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

POSITION TITLE:      Business Intelligence Analyst

BASIC FUNCTION:    The Business Intelligence Analyst supports the Director of Business Intelligence in compiling and maintaining a robust, comprehensive collection of data about the business environment in Hampton Roads. They respond to requests for information, update data across Alliance platforms, and assist with the development of new materials.

 ACCOUNTABILITY:   Reports to the Director, Business Intelligence and works closely with/takes direction from the President & CEO, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Business Development Officer. The position will also work with the Business Development team to fulfill requests.

 PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Assist with responses to Requests for Information (RFI) and/or Requests for Proposal (RFP) from site selection consultants, individual prospects/companies, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Alliance staff through the provision of all needed data and any necessary interpretation
• Maintain and update the inventory of base market research located on both the internal network and website.
• Develop statistical expertise in showcasing the Hampton Roads regional competitive advantages in the key areas of workforce availability, operating costs, infrastructure and quality of place. Integrate that knowledge into the development of custom project proposals, presentations and other collateral.    
• Generate new content used to support Targeted Industry-specific business development activities. Help to create and regularly update collateral highlighting the region’s strengths in the priority business sectors/clusters.
• In collaboration with the Director of Business Intelligence, generate business intelligence on targeted companies, industries and geographies to support Business Development and Investor Relations activities.
• Assist external stakeholders with research requests as needed in a timely and professional manner, providing excellent customer service. Maintain a record of these inquiries.
• Research and produce the quarterly ACCRA Cost of Living Index, including management of the data collection.
• Work with the Director of Business Intelligence to monitor and report on key economic trends impacting the Hampton Roads region. Contribute to the development of new internal and external economic content.
• Work with the Director of Business Intelligence to develop and maintain relationships with, and knowledge of, research resources and community partners through participation in various economic development forums.
• Serve as staff support to the EVRIFA to includes scheduling meetings, taking minutes, communicating with members as needed, and helping senior staff prepare presentations
• Manage the Virginia Scan, CoStar, and other commercial real estate databases on behalf of the Alliance and, when desired, on behalf of local economic development organizations

CORE COMPETENCIES AND SPECIAL SKILLS OR QUALIFICATIONS:                   

• Ability to research, comprehend, and communicate the meaning behind economic, demographic, and statistical data
• One - five years of economic development related work experience or education
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with local and state economic development representatives
• Ability to take direction and assist supervisor with managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Flexibility 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
• Experience in Salesforce Customer Relationship Management software desired
• Experience with using ArcGIS or similar mapping software desired

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required with a preference for coursework in business, economics, statistics, public administration/policy, urban planning, real estate, or related fields.