Operations and Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary and Essential Responsibilities
The Operations and Strategic Initiatives Specialist is a cross-functional member of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) team, providing operational, technical, communications, and administrative support across multiple organizational functions. This position enhances organizational effectiveness by coordinating strategic initiatives, supporting Board governance, administering technology platforms and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, managing communications and marketing activities, coordinating events, and assisting with economic development and grant-funded programs.

The successful candidate is highly organized, technologically proficient, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities while exercising sound judgment in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Organizational Operations

• Provide operational and administrative support for organizational initiatives and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate special projects and assignments directed by the Executive Director.
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures and internal processes.
• Maintain organizational records, electronic filing systems, and document retention practices.
• Coordinate vendor relationships, procurement activities, and service contracts.
• Create and maintain organizational workflows, automations, and reporting dashboards.
• Administer and maintain CRM platforms, contact databases, and related reporting tools.
• Assist with technology coordination and recommend process improvements to increase organizational efficiency.

Economic Development Support

• Assist with business retention, expansion, and economic development initiatives.
• Conduct research, compile demographic and economic data, and prepare reports and presentations.
• Maintain project tracking systems and databases.
• Support outreach efforts with businesses, community partners, and stakeholders.

Grant & Program Support

• Assist with the administration of federal, state, and local grant programs.
• Maintain grant files and compliance documentation.
• Track grant milestones, reporting requirements, and program deadlines.
• Coordinate collection and organization of supporting documentation.
• Provide administrative support for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), SBA 504, and other economic development programs.

Board Governance & Committee Support

• Coordinate Board of Directors and committee meeting logistics.
• Prepare meeting agendas, packets, and supporting materials.
• Record, prepare, and distribute meeting minutes.
• Maintain Board records, governance documents, policies, and committee files.
• Assist with Board reporting, governance activities, annual certifications, and organizational compliance requirements.
• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director as assigned.

Event Coordination

• Coordinate meetings, workshops, conferences, and special events.
• Manage event logistics, registrations, vendors, and materials.
• Assist with sponsorship coordination and post-event follow-up.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two to five years of progressively responsible experience in operations, project coordination, administration, communications, or a related field.
• Experience with CRM systems, preferably HubSpot.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities independently while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

Desired Skills

• Project coordination and workflow management
• CRM administration and database management
• Social media management
• Business writing and editing
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Event planning and coordination
• Technology troubleshooting and process improvement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional travel throughout Jefferson County and the EDC service area.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a collaborative, resourceful professional who thrives in a dynamic environment where no two days are alike. This individual enjoys balancing strategic initiatives with day-to-day operations and can confidently transition between project coordination, technology administration, communications, governance support, event management, and economic development activities. Success in this role requires initiative, adaptability, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to advancing the EDC’s mission of fostering economic growth and opportunity throughout Jefferson County.

Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: HillsboroMissouriOn-site