience equivalent.
• 10 years experience in entrepreneurship, business development, community engagement and/or marketing.
• 10 years experience working with Arizona businesses.
• 7 years experience managing people and leading fast-paced teams

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of the needs of local business owners
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects at one time
• Excellent people management skills
• Experience in strategic planning and business development
• Proven relationship-building capabilities
• Fast learner and resourceful
• People-first energy with an approachable manner and excellent customer service skills
• Highly productive with with focus on strategy and outcomes
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and highly organized.
• Experience with project management and CRM platforms

Job Type: Full-time (40 hours), Exempt

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85014