Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce

Purpose of Position:

The Senior Manager, Strategic Business Growth plays a critical role in the Greater Omaha Chamber’s (GOC) economic development efforts by leading initiatives to support the expansion and success of existing businesses in the Greater Omaha region. This position includes developing relationships with area businesses, conducting growth consultation visits, and providing support resulting in the retention or expansion of the business. 

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Planning:

1. Develop and deploy capabilities and resources that directly contribute to business expansion and sustainability.
2. Identify target industries, business sizes, and market opportunities, as well as potential risks and barriers to growth.
3. Develop an annual plan to support the growth of existing businesses in the Greater Omaha area.

Business Engagement & Consultation:

1. Support businesses in leveraging foreign trade zones, export financing, and international incentives to expand their global footprint.
2. Conduct a Headquarters Visi program to out-of-state headquarter locations of Greater Omaha businesses to ensure continued growth and continuity of their local operations.
3. Identify new market opportunities and facilitate connections to those markets including those in the region, the country, and throughout the world.
4. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key business leaders and stakeholders.
5. Conduct in-depth consultations to provide strategic guidance and connect businesses with relevant resources, including data analytics, financial incentives, and workforce development programs.
6. Proactively identify and engage with businesses to assess their growth needs, challenges, and opportunities.

Economic & Business Intelligence:

1. Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and policy changes that may impact regional businesses.
2. Leverage data-driven insights to inform business engagement strategies and identify high-potential opportunities for business expansion.
3. Serve as a subject matter expert on the regional business ecosystem, economic trends, and available growth resources.

Project & Opportunity Identification:

1. Work closely with businesses to develop action plans and provide continued guidance throughout the expansion process.
2. Assist businesses in navigating regulatory, financial, and site selection processes to facilitate growth.
3. Identify and support significant business expansion projects, including facility expansions, capital investments, and workforce growth initiatives.

Collaboration & Partnership Development:

1. Represent the GOC in international business forums, trade delegations, and sister city economic initiatives to promote Greater Omaha as a global business hub.
2. Develop strategic relationships with international trade organizations, foreign chambers of commerce, consulates, and other entities that can facilitate global business connections.
3. Manage the Chamber’s Manufacturing Council and work with the Manufacturing Council Chair to hold 3-5 meetings per year with its members. Assist in recruiting potential speakers or prospective council members who could benefit from engagement with the Council. Help champion initiatives within the manufacturing sector as needed.
4. Represent GOC at industry events, business roundtables, and economic development forums to advocate for business-friendly policies and initiatives.
5. Establish strategic partnerships with financial institutions, professional service firms, and other stakeholders that can provide valuable support to businesses.
6. Coordinate with other GOC economic development staff, regional economic development organizations, local governments, workforce development agencies, and higher education institutions to align efforts and maximize impact.

Performance Tracking & Reporting:

1. Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements based on feedback and measurable outcomes.
2. Prepare reports and presentations to communicate progress, outcomes, and economic impact to internal leadership, stakeholders, and funding partners.
3. Collect and analyze data on business growth trends, challenges, and opportunities to inform economic development strategies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Attend/work a variety of Chamber events and represent the organization as needed at business and community programs/events.
2. Maintain ongoing relationships with member companies as potential vendors.
3. Represent the Chamber with professionalism and integrity.
4. Actively participate in Chamber staff activities and training to support a culture of inclusion and belonging.
5. Other duties as assigned. 

Fiscal Responsibility:

All expenditures require final approval by Senior Vice President, Economic Development.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed should be representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and related work experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, finance, marketing, marketing, political science, or other related field required. 

2. Minimum two years’ proven experience in economic development, community development or planning, business, sales, marketing, or transferable skills required.

Certifications, Licenses, Designations

Valid Driver’s License

Ability to obtain valid U.S. Passport should there be an opportunity for international travel.

Other Skills and Qualifications

1. Excellent oral and written communications skills required.

2. Must be a self-starter and able to work independently.

3. Flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

4. Capacity for local and out-of-town/international travel.

5. Proficiency with a variety of technology including Microsoft Office Suite.

6. Knowledge of customer relations management (CRM) databases and AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.).

7. Excellent attention to detail.

8. Ability to drive and/or provide own transportation to various locations around city/state on a regular basis.

Physical Demands

1. Typical office environment – frequent walking, sitting and standing.  

2. Ability to lift, pull or push up to 15 lbs. to assist with department and Chamber events.

JOB CODE: 1000013