Business Development Specialist (Non-Merit)

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet•Frankfort, KY

6d•$60,105•Hybrid

About The Position

The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency responsible for encouraging job creation, retention, and new investment in Kentucky. This position is part of an accelerated program with potential for advancement. The role cultivates business development opportunities and promotes Kentucky as a location for business growth, investment, and job creation. It develops relationships with existing companies and helps recruit new companies and technologies, including through work with the Cabinet’s offices in Asia and Europe to promote investment and facilitate trade between Kentucky companies and international markets. The position works with business executives and site-selection consultants worldwide and coordinates with local and regional economic developers, elected officials, utility partners, state agency staff, and transportation representatives. It researches and markets Kentucky to prospective businesses, prepares proposals and marketing materials, presents sites and incentive programs, and collaborates with partners to provide information relevant to location decisions. The successful candidate is proactive and responsive, able to work independently and collaboratively, communicates effectively, manages time and details well, is comfortable presenting to groups, and has experience analyzing corporate financial statements. The role is based at the Cabinet for Economic Development in Frankfort, Kentucky. A hybrid telecommuting schedule may be authorized after the training period and with supervisor approval, for up to two days per week from the employee’s residence when meetings and required in-office work do not conflict. The agency may modify or end the arrangement. The position is full-time, 37.5 hours per week, and ineligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in business management, finance, marketing, communications, economics, industrial development, economic development, research, site planning, commercial real estate, urban planning, or a related field; non-degreed candidates may substitute qualifying experience year for year for the educational requirement.
Experience analyzing corporate financial statements.
Proactive, highly responsive approach and ability to identify new opportunities.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with Cabinet staff, management, and economic development partners.
Excellent time management, organizational, verbal communication, and written communication skills, with attention to detail.
Comfort making presentations to small and large groups.

Nice To Haves

Two to four years of experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with business executives and site-selection consultants worldwide, coordinating efforts with local and regional economic developers, elected officials, utility partners, state agency staff, and transportation representatives.
Identify, research, target, and market Kentucky to businesses that may have a competitive advantage in the state, and proactively contact companies interested in locating there.
Network and build relationships with existing Kentucky companies and businesses interested in moving to Kentucky.
Prepare proposals and marketing materials that showcase Kentucky’s corporate climate and communicate its location and speed-to-market advantages.
Learn about available sites and buildings across Kentucky and present potential sites to prospects.
Learn about financial and training incentive programs and communicate relevant information, eligibility, and other facts to potential projects.
Collaborate with staff, partners, and other resources to provide detailed information on taxes, financing, labor laws, environmental compliance, transportation, energy, wages, workforce training, and other factors affecting site-location decisions.
Identify promotional channels such as trade shows, missions, networking events, and other activities that benefit Kentucky companies and promote the state’s economy.
Seek partnerships with companies, chambers of commerce, industry associations, local and federal government agencies, and others to leverage marketing opportunities.

Benefits

Annual salary of $60,105.12; the advertisement also lists a monthly salary of $5,008.76.
5% salary increase after the initial six-month probation period.
Hybrid schedule may be available after the training period with supervisor approval.
Annual and sick leave.
Compensatory leave and overtime.
Holidays.
Retirement.
Health and life insurance.
Optional dental and vision insurance.
Optional participation in Kentucky Deferred Compensation, with 401(k), 457, and Roth options.