Business Development Manager - Ascend Engine

Denver Metro Chamber Of Commerce•Denver, CO

5h•Onsite

About The Position

The Economic & Business Development Manager will support the team in advancing the Colorado-Wyoming ASCEND Engine’s mission to position the region as a national leader in Advanced Sensing and Computing for Environmental Decision-making (ASCEND). This role focuses on business attraction, partnership facilitation, and commercialization support for technologies and companies seeking to expand or relocate to the region. The ASCEND Engine is a transformative opportunity to competitively position Colorado and Wyoming collectively as a hub for Advanced Sensing and Computing for Environmental Decision-making – facilitating the growth of technologies in Aerospace, Quantum and High-Performance Computing, AI, IoT, Autonomous Technologies, and more. These technologies enable the unlock of real-time, computing and analysis intensive applications ranging from wildfire-response and mitigation, air quality monitoring, water quality and resource management, and soil health for a myriad of industries including Defense, National, Regional, Corporate, and Private landowners, Utilities, and Agriculture, Municipalities, among others. The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation have partnered with ASCEND on this groundbreaking initiative, which is set to catalyze significant outcomes that will reshape the landscape of ASCEND technology and regional economic development in Colorado and Wyoming. These technologies - from environmental monitoring to predictive analytics - aim to empower communities, governments, and industries to effectively navigate and adapt to natural hazards and risks. This is a contract, grant-funded role, reporting to the Metro Denver EDC's Director of Business Development.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business, environmental science, engineering, or related field
3+ years' experience in business development, preferably in climate tech, cleantech, or related industries
Understanding of ASCEND technologies and markets
Experience supporting research institutions and technology commercialization
Strong organizational and planning capabilities
Good communication and presentation skills
Pro-business beliefs that are consistent with the organization's mission and generally the positions of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
Experience with stakeholder engagement and partnership support
Familiarity with technology transfer and commercialization processes
Knowledge of federal funding mechanisms and grant programs
Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
Understanding of economic development principles

Nice To Haves

Experience with NSF or other federal grant programs
Previous experience in research institution or laboratory setting
Knowledge of CO-WY regional business ecosystem
Experience supporting public-private partnerships

Responsibilities

Identifies opportunities for business attraction and expansion in region
Implements Engine-related goals aligned with Metro Denver EDC Objectives and Key Results including business attraction and job creation
Works collaboratively with Metro Denver EDC Business Development team and Economic Competitiveness Team
Assists with work functions of Metro Denver EDC's Engine Team
Engages with business, industry, research institutions, and government representatives to support initiatives within the region
Builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders in Aerospace, Data Analytics, Computing, and other related industries
Supports partnerships between research institutions, private sector companies, and government agencies to facilitate the commercialization of technologies
Gathers market intelligence and connects resources for companies developing ASCEND use-case solutions
Assists with initiatives within the ASCEND Engine program, including: Implementation of commercialization support programs
Contributes to Metro Denver EDC's Economic Competitiveness team with sector analysis and reporting
Collects data for key performance indicators related to resilience initiatives
Supports Metro Denver EDC's Economic Competitiveness team with employer and workforce pipeline data for Workforce Cluster Reports
Support workforce development and strategic partners in evaluating business organizations' employment and training needs
Support the ASCEND Engine’s Workforce Development team with creation of apprenticeships, internships, and on the job training opportunities through new employers, or Chamber Members
Implements strategies to promote the region as a hub for technology innovation
Provides sector data to prospective companies considering expansion or relocation
Participates in meetings with business leaders and Site Selection Consultants in local and domestic markets
Maintains and develops relationships with: Research institutions and laboratories
Emerging tech investors and venture capital firms
Government agencies and regulatory bodies
Industry associations and advocacy groups
Researches funding opportunities through federal grants, private investment, and public-private partnerships
Coordinates with economic development entities and chamber organizations regarding community resilience and competitiveness strategies