Director, Business Development ($80,000-$100,000)

Basic Purpose of Position:

Provides direct program support in the execution of the industrial development strategy for the FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance (EDA). Work is performed under the general direction of the CEO.

• This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, some heavy work requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, grasping, and repetitive motions.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Visual acuity is required for depth perception, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, use of measuring devices, operation of motor vehicles, drones or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.
• The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Essential Job Functions:

• Perform activities associated with meeting, assisting, and event planning for the recruitment of new business and industry to Escambia County, FL and all its municipalities.
• Manage, survey, report, etc. on social media and other marketing initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between businesses, industries, and local, State, and Federal regulatory agencies during and after the recruitment process.
• Prepare and maintain files and records during and after the recruitment process.
• Provide prompt courteous service to clients, investors, allies and County and Municipal departments at all times.
• Assist as necessary with the EDA’s Business Retention and Expansion program and all activities associated with such programs (e.g., industry visitation, surveying, material production, seminar support, etc.).
• Maintain and perform regular updates to the Salesforce database.
• Maintain the database for the Escambia County, FL property listings on the EDA Website, CoStar platform and State website for searches by prospects, consultants and other allies, and their representatives, etc.
• Maintain social media postings for platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc.
• Assist with organizing, administering, and coordinating site visitations for prospective companies.
• Travels to companies’ locations outside of area in an effort to negotiate relocation to Escambia County, FL.
• Assist with presentations to all Boards, communities, agencies, consultants, etc.
• Assist the CEO with trade show activities for the recruitment of companies to Escambia County, FL.
• Assist with development of articles to appear at strategically correct times and the maximization of press coverage.
• Provide information packages to prospective companies, investors or allies.
• Assist with organizing special events and obtaining event sponsors.
• Assist the CEO in preparing prospect packages, utility estimates, press releases, etc.
• Respond quickly and accurately to Requests For Information (RFI), including performing in-depth research and predictive analytics.
• Produce high-quality graphic designs and other support artwork for economic development project submittals and publications.
• Obtain instruction and successfully achieve Federal Aviation Administration drone pilot license to perform video, photo and property showings.
• Serve as the EDA’s expert for the Areas of Focus.
• Perform all other related tasks as directed.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of industrial development.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficient in Salesforce database software or other similar CRM software.
• Ability to perform in-depth research and predictive analytics for Requests For Information (RFI) submittals, special reports and/or information requests.
• Ability to fly or learn to fly a drone for filming, photography, and property showings.
• Ability to produce graphic designs within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of programs.
• Ability to work with Geographic Information System (GIS) programs.
• Ability to discuss and provide information in a matter that can successfully attract industry and business to Escambia County, FL.
• Ability to sufficiently read financial documents, engineering plans and technical drawings.
• Ability to work at a fast pace with a high-level of accuracy in performance of assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local, County and State officials, allies, and the general public.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, planning, communication, marketing, or related field and considerable experience in sales and business management.

Special Requirements:

• Flexibility and willingness to work outside of normal business hours.
• Possession of an appropriate driver’s license valid in the State of Florida.
• Serve as the alternate to the Senior Director, Business Retention and Expansion.