(Hybrid) Outdoor Business Development Coordinator - Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

The Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative at West Virginia University Research Corporation is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Outdoor Business Development Coordinator.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Smith OEDC's Director of Outdoor Economic Development, the Outdoor Business Development Coordinator will be responsible for leading the OEDC's effort to support growth of new and existing outdoor businesses in West Virginia through standing up and the implementation of an Outdoor Business Alliance. The incumbent will be integral to the on-going development, implementation, and operations of the program including organizational development and capacity building, developing and facilitating trainings and workshops, event coordination, creating strategic partnerships, and providing technical assistance for outdoor businesses. The Outdoor Business Alliance will elevate the state's competitive advantage and work to provide a cohesive voice for the industry through helping outdoor retailers, outfitters, resorts, manufacturers, suppliers, and affiliated entities initiate, expand, and prosper. This is a hybrid position with required residence in West Virginia, preferably located in greater Morgantown, or New River Gorge area.

At WVU Research Corporation, we strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU Research Corporation offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to suit your needs:

• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
  
• Paid Time off (PTO)
  
• 403(b) retirement savings with a fully vested 3% employee contribution match, (Employees have the option of contributing an additional 1-3% of their earnings to the plan, which is also matched by the WVURC)
  
• A range of health insurance and other benefits
  
• Dependent Education Scholarship
  
• WVU Perks

What You'll Do

• Organizational Development & Capacity Building
  
  
  
  • Support the development and lead the implementation of the outdoor business development strategy, policies, and processes for the OEDC in collaboration with other WVU departments and external partners.
    
  • Support the creation of an Outdoor Business Alliance in collaboration with outdoors businesses across West Virginia, while aligning with national best practices.
    
  • Work closely with various WVU departments and external partners to implement and create new, outdoor economic development partnerships that support outdoor businesses which includes retailers, outfitters, resorts, manufacturers, suppliers, and affiliated entities.
    
  • In collaboration with the OEDC's Grants and Research Coordinator and the WV Grant Resources Center, support outdoor businesses, economic development partners, and WVU in grant applications to support outdoor business development.
    
  • Support the creation of toolkits and resources that will support both existing and new outdoor businesses in their growth and development.
    
  • Based off the results of the assessment and analysis, identify and implement future strategies needed to create and enhance West Virginia's Outdoor Businesses.
    
  • Develop and implement communication and branding for the Outdoor Business Alliance to support the coalescence of outdoor businesses and build key strategic partnerships.
  
  
  
  
• Outdoor Economy & Industry Research and Data Collection
  
  
  
  
  • Collaborate with the WVU Regional Research Institute and other partners on performing and keeping up to date an outdoor business inventory, asset mapping, and benchmarking in order to identify future needs and opportunities.
    
  • Support the development, implementation, and analysis of a West Virginia Outdoor Business assessment and needs survey with the WVU Regional Research Institute and other partners.
    
  • Support the research and identification of opportunities related to small business resources, funding, and technical assistance available to West Virginia Businesses.
    
  • Regularly track current outdoor recreation economy reports, impacts, benchmarks, and publications from state, regional, and national partners across the outdoor ecosystem.
    
  • Create detailed reports and/or publications (e.g., fact sheets, manuals, articles) around the metrics gathered from program activities.
  
  
  
  
• Trainings, Workshops, and Events
  
  
  
  
  • Lead the development and facilitation of impactful in-person and virtual programming to support the growth of outdoor businesses in partnership with OEDC staff, WVU Faculty, and state and national partners.
    
  • Organize and curate additional webinars and training utilizing subject matter experts from across the country to continue to support the growth of West Virginia's outdoor businesses.
    
  • Collaborate with the Smith OEDC's marketing and communications team to document, record, and disseminate education materials in multiple digital and print formats.
    
  • Coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of the WV Outdoor Economy Summit.
    
  • Represent WVU and Smith OEDC at local, state, and national outdoor economy events.
  
  
  
  
• Other
  
  
  
  
  • Support the creation of content and stories for regular Smith OEDC newsletters, social media, and websites.
    
  • Engage WVU departments and external partners to identify, document, monitor, and promote the impacts, outcomes, and benefits of outdoor economic development programs and partnerships.
  
  
  
  

• Bachelor's degree required in Outdoor Recreation, Business, Organizational Development, Leadership, Marketing & Communications, or related field.
  
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in the following:
  
  
  
  
  • Progressive program management and development.
  • Community engagement for outdoor recreation or business-related projects.
  • Experience in program, workshop, and conference development, creation, and implementation.
  • Experience with outdoor business development processes.
  
  
  
  
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to be innovative, strategic, and thoughtful about multiple constituents and projects.
  
• Demonstrated skills in team building and networking.
  
• Experience with local, state, and federal outdoor industry organizations, and business development agencies.
  
• Experience building and facilitating virtual and in person programs, workshops, and training.
  
• Experience developing or managing a non-profit trade association, chamber of commerce, and support organizations.
  
• Experience starting, managing, or growing small businesses, with outdoor business being preferred.
• Knowledge of business development, stakeholder engagement, and facilitating public meetings.
  
• Demonstrated ability to foster positive relationships with multiple diverse professional constituencies.
  
• Skilled in communicating complex ideas to a variety of constituencies.
  
• Knowledge of small business support programs and offerings within the state of WV, region, and nation.
  
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
  
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including large group presentations.
  
• Needs to be a self-motived innovator that looks for unique opportunities to advance the program and state.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in related field.

• Valid US driver's license.

The WVURC was created as a not-for-profit corporation in 1985 to support research (R1) at West Virginia University. We provide evaluation, development, patenting, management, and marketing services for inventions of the faculty, staff and students of the University.

The WVURC receives and administers funds awarded by external agencies for research and other activities and is responsible for helping protect intellectual property through patents, copyrights and licensing agreements for start-up companies based on University research.

West Virginia University Research Corporation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among its employees and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.