Team Lead - Economic Access & Equity

Job Summary 

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 Team Lead, Economic Access and Equity plays a key role in expanding access to NJEDA programs and statewide economic opportunities for small businesses and those that have not been fully reached or supported by existing economic programs. The position collaborates closely with local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community-based partners to identify needs, remove barriers, and expand economic opportunities for underserved business communities across New Jersey.
• This role will champion the Authority’s mission to cultivate a fair and equitable economy by developing scalable outreach strategies and public engagement initiatives that connect business communities with NJEDA’s products and services, providing guidance on government contracting policies to support inclusive participation, and mobilizing outreach efforts to effectively engage diverse business communities across New Jersey.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in designing and implementing outreach and engagement initiatives that advance equitable economic participation. They will have a solid understanding of government procurement and contract compliance requirements, with the ability to translate complex policies into accessible guidance for diverse business communities. Exceptional communication, analytical, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with a proven track record of collaborating effectively with public agencies, business associations, and community partners.

$85,680 - $107,100

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 the design and delivery of educational programs including webinars, workshops, and events that enhance business capacity and provide clear guidance on procurement and contracting requirements. Offer expert advice on government contracting policies and compliance matters to internal teams and external partners, ensuring adherence to all relevant regulatory frameworks and supporting businesses in navigating public sector opportunities.
• Develop and implement targeted outreach and engagement strategies that proactively connect with local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community partners. Serve as the primary liaison between NJEDA and external stakeholders including government agencies and community organizations to facilitate collaboration and broaden access to economic inclusion initiatives.
• Oversee the collection and analysis of program performance data to evaluate outreach effectiveness and inform continuous improvement efforts. Prepare detailed reports and presentations for senior leadership, state agencies, and community stakeholders. Collaborate cross-functionally within NJEDA to integrate economic inclusion objectives with organizational priorities. Represent NJEDA externally at events and meetings including travel and off-hours commitments to advance strategic engagement goals.

Projects:

• Lead and oversee strategic outreach initiatives aimed at expanding equitable access to NJEDA’s programs and resources by proactively engaging local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community partners. Develop inclusive engagement frameworks that address unique challenges faced by small and underrepresented businesses, ensuring they have meaningful opportunities to access and utilize NJEDA’s products and programs.
• Design and implement high-impact public engagement programs such as workshops, webinars, and community forums that build capacity and improve understanding among diverse business communities. Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to align outreach efforts with NJEDA’s mission of inclusion and economic opportunity.
• Act as a central coordinator for strategic partnerships with business groups, community organizations, and government agencies to advance inclusive economic development initiatives. Use data and stakeholder feedback to regularly assess and enhance outreach strategies, ensuring greater access and meaningful impact across New Jersey’s diverse business communities.

Goals and Objectives:

• Develop and lead targeted outreach initiatives by applying strategic planning and stakeholder mapping to effectively connect with underrepresented business communities across New Jersey. Continuously refine outreach efforts based on ongoing community feedback, environmental changes, and emerging needs to ensure broader participation and stronger impact. Use a range of engagement frameworks and best practices to reach diverse audiences and foster meaningful connections.
• Establish and maintain robust communication systems and protocols that enable ongoing coordination and collaboration with local and diverse chambers of commerce, business associations, and community partners. Facilitate clear and timely information exchange, encourage responsiveness, and support collaborative problem-solving to enhance program effectiveness. Ensure communication channels are adaptable to meet evolving outreach demands and stakeholder expectations.
• Design, manage, and scale outreach tools and processes, including educational workshops, webinars, and informational campaigns that simplify complex government policies and procurement requirements. Provide clear and actionable guidance for internal teams and external partners to improve understanding and promote equitable access to NJEDA resources. Continuously evaluate outreach materials and delivery methods to maximize clarity, accessibility, and engagement.

      Collaboration and Cross-Divisional Interaction:

• This role will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to develop and execute integrated outreach strategies that expand business participation in NJEDA’s economic inclusion initiatives. It will facilitate cross divisional collaboration to overcome challenges, promote equitable access, and build sustainable partnerships with business communities across the state.

Reporting Structure:

• This position reports directly to the Director, Economic Access and Equity.
• There are no direct reports for this role; however, it requires a highly collaborative approach across NJEDA divisions and with external partners, including community organizations and government agencies.
• The Team Lead will manage projects independently, lead outreach initiatives, and maintain regular communication with leadership.

Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills:

• Strong knowledge of government procurement policies, contract compliance, and regulatory frameworks related to public sector economic programs
• Proficiency in developing and managing outreach and engagement initiatives targeting small businesses and underrepresented communities
• Experience with program performance monitoring and reporting

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to simplify complex policies for diverse audiences
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with a strategic mindset
• Self-motivated and capable of managing multiple projects independently

Certifications:

• None required, though certifications related to procurement or contract management are a plus

Experience:

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in business engagement, economic inclusion programs, or procurement contract administration
• Proven track record of leading data-driven initiatives to inform strategic business decisions and economic policy preferred.
• Experience working in government or public sector environments strongly 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:

• 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.