Director of Entrepreneurial Development at CHATTANOOGA CHAMBER COMMERCE in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Job Description:

Position: Director, Entrepreneurial Development
Organization: Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce
Reports to: VP, Economic & Talent Development

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is the lead economic development organization for the tri-state Chattanooga, Tennessee region. We are a high-impact, inclusive and forward-thinking organization focused on building a thriving Chattanooga region. We’re looking for a strategic doer that is passionate about entrepreneurship and small businesses.

The successful candidate will direct the Chamber’s entrepreneurial development programs including management of the INCubator at the Hamilton County Business Development Center. They will be an accomplished leader, bringing strong relationships with entrepreneurial ecosystem partners as well as a proven ability to work with business leaders in the development and execution of the Chamber’s entrepreneurship goals. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a team environment laser-focused on supporting entrepreneurs and community partners while embracing our guiding principles of economic mobility, inclusive economy, and collaborative leadership.

This job description is intended as an illustration of the type of work to be performed by the Director, who reports to the VP of Economic & Talent Development. Collaboration with other Chamber units, as well as our public and private partners to achieve the overall mission is critical. To learn more about this position visit Jobs - Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.

To apply for this position, submit a persuasive cover letter and resume, combined into one .PDF file, by 5p.m., Friday, April 12, 2024.

Send confidential resumes to:  Yolonda Hayslett, VP, Finance & Operations

Essential Functions:
• Promoting, recruiting, and screening startup applicants into the INCubator program
• Manages the INCubator team which includes operations, marketing, and maintenance
• Providing guidance, coaching, and feedback to the startups within the INCubator program
• Organizing and facilitating workshops, events, and networking opportunities for the startups
• Works with Chamber staff to build awareness of the INCubator program both locally as well as at a regional and national level
• Establishes and fosters strong working relationships with funders, stakeholders, and partners in the entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Develops and is responsible for a sound P&L, operating budgets, and manages facility resources effectively to meet or exceed goals
• Evaluating and reporting on KPIs and outcomes of the program.

Required Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship, business administration or related field. Advanced degree is a plus

• Minimum of 3 years of experience managing employees and programs, with a demonstrated track- record of producing results

• Firm grasp of core business competencies, including marketing and facilities management Preferred Qualifications:
• A history of successful engagement, alliance-building, working with volunteer boards, and managing volunteer-driven initiatives
• Startup experience or management of a business development program desired, but not required
• Experience working in a chamber of commerce or business incubator/accelerator program