Business Development Manager (Retention)

Flint & Genesee Group•Flint, MI

18d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Business Development Manager is a cross-functional position that supports retention and expansion efforts of the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance. The role exists to build a more vibrant Flint & Genesee County. The Business Development Manager promotes economic development activities with Genesee County businesses.

Requirements

Demonstrated track record in excellent customer service
Bachelor’s degree in business administration preferred or equivalent experience in a related position
Professional experience in business development or economic development e.g. finance, site selection, workforce development, collaborating and marketing real estate, tax incentives, and workforce dynamic preferred
Acts with personal, professional, and behavioral integrity
Ability to work well with diverse groups at all levels
Ability to demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills to effectively convey ideas, information, and instruction to visitors, colleagues, and management
Ability to present with impact
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, work effectively and thrive in a collaborative team-based, on positive work environment
Detail oriented and able to prioritize and support multiple projects and tasks
Ability to work independently, manage time and tasks well, and solve problems effectively
Demonstrate an understanding of planning, organizing, delegating, directing, and controlling work tasks
Ability to adhere to priorities, meet multiple deadlines and effectively present and explain complex information
Proficient in operating computer processing systems with an aptitude for learning new technologies and ability to manage technological tools relevant to position and industry.
Should be comfortable participating in virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and/or Google Meet
Reliable transportation for offsite meetings required
Local travel to offsite locations required

Responsibilities

Successfully scheduling and performing Retention Visits with executive leadership, to discuss potential projects, and business challenges
Managing and building trust with assigned local primary business executives
Identify and assist at risk companies (facing downsizing, ownership transitions, facility obsolescence, or regulatory hurdles
Identify and assist expanding local companies with industrial site identification, zoning/permitting assistance, and local incentive packaging
Navigate local and state economic development programs (e.g., tax abatements, job creation grants, infrastructure assistance)
Work closely with local city officials, planning departments, utility providers, and transit authorities to remove regulatory barriers or infrastructure delays for local businesses
Work closely with resource providers such as talent/workforce, trade, procurement, and technical assistance organizations
Evaluate corporate needs across talent/workforce availability, supply chain constraints, infrastructure/utility requirements, and capital financing
Identify and manage projects and active investment timelines using CRM platform (HubSpot)
Educate area business representatives on the focus and mission of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance
Organize sector specific peer networks (e.g., manufacturing alliances, tech roundtables) to foster peer-to-peer learning and collective problem-solving
Coordinate with all divisions of the Flint & Genesee Group to receive and make referrals as appropriate
Identify and implement appropriate responses to request meetings with clients
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director of Business Services