March 8, 2023

Defense Development Associate       

Position:      Defense Development Associate       

Reports to:   Director, Defense Development        

Status:        Exempt

Date:             May 3, 2022

Salary:         $45,000 to $55,000/year, plus benefits

Position Scope:

The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC is the largest economic development, chamber of commerce, and business advocacy organization in southern Colorado. We work with industry leaders, educational institutions, military personnel, government, and community agencies and a wide array of community professionals dedicated to developing economic prosperity for our region.

An associate assists with management of projects and programs supervised by others. The Defense Development Associate fulfills the role of providing direct support to the MAC to make sure MAC events and program of work are organized and successful, while additionally supporting the broader work of the Defense Division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

  • Work at the direction of the Director, Defense Development and Military Affairs Council Chairperson (and with other MAC volunteer leadership) on the development and implementation of MAC social, philanthropic and military support events throughout the year.
  • Contribute to Director, Defense Development annual goals and jointly held Business Retention and Expansion goals from Economic Development.
  • Coordinate with Membership and Business Intelligence to plan and execute a defense/cyber/areo/space-segment partner care plan in coordination with Defense Development team.
  • Plan and execute events in support of the Defense Development team and in conjunction with the MAC, finance and other applicable CSCEDC teams. Train staff on requirements, track budgetary expenditures and gather information on after-action lessons learned.
  • Coordinate with other Chamber&EDC entities to recommend inputs on partner and non-partner companies to add to schedule for contact.
  • Perform other Defense Development duties as needed. When these arise, Director, Defense Development Officer will coordinate to balance tasks carefully with MAC responsibilities.
  • Work with, and take guidance from, MAC leadership to plan and coordinate regularly scheduled meetings and events, including developing and providing agendas & event scripts, completing, and distributing minutes, soliciting sponsorships, preparing correspondence, and working with MAC Committee Chairman and Chamber & EDC Marketing and Communications staff and volunteers on getting support and publicity for MAC related activities.
  • Maintain a working understanding of Military Affairs Council Policies and Procedures and Chamber & EDC By-laws as they relate to the MAC, as well as the MAC annual budget. 

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • High energy, strong organization and time management skills to handle multiple projects and priorities.
  • Perform well under high pressure situations.
  • Working knowledge of proper protocol and etiquette in a military setting.
  • Comfortable working with local military leaders and elected officials at all levels of government.
  • Excellent research and writing skills required.
  • Ability to be flexible to the scheduling needs of the Chamber & EDC and the MAC.
  • Ability to attend functions during and after/before regular work hours, as required.
  • Executive follow-through for job and project completion.
  • Minimal local travel.
  • Knowledge of public relations, advertising, and marketing is desirable.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Supports the Chamber & EDC and volunteers with a positive approach. Assists other Chamber & EDC departments whenever necessary and MAC duties allow.
  • Must work well independently and in a team environment.
  • Takes initiative and seeks input from others when working on problem-solving situations. Uses reason and logic in formulating solutions.
  • Responds in a timely manner to customers and handles all interactions with professionalism.
  • Inspires trust and confidence; works with integrity. Upholds organizational values.

Education:

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
  • Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university desirable.
  • Three years’ minimum work experience.
  • Event or similar experience preferred.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Typical office environment for daily operations, and typical physical demands required in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Participation or attendance may be requested occasionally at events during evenings and on weekends.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. These may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed and should not be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment

Please send your resume to Vincent Persichetti to apply.