What are the responsibilities and job description for the Entrepreneurship Program Specialist position at City of Columbia, MO?
The purpose of this job is to coordinate community-based programming to support small businesses and entrepreneurs who create new businesses and jobs in Columbia and Boone County. Uses certification and documentation with city, county, state, and federal resources to support businesses within the scope of governmental contracts and serves as an advocate within the organization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description
- Provides business coaching, mentoring, and training services to promote job creation, business startups, and growth of businesses and entrepreneurs, and encourage economic growth.
- Provides coaching, technical assistance, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and businesses to support business development and growth.
- Develops and maintains relationships with businesses, community organizations, educational institutions, investors, and other resource partners.
- Develops, coordinates, and delivers entrepreneurship programs, workshops, outreach, and events in alignment with program goals and the strategic plan.
- Promotes entrepreneurship programs through community engagement, communications, marketing, and social media.
- Maintains client and program records; collects and analyzes data; and prepares reports and presentations on program activities, outcomes, and effectiveness.
- Regular in-person attendance is a necessary and essential function.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- No supervisory authority. Work does require providing guidance and training to others.
Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction
- Interactions may result in decisions regarding implementation of policies. Contact may involve support of controversial positions or the negotiation of sensitive issues or important presentations. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions with the public requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.
- Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Position has limited fiscal responsibility.
- May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor division or program/promotional level budget and expenditures.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, or related field.
- 3 to 5 years’ experience in finance, accounting, business, or related field.
- Experience launching, managing or owning a small business or startup preferred.
Licenses or Certifications
- Valid driver’s license.
- Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position
Knowledge of:
- Small business development programs and various forms of organizational structures for businesses.
- Small business financing mechanisms.
- Entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem.
- Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media platforms.
Skill in:
- Coordinating and managing programs.
- Managing time effectively.
- Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the varied clients and audiences.
- Using digital productivity tools.
Ability to:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely.
- Establish program goals and objectives that support the strategic plan and to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
- Work outside regular business hours as needed, typically 4 to 6 evenings per month.
- Work independently.
- Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.
- Focus on tasks.
Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job
Work Environment:
- Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often
- Outdoor Environment – Sometimes
- Vehicle – Sometimes
Exposures:
- Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary.
- Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Hours/Days
Starting Salary
$59,592/yr-$73,320/yr; commensurate with training and experience
Pay Grade
109
Number of Positions Available
1
Deadline to Apply
10/29/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Notice to Applicants
Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE
THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING
The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program
Salary : $59,592 - $73,320