Small Business Resources Program Manager

Job DescriptionJoin the City of Chattanooga TeamChattanooga, a vibrant and growing community of over 190,000 residents within a metropolitan area of nearly 600,000 is known as the "Scenic City" for a reason. Nestled along the Tennessee River and surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, we are a hub of outdoor adventure and innovation. Home to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and Chattanooga State Community College, our city blends a rich industrial history with a tech-forward future-famously powered by the nation's first community-wide "Gig" fiber-optic network. The City of Chattanooga was also recently designated as a "National Park City," the first of its kind in the United States. Our OrganizationAs a City, we are powered by a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,600 employees committed to excellence in public service and making Chattanooga the best community in the country. Our team ensures our city thrives through a wide range of municipal services, including:Public Safety: Chattanooga Police and Fire Departments.Infrastructure & Utilities: Public Works, Waste Resources, and specialized Stormwater management.Quality of Life: Award-winning Parks and Outdoors and Community Development systems and the Chattanooga Public Library.Transportation: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and citywide transit and pedestrian friendly initiatives.Innovation: Leading-edge smart-city programs with a commitment to cutting edge workforce development policies to ensure all our residents can get ahead.Why Choose Chattanooga?The City of Chattanooga's workforce is the heartbeat of our community. We don't just offer jobs; we offer careers with purpose: making Chattanooga the best city in America. We are committed to being the premier employer of choice in Southeast Tennessee by providing:Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees. .Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.The Great Outdoors: Your Backyard Playground: Chattanooga isn't just near nature, it's immersed in it. As one of the most biodiverse cities in North America, the "Scenic City" offers an ecological richness that few places on earth can claim. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a weekend wanderer, world-class adventure is always less than an hour away.Vertical Adventures: Scale legendary sandstone cliffs in what is widely considered the premier rock climbing hub of the Southeast.Water & Rapids: From the high-octane whitewater kayaking of the Ocoee River to world-class bass fishing and peaceful paddling on the Tennessee River.Trails for Miles: Explore a massive network of mountain biking and hiking trails that wind through lush ridges, hidden waterfalls, and deep river gorges.In Chattanooga, "work-life balance" means you can finish your shift and be at a trailhead or on the water before the sun sets.Our mission is to work together to build a safe, vibrant, and sustainable city for all Chattanoogans. To do that, it takes a team of skilled and passionate individuals. So, if you'd like to call Chattanooga home - or maybe you already do! - and want to further your career through meaningful work that makes a true impact where you live, we'd love to talk to you.Salary: $64,024- $77,348 (GS.12)Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. (EST)*Hours may vary due to work assignments, or projects.*Work Location: 332 East Martin Luther King Blvd, Chattanooga, TNFLSA Status: This is an Exempt position.Department: Economic Development.CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY:Incumbents in this classification are responsible for growing and enhancing the city's small business ecosystem and ensuring equitable access to resources, and blending strategic leadership with practical program management and community engagement.SERIES LEVEL: The Small Business Resources Program Manager is a stand-alone position.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.)Provide strategic direction and implement small business and entrepreneurship programs in alignment with the Mayor's directives and the Department of Economic Development's goals.Administer and design all small business initiatives and incentives, including managing grant and loan programs where applicable.Oversee the programming and strategies of the Small Business Resource Center and ensure the center effectively supports entrepreneurs.Act as a convener and liaison among various community partners (e.g., Chambers of Commerce, SBDC, CO.LAB, Urban League) to coordinate services, prevent duplication of effort, and ensure a unified approach to small-business support.Identify, pursue, and apply for funding opportunities, such as federal or state grants, to bolster the capacity and offerings of the resource center.Design systems and collaborate with partners to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges like accessing capital, receiving technical assistance, navigating government procurement processes, and enhancing market share.Conduct ongoing needs assessments of the local business community to identify service gaps and evaluate the effectiveness of existing programs and delivery methods.Provide information to the public regarding programs and services and advocate for small business resources at various levels of government and community forums.Oversee the general day-to-day operations, budget, and staff of the center, ensuring efficient service delivery and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.Prepare and maintain necessary documentation, reports, and data related to program outcomes, budget expenditures, and performance milestones for the Administrator, Mayor, and funding sources.Serve as the primary point of contact for the center, providing a warm and professional welcome to all visitors and clients.Assist clients with registration for center services, workshops, and counseling appointments.Manage and maintain the center's calendars, including scheduling appointments, meetings, and special events.Create and maintain organized electronic and physical filing systems, ensuring all client information and center records are accurate and confidential.Ensure common areas and meeting spaces are prepared before and after use, and generally maintain a professional and organized office environment.Operate and manage office equipment, such as computers, printers, and fax machines, and coordinate maintenance or IT support when necessary.Assist with basic financial tasks, such as processing invoices, tracking expenses, and assisting with budget reconciliation, grant application coordination, and processing.Conduct basic research for reports or special projects as requested by the center director or business advisors.Must meet regular attendance requirements.Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.Performs other duties as assigned. DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES (if any): NoneMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or Marketing with five (5) years of experience; or any combination of equivalent experience and education. Master's degree preferred.LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONSValid Driver's LicenseEntrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) Certification preferred.KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLSDemonstrated experience in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial initiatives. Experience supporting the coordination and execution of workshops and events. Experience planning workshops, events, and collaborative programming to help ensure the center remains active, engaged, and visible within the small business community. Experience in coordinating and overseeing event operations, including invitations, marketing, catering, parking arrangements, name tags, registration, and run-of-show planning. Skilled in maintaining schedules and managing facility logistics. Proficient in Google Workspace and additional software tools used for communication, analysis, and office operations.PHYSICAL DEMANDSPositions in this class typically require fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.WORK ENVIRONMENTLight Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTSSafety Sensitive: NOChild Sensitive: NODept of Transportation (CDL): NOSUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:This position requires pre-employment screening(s) that include: background check The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.KNV 3/13/2026KJF

Created: 2026-04-02