Growth Dimensions Hiring for Business Development Manager

Job Description

Growth Dimensions Economic Development, in partnership with private and public stakeholders, is the driving force to encourage business growth in Boone County, Illinois by developing partnerships and collaborations to attract and grow businesses. These efforts have led to the addition of over 3M SF of commercial and industrial space, the creation of 6,000 new jobs, and an investment of $8.5B.

Growth Dimensions strives to be the leading commercial and industrial development hub in the Midwest.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Business Development Manager is responsible for building sustainable business relationships in Boone County and across the country, resulting in the business attraction, business retention, and business expansion.

Primary Responsibilities  

• Cultivate relationships with employers to identify expansion opportunities, connect them with resources and strengthen business ties with Boone County.
• Coordinate and Manage the Automotive Innovation Network and other industry-based collaboratives.
• Oversite and administration of the Belvidere-Boone County Enterprise Zone, including serving as the business liaison, managing impact, reporting to key stakeholders and program outreach and marketing.
• Coordinate local, regional, state and national resources available and track legislation impacting businesses.
• Follow appropriate data security protocols to ensure and maintain an appropriate level of confidentially in the course of developing business, industry, and developer relationships.
• Provide support for all regularly scheduled and ad hoc organizational meetings and events.
• Assist in the planning, implementation, of economic development strategies, and strategic initiatives related to infrastructure, assets, transportation and other special projects.
• Assist in the development of lead generation strategies and campaigns for business attraction.
• Build relationships with real estate brokers and site selection consultants; participate in events and organizations to attract investments from emerging industries that will help diversify the economic base of the county.
• Assist in the implementation of consistent reporting to Growth Dimensions committees and local government partners to ensure that common concerns of the communities within Boone County are addressed.
• Assist in the development of responses of requests for information from site selectors, developers and businesses.

Secondary Responsibilities  

• Maintain a comprehensive, current listings of available commercial and industrial spaces and land sites on the Growth Dimensions website and project sites.
• Perform data analyses pertaining to local, state, and federal legislation that may impact economic development in the county.
• Assist in the management and participate in all aspects related to planning and implementing special events organized by Growth Dimensions.
• Assist in the development of significant City-County demographic and economic research and its distribution.
• Address and complete special projects assigned by the Executive Director.

Education/Experience Requirements

• A minimum of three years in business administration, economic development or relevant field.
• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible related experience in a project management role.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain solid business relationships.
• Experience with CRM systems, preferably Salesforce.
• Experience with and knowledge of marketing, fund development and business outreach.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Social Media web platforms.
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize daily work activities.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business, Marketing, Communication, or a closely related field, or a combination of skills and experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to be a team player and work independently.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish a plus.

Compensation Package

Salary Range: This is an exempt position.  $60,000 - $90,000 annually, depending on experience.

Benefits: Health Insurance, Retirement Program and stipend for phone available | PTO and 11 Paid Holidays | Flexible Work Environment

Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to pfettes@growthdimensions.org, by EOD September 30, 2024.

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