As the Agency Director for Business Oregon, you will have the opportunity to serve as a representative of the Governor in determining direction and policy in areas with economic impact to the state. You’ll work closely with elected officials on critical business development within the state of Oregon. With the formal adoption of the Business Oregon Five Year Strategic Plan, our next leader will bring their operations lens and focus to the plan’s implementation which will address five critical priorities. Those are:
Bring business development and sustainability to all-areas of Oregon in a COVID- and post COVID-19 business environment.
Grow small- and middle-market companies.
Cultivate rural economic stability.
Advance economic opportunity for underrepresented people.
Ensure an inclusive, transparent, and fiscally healthy agency.
As the next Business Oregon Agency Director you will also have the opportunity to:
Market Oregon's global competitiveness and drive the retention, expansion, and recruitment of businesses to our state, while implementing strategies to create a dynamic startup and entrepreneurial environment and fill supply chain gaps.
Oversee an arts portfolio which includes the Oregon Arts Commission and Cultural Trust which promotes Oregon’s cultural resources inside and outside the state.
Utilize your ability to develop positive and long lasting relationships with private sector, economic development organizations, other state agencies, members of the academic community, and other state and local government entities in order to develop state-wide economic and community development initiatives and policies, and to use all available resources in the effective promotion of Oregon's business environment.
Oversee the Business Finance section which partners with the public and private sector to aid with retention, expansion, and recruitment opportunities for Oregon-based businesses. These programs support local municipalities for water systems, wastewater systems, port development, roads and other infrastructure needs that serve as a precursor for business development and meeting community needs.
Regularly meet with and serve of different advisory councils and commissions with statutory responsibilities related to Business Oregon.
Experienced executive leader who has at least (10) ten years of management experience in a public or private organization which included responsibility for each of the following: a) development of program rules and policies, b) development of long- and short-range goals and plans, c) program evaluation, and d) budget preparation.
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience to bring to the team:
The ability to distill big ideas into daily operational performance goals.
Experience cultivating inclusivity with underrepresented/under-served communities.
Experience supporting organizational cultural shift.
Exceptional communication skills will be critical as you meet with diverse communities of stakeholders, the public, internal staff and colleagues from across the state.
The ability to foster an environment of equity and inclusion where all can bring their whole selves to work and thrive.
Accountability as you work to develop a culture of internal and external partnerships that work towards shared outcomes.
An abundance of emotional intelligence that will aid you as you meet with an array of communities and work with staff daily to achieve the agency’s desired goals.
Experience in change management as you carry forward the amazing work of Business Oregon and continually developing the adopted strategic plan and vision of the agency.
A clear understanding of the critical role of small business and calling on your experience as an advocate for the expansion of women and minority owned small businesses will prepare you for success in this role.
