Director, Business Development ($80,000 to $110,000)

Company Description

The Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) is a private, nonprofit organization focused on promoting economic growth in the 18-county, two-state Greater Kansas City region. The mission of KCADC is to engage the world to invest in the One KC region. KCADC attracts new companies and talent, enhances awareness of the metro’s assets, and brands the KC region as a prime business and lifestyle location. Additionally, KCADC supports all regional communities and investors and facilitates the relocation and expansion process for companies.

Role Description

This is a key role within KCADC, responsible for working closely with two primary constituencies: business prospects/site selectors, as well as community and corporate partners. With minimal supervision, this individual will manage a significant portfolio of office, technology, and data center recruitment projects from initial engagement through completion. Success in this role requires strong organizational and detail-oriented execution, clear and effective communication, collaborative leadership, and the ability to leverage all available resources while coordinating and directing internal team support as needed.

Based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated leadership, this role may be considered at a Vice President level.

Primary Responsibilities

• Through strong interpersonal, marketing, and communication skills, this individual is to provide leadership and day-to-day follow-up in all aspects of business recruitment and project management. Areas of focus will include, but are not limited to, the office (HQ, shared services), technology sectors (pure tech, digital health, cybersecurity, defense), and data center operations (hyperscale, colocation, enterprise).
• Build meaningful, trusted relationships with a wide range of partners – including our community and state economic development organizations, utilities, commercial real estate professionals, and site location consultants – through regular, proactive engagement.
• Establish and maintain strong, mutually advantageous relationships with KCADC corporate investor partners who help fuel business attraction and regional growth.
• Stay curious and informed about new programs, trends, and initiatives shaping economic development at the local, state, and national levels – and apply that knowledge to projects.
• Travel will be a requirement to pursue active projects, attend industry conferences and professional development events, and develop effective working and personal relationships with site location consultants in other markets throughout the country.
• Lead multiple projects at once with strong organization, attention to detail, and follow-through, coordinating internal resources to keep efforts moving forward.
• Take ownership of select KCADC campaigns and/or programs of work, contributing ideas, energy, and execution to advance team goals.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Assist in developing corporate and divisional goals relating to business development.
• Assist in the preparation of monthly reports for the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and the Economic Development Alliance.
• Identify methods to stay within budget while not cutting corners on project recruitment.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a minimum of two years’ experience in economic development, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in business attraction, sales, and/or project management, with the ability to manage projects from concept through execution.
• Proven experience leading a core initiative, program, or body of work, showing ownership and follow-through.
• Strong, existing relationships within the site selection community that are positive and well-established.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the organization professionally and persuasively.
• Demonstrated creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, paired with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Highly motivated and driven, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
• Strong collaboration skills, with a track record of leveraging team strengths to achieve shared goals.
• Genuine interpersonal skills that foster effective, respectful, and professional relationships with staff, prospects, partners, and investors.

Compensation: Salary range: $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience and qualifications. Competitive benefits included. Candidates with exceptional qualifications, significant leadership experience, and a demonstrated track record of regional or national impact may be considered at a Vice President level.

To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@thinkKC.com for confidential consideration.