Business Development Coordinator (External Affairs)

Job Description:

Business Development Coordinator (External Affairs)

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Working Title: Business Development Coordinator (External Affairs)
Division: External Affairs
Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street, 7th Floor
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm *Subject to Change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Office of Business Opportunity ("OBO") is committed to creating a competitive and diverse business environment in the City of Houston by promoting the growth and success of small businesses and developing Houston's workforce. The OBO places a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals by ensuring their meaningful participation in the government procurement process. OBO provides business assistance to start-up companies, helps businesses navigate the city permitting and licensing process.

The Business Development Coordinator will provide frontline support to Houston’s small business community while advancing OBO’s external affairs and business development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Customer Service & Public Guidance
  • Manage daily operations which include responding to inquiries in person, by phone, and in writing in a timely and professional manner.
  • Assist entrepreneurs and business owners in understanding requirements for starting and growing a business in the City of Houston.
  • Provide clear, accessible information on OBO program requirements to the public, businesses, and partner agencies.
• Administrative & Data Management
  • Support the External Affairs Division through administrative functions, including maintaining a comprehensive database of business contacts, memberships, and resources.
  • Compile, track, and organize program data for use in reports, presentations, and evaluations.
  • Draft and prepare correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
• Outreach & Communications
  • Maintain consistent communications with the business community through multiple channels, including print, digital, telephone, and web platforms.
  • Help produce and distribute OBO business resource guides and related publications.
  • Represent OBO and the City of Houston at community and business events to promote programs and services.
• Program Support & Special Initiatives
  • Provide administrative support and co-manage flagship initiatives, including the Liftoff Houston! Business Plan Competition, the Turnaround Houston Entrepreneurship Program, and the Future Founder’s Program.
  • Assist in planning and implementing other OBO business development and workforce programs as needed.
  • Support special projects and additional responsibilities assigned by leadership.

WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort in a normal office environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Liberal Arts or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
One year of responsible, professional administrative experience is required. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS :

None

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Written and oral fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to communicate comfortably and at an appropriate level of summary and detail across multiple levels.
• Effective time management and organization skills.
• Proven experience producing social media content in a professional business environment and knowledge of best practices, strategy and metrics.
• Proven experience with graphic design and photography for the purpose of producing flyers and announcements in a professional business environment.
• A degree in journalism, communications or marketing is preferred.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The department will administer, and the applicant must successfully complete a written skills-assessment relevant to job description.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Paygrade: 18

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6051.

If you need special services or accommodations, please call 832-393-6051 (TTY 7-1-1)

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information.

EOE: Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 11/3/2025 11:59 PM Central

Salary:

$24.25 - $26.13 Hourly