Senior Officer - Business Engagement & Economic Inclusion

EDA Overview

Join the NJEDA and help lead New Jersey to sustainable economic growth, fostering equitable opportunities and vibrant communities. We offer hybrid work, a supportive culture, and robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and extensive wellness programs. Make a tangible impact and shape New Jersey's future with innovative economic development at NJEDA.

Job Overview 

• The Senior Officer, Business Engagement & Economic Inclusion will lead strategic initiatives to identify, develop, and capitalize on high-potential economic opportunities across New Jersey, driving inclusive growth in key sectors including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and clean energy. This role will engage senior industry executives, chambers of commerce, and business coalitions to expand statewide economic participation and influence economic policy direction.
• This role will champion the Authority’s mission to cultivate a fair and equitable economy by designing and managing initiatives that enhance access to capital, resources, and strategic networks for historically underrepresented businesses, ensuring measurable and sustainable impact across New Jersey’s diverse business ecosystem.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced analytical expertise, market foresight, and a proven track record in economic development or venture ecosystems, paired with superior stakeholder engagement and cross-sector leadership capabilities to drive collaborative impact at scale.

$85,680 - $96,390

Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

Duties

Daily Tasks and Responsibilities:

• Lead advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses to inform and continuously improve NJEDA programs, driving expanded economic access and inclusion across diverse critical sectors. Monitor dynamic economic trends, emerging technologies, and market shifts to identify high-impact and emerging opportunities to support data-driven policy and program innovation. Utilize these insights to recommend enhancements that maximize program effectiveness and equitable outcomes.
• Synthesize comprehensive insights gathered from public engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and robust market intelligence to maintain a forward-looking and nuanced view of New Jersey’s economic landscape. Shape and influence the development of strategic initiatives that promote sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring alignment with statewide economic priorities and the Authority’s mission.
• Represent the Business Engagement & Economic Inclusion team and NJEDA at key external forums, including high-profile industry conferences, community meetings, and public-private partnership gatherings. Cultivate and sustain influential partnerships with business leaders, chambers of commerce, and community organizations to deepen sectoral understanding and foster collaboration. Leverage these relationships to inform and align economic development strategies, amplifying the Authority’s impact on inclusive economic advancement throughout New Jersey.

Projects:

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous enhancement of NJEDA’s Capital Managers Certification Program, overseeing comprehensive outreach strategies, development of standard operating procedures, and robust program governance. Drive engagement with target audiences to maximize certification adoption and program effectiveness, ensuring alignment with NJEDA’s broader economic inclusion objectives.
• Act as the principal liaison for the Diversity Finance Advisory Board (DFAB), managing board engagement, facilitating strategic initiatives, and overseeing the execution of related projects. Cultivate productive relationships with board members and stakeholders to advance NJEDA’s commitment to diverse finance leadership and inclusive economic development.
• Serve as the department’s lead coordinator for initiatives associated with the New Jersey Opportunity Fund, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners. Oversee project management activities to optimize resource allocation, enhance program delivery, and amplify economic inclusion impact within underserved communities. Champion innovative approaches that increase access to capital and foster sustainable growth throughout the state.

Goals and Objectives:

• Lead the strategic development, launch, and continuous refinement of the NJEDA Capital Managers Certification Program, successfully overseeing the creation and implementation of comprehensive standard operating procedures and a dynamic outreach strategy that drives widespread adoption and maximizes program impact. Take ownership of establishing the program’s foundational framework, setting key milestones, and integrating stakeholder feedback to ensure alignment with NJEDA’s mission to advance equitable economic growth.
• Enhance the operational effectiveness and strategic influence of the Diversity Finance Advisory Board (DFAB) by fostering proactive, transparent communication and providing robust support for board initiatives. Oversee the timely delivery of projects and key deliverables, ensuring the Board’s activities align with NJEDA’s diversity and inclusion objectives and contribute meaningfully to shaping policy and finance innovation.
• Build and sustain impactful partnerships with a diverse network of chambers, business associations, and community organizations. Leverage these relationships to increase program visibility, promote cross-sector collaboration, and ensure that outreach efforts align seamlessly with New Jersey’s comprehensive economic development strategies, amplifying the Authority’s role in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth statewide.

      Collaboration and Cross-Divisional Interaction:

• This role will collaborate extensively across lines of business to align internal efforts supporting economic inclusion. Additionally, this role will build and maintain strategic partnerships with diverse external stakeholders including industry leaders, chambers of commerce, community organizations, and state agencies, serving as a key liaison to foster collaboration and integrate equity focused economic strategies statewide.

Reporting Structure:

• This position reports directly to the Director of Business Advancement and Impact Outreach and does not have supervisory responsibilities.
• The role functions as a key collaborative contributor within the department, exercising independent judgment while actively supporting team-driven decisions and departmental objectives.
• Must complete annual self-assessment as required.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications 

Technical Skills:

• Expert proficiency in advanced data analysis methodologies and economic research techniques.
• Deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, venture capital markets, and emerging industry dynamics preferred.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and foster multi-sector collaboration.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills with a consultative approach to stakeholder engagement.

Experience:

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in economic development, venture programs, emerging industries, or entrepreneurial ecosystems.
• Proven track record of leading data-driven initiatives to inform strategic business decisions and economic policy preferred.
• Startup/founder experience preferred
• Advanced degree or industry specific certification may be substituted for 1 year of experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience

Software/Tools Proficiency:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel
• Familiarity with data visualization and CRM tools is a plus.
• NJEDA utilizes Microsoft as the core application platform and proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
  

Additional Information

• Minimal physical demands and ability to work out normal business hours
• Travel expected when necessary for business operations

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job.  This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time.  Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees. 

This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA.

NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs.

NJ SAME Program

 In accordance with P.L. 2021, c. 465 and P.L. 2021, 466, the SAME program was established to enable New Jersey State agencies to hire, promote, retain, and advance qualified individuals whose physical or mental impairments impact their abilities to participate in the hiring and promotion process for non-competitive and unclassified titles within the State workforce.

The SAME program allows candidates, who identify as having a significant disability, to apply for non-competitive and unclassified positions through a fast track hiring process. This program uses a fast-track process that permits people who are eligible for the program to request that the State appointing authority schedule with them a good faith interview. For more information about the SAME program and the Fast Track Hiring program, please Click Here.  If you have any questions, please email, or call the contact as indicated on the job vacancy announcement.

This posting open to eligible applicants regardless of SAME eligibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Requirements

• Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
• Must comply with the “New Jersey First Act” which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011, to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
• Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.
• Must review the required NJ State Ethics Guidelines found on the state website.
• Selected candidates must be authorized to work in the United States per the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations. Note: The State of New Jersey does not provide sponsorship for citizenship to the United States.