POSITION TITLE:      Director, Business Development

BASIC FUNCTION:    Work to help recruit new businesses and assist existing companies with an expansion in Hampton Roads, thereby contributing to the ultimate goal of attracting jobs and capital investment to the region.

ACCOUNTABILITY:   Reports to the Chief Business Development Officer and works closely with the President & CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and other members of the business development team.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

Business Recruitment

• Work with Business Development staff to plan marketing missions to both domestic and international locations
• Respond promptly to all project related inquiries by prospects, site selection consultants, real estate brokers and Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) business development managers
• Prepare customized marketing packages in response to project related inquiries
• Coordinate site tours for prospects and acts as host and facilitator during the visit
• Communicate project requirements to localities as described in the Alliance’s guidelines
• Communicate detailed information about the assets of the region to businesses and site selection consultants during face-to-face meetings in both formal and informal presentations
• Assist other business development personnel when needed
• Assist with lead generation before domestic and international marketing missions

Marketing / Administrative

• Learn and understand assigned target industries through research, meetings with subject matter experts, and/or by any other means necessary
• Review and provide feedback for the annual business development calendar
• Coordinate with the Business Intelligence department to respond to requests for information from prospects, brokers, site selection consultants, or other stakeholders
• Use multiple databases and websites to search for sites and buildings that best meet project parameters and develops familiarity with the real estate opportunities throughout the region in order to make recommendations to prospects
• Conduct follow-up activities with prospects through phone calls and email correspondence
• Use Salesforce database to maintain current records of all projects and leads, prospect visits, face-to-face appointments, etc.
• Interact with local economic development staff on a regular basis to ensure each locality is aware of the Alliance’s activities

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SPECIAL SKILLS OR QUALIFICATIONS:                   

• Five plus years of economic development related work experience
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with local and state economic development representatives
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects
• Flexibility to travel and to work nights and weekends as needed
• Must be a team player willing to assist co-workers on an as needed basis
• Ability to use computerized databases for project management
• Proficient in Microsoft Professional Office Suite applications and database knowledge desired
• Knowledge of and/or prior use of Salesforce desired

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required with a preference for business, economics, public policy, planning, or related fields