PARKING BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT LIAISON

This position assists business owners; managers of both potential and existing businesses that are seeking permission to locate or expand in the City; and owners and managers of office space in all matters / dealings with the city and city departments regarding parking matters; partners with local businesses / organizations for event parking needs; assists owners of parking lots and garages with cooperative programs aimed at maximizing the use of those facilities; and creates a business friendly environment and enhancing the City’s reputation related to embracing business activity and growth in a safe, friendly and supportive manner. The position works collaboratively with owners and management of parking facilities City wide to develop cooperative programs and programs aimed at maximizing the use of available facilities. In addition, this position supports the promotion and growth of Parking Services through marketing initiatives, public outreach, digital communication and development of informational materials. 

The work is considered active in nature and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: climbing, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, mental acuity, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and involves critical situations that require major decisions involving people, resources, and property. 

• Acts as liaison between individuals or groups and the City’s departments responsible for business related functions, serving as a communicator or informal facilitator for parking matters;
• Assist in managing and updating Parking Services information on City websites and digital platforms to ensure accurate and accessible public information;
• Support the development and maintenance of Parking Services social media communication related to parking updates, programs, events, and public outreach;
• Coordinates with entrepreneurs and business creators to communicate information concerning parking programs, requirements, and available resources; and parking requirements;
• Works with local partner organizations such as the City Center Partnership, the Vista Guild and the Five Points Association to assist in economic development where parking is a key element;
• Serves as the day-to-day contact with business owners and others who are seeking parking information for existing, new and potential businesses;
• Monitors Business Growth and Development to identify challenges or trends that affect or could potentially affect the City of Columbia due to parking constraints; recommends creative ways in which to address these concerns;
• Makes appropriate recommendations for new or modified policies or practices which could maximize parking supply and to match demand with existing supply;
• Conducts fact-finding and research to understand parking challenges from multiple perspectives and develop effective solutions; 
• Consults with City departments and division heads and stakeholders to develop cooperative strategies resolving parking-related concerns or complaints; 
• Partners with local businesses and organizations to ensure exceptional service is provided with regard to parking needs;
• Provides support to the City’s Economic Development offices where parking is a critical element in attracting, developers, new business, and business investments to encourage location and expansion in the Columbia area;
• Leads the development and implementation of marketing and outreach initiatives to promote parking programs, services and facilities to residents, visitors and businesses;
• Facilitates meetings, presentations, and training sessions with business groups, stakeholders, and community organizations as necessary; 
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, requests for assistance and parking related concerns and opportunities from business owners, managers and economic development partner;
• Assists in the design and preparation of basic promotional materials, signage, posters, graphics and marketing content to support parking initiatives and public communication efforts;
• Works with staff and other departments to assist inquirers in interpreting the City’s parking policies, procedures and ordinances, and assists with the development of creative solutions and flexible alternatives when necessary;
• Refers individuals to existing problem-resolution channels within the organization;
• Attends staff, committee and City meetings as required;
• Occasional evening and/or weekend hours;
• Attends training, meetings, seminars and/or workshops to enhance job knowledge and skills; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, economics, finance, marketing, or closely related field;
• Some relevant administrative experience in parking or municipal government, economic development, marketing, communication or related fields with an emphasis on supporting organization growth, service delivery and stakeholder engagement;
• Experience supporting public outreach, communications, or marketing initiatives;
• Required to type 30 corrected wpm;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

• Advanced knowledge of graphic design tools or application used to produce simple marketing materials, signage, and informational graphics;
• Advanced knowledge of social media design and web page oversite. 
• Knowledge of mathematics involving the practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, and statistical analysis relevant to parking utilization and operational planning; 
• Knowledge of personal computers and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Excel;
• Familiarity with website content management systems, digital communication tools, and social media platforms;
• Ability to negotiate, and collaborate with internal departments, businesses, and stakeholders to develop mutually beneficial solutions; 
• Ability to establish long-range plans and programs related to parking services, and marketing and operational development;
• Ability to diagnose challenges, collect relevant data, and apply logical reasoning to resolve complex operational issues;
• Ability to perform professional-level administrative work requiring coordination, independent judgment, and application of City Ordinances and departmental policies;
• Ability to read journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, the general public, people in other organizations; presenting training; composing original reports, training and other written materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to make decisions, affecting the department, external partners, and the broader community while supporting long-range goals and strategic initiatives;

Salary : $49,720 - $63,393