Business Development Specialist

Description

Organization Summary:
Civic Works’ Energy Programs social enterprise is leading efforts to ensure that local residents are able to both reduce their energy costs and decarbonize their homes. We make it easy and affordable for community members across Central Maryland to go solar and upgrade their energy efficiency. As an integral part of Civic Works’ job training center, we also play a pivotal role in expanding access to quality careers in the clean energy sector. This includes promoting job quality standards among program contractors, and creating on-the-job training opportunities for residents impacted by systemic inequities.

Position Summary:
The Business Development Specialist will support Civic Works’ ambitious expansion plans in response to the unprecedented investments in clean energy and home decarbonization. The role involves managing feasibility planning and driving business development to improve outcomes for job training participants and clients. Key goals include: expanding on-the-job training, improving job quality outcomes for training participants, increasing the affordability of social enterprise services for low- and moderate- income residents, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Business Development Specialist will build program capacity by strengthening policies, developing operational systems, supporting team expansion and ensuring long-term sustainability and expansion into new initiatives, with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Responsibilities:

I. Lead the Development of New Employment Social Enterprise Business Lines

1. Lead expansion projects by replicating Civic Works' employment social enterprise model in new industries, with a focus on uplifting marginalized communities. 
2. Conduct feasibility studies on new business lines, assessing factors like program fit, job quality, market outlook, and financial viability.
3. Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities.

II.  Strengthen Program Policies, Procedures, and Documentation

1. Oversee the development, review, and revision of policies and procedures and ensure they promote equitable access, inclusion, and sustainability.
2. Facilitate cross-team collaboration on program design, ensuring consistent standards and practices.
3. Align messaging across all program materials, including presentations, flyers, and website content.

III. Support Program Expansion and Continuous Improvement

1. Help organize and oversee projects to ensure they stay on track by setting clear goals, timelines, and progress indicators.
2. Ensure project success by securing resources (both within and outside of the organization), collaborating with stakeholders, monitoring progress, and adjusting as needed.
3. Analyze operations data to identify areas for improvement and drive continuous program innovation.
4. Support hiring efforts to recruit and screen candidates in alignment with program growth goals.
5. Develop and implement a communications strategy to ensure that staff and stakeholders stay apprised of the most up-to-date program strategy.
6. Represent Civic Works in meetings with external partners, lead meetings and presentations, and oversee post-meeting follow up. 
7. Manage and promote publicity for expansion activities, coordinating with Civic Works' communications consultant to ensure messaging is aligned. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Civic Works values both formal education and real-world experience and skills. Skills and competencies gained through direct experience can significantly complement, and in some cases surpass, academic credentials. While educational thresholds and years of experience are listed, the primary focus is on demonstrated ability and proficiency in acquiring new skills.

• Experience managing complex projects and collaborating with external partners, or internal team members to achieve goals.
• Experience creating and documenting program policies, and procedures, or leading process improvement initiatives and contributing to efficient workflow design.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, etc.) and experience with database tracking systems (or willingness to learn).
• Experience fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments, whether at work, school, or in the community.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication skills, including writing, proofreading, and verbal facilitation, with the ability to guide diverse stakeholders through discussions that ensure clarity and lead to clear next steps and decisions.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively when needed. 
• Flexible and adaptable, able to work in ambiguous situations.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with an eye for quality.
• Comfortable launching new projects and driving continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated commitment to achieving organizational goals through collaboration and innovation.
• Strong initiative, creativity, and ability to create and implement innovative solutions.
• Knowledge of (or willingness to learn) principles for planning and implementing organizational improvements.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work schedule is typically Monday through Friday. Occasional travel to meet with external partners offsite may occur.
• Hybrid position: The Business Development Specialist is eligible to work from home up to 4 days per week, and work at least 1 day per week from Civic Works’ office in Baltimore City.