Business Development Specialist

City of Wilson • Wilson, NC

4d

About The Position

The Business Development Specialist supports the City of Wilson’s efforts to promote economic growth, business retention and recruitment, private investment, and commercial redevelopment. Working under the direction of the Downtown & Business Development Manager, the position assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing business development projects, programs, initiatives, and activities designed to strengthen the local business environment and encourage investment throughout the City.

The role combines professional, technical, communications, marketing, research, and administrative work. It involves working with businesses and property owners, supporting recruitment and retention, researching market conditions and economic data, promoting incentives and development opportunities, coordinating projects and programs, and tracking business activity, private investment, and development projects. The position requires independent work, management of multiple priorities, practical problem-solving, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

The work is typically performed in an office and off-site. It may involve outdoor work and occasional exposure to hot, cold, or inclement weather, noise, machinery with moving parts, or irritating chemicals. Protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves may be required. The position has no supervisory or management responsibility.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Planning, Marketing, Communications, Project Management, or a closely related field.
• One to three years of progressively responsible experience in business development, economic development, commercial real estate, planning, marketing, communications, project management, community development, business services, or closely related work.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Working knowledge of principles, practices, and programs related to business development and economic development.
• Working knowledge of business retention, business recruitment, and business expansion practices.
• Working knowledge of commercial real estate fundamentals, commercial redevelopment concepts, and private investment.
• Knowledge of business assistance resources, economic development incentives, and funding opportunities.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications, public outreach, and promotional practices.
• Knowledge of basic research and data collection methods, and ability to use economic, demographic, market, property, and investment data to support business development activities.
• Skill in using computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and ability to learn and effectively use other technology and software applications as needed.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City officials and employees, businesses, property owners, developers, investors, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a time-sensitive environment and recognize when issues require direction or assistance from the Downtown & Business Development Manager.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality when appropriate, and make sound decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Ability to research unfamiliar subjects, learn new concepts and processes, and apply that knowledge to business development activities.
• Commitment to customer service and achieving positive results and outcomes.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

Nice To Haves

• A combination of education and relevant experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Support and increase business activity, private investment, and economic opportunities throughout the City under the direction of the Downtown & Business Development Manager.
• Assist with developing and implementing business development activities, projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Work with existing businesses to provide assistance, identify resources and opportunities, and support business growth, expansion, and retention.
• Research prospective businesses, industries, properties, and investment opportunities to assist with business recruitment and expansion.
• Build and maintain working relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, commercial property owners, developers, brokers, investors, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Help stakeholders identify City resources, incentives, funding opportunities, and other tools that may support business growth, property improvement, redevelopment, or investment.
• Promote commercial redevelopment and private investment opportunities, including available properties, development opportunities, incentives, and other resources.
• Track and maintain information on private investment, business activity, development projects, and other economic activity to measure changes and investment year over year.
• Track market trends, commercial property conditions, demographic information, economic indicators, and other data to support recruitment, retention, redevelopment, and decision-making.
• Assist with developing and implementing internal and external communications plans for businesses, property owners, developers, investors, community partners, and the public.
• Design, produce, and distribute marketing and communications materials, including flyers, brochures, presentations, digital content, and other promotional materials.
• Promote business development programs, incentives, funding opportunities, development initiatives, and other economic opportunities through outreach and marketing.
• Assist in developing educational resources, tools, workshops, and training opportunities for businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Help identify grants and other funding mechanisms and prepare and submit grant applications and supporting documentation.
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining information on program activities, project budgets, expenditures, outcomes, and performance measures.
• Maintain files, databases, records, reports, and other documentation in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and standards.
• Collaborate with City departments, community organizations, regional partners, and other agencies to coordinate activities and advance economic growth initiatives.
• Attend meetings, conferences, networking events, site visits, and other functions to develop relationships, gather information, and represent the City.
• Perform related work as required.

Benefits

• The City states that it offers a best-in-class benefits package; details are referenced under the Benefits tab but are not provided in the description.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level