Position Overview:
The Director of Economic Development is responsible for leading and managing all One Acadiana's business recruitment, retention, and expansion programs.
The primary goals of the Director are to help create and retain jobs, wages, and capital investments in the region and aggressively promote and market the region to businesses seeking to relocate or expand.
The Director, managing the business development team, is responsible for developing and implementing a five-year strategic plan for regional business development, including, but not limited to, the following activities: business expansion and retention, building and site development, business intelligence, targeted marketing, lead development, and project management.
The position reports directly to the President & CEO and oversees the business development budget and programs, including any related contracts.
The role also involves helping position One Acadiana as an intelligent, energetic, proactive, results-oriented organization and a vehicle for achieving the aspirations of the region's business community.
Responsibilities:
• Leading strategic direction for One Acadiana's business development operations
• Managing a business development team, including staff development, recruitment, process improvement, and promotion
• Directing the business expansion and retention program focused on companies located within Acadiana, including site visits with companies
• Overseeing the cultivation of a site and building portfolio strategy to strengthen and increase the database of available sites and buildings and marketing the portfolio to business prospects
• Executing targeted marketing missions aimed at high-potential prospects ("lead development") and building relationships with top-tier site selection consultants to generate prospects and project opportunities
• Oversee Business Development Marketing and the Business Development team's workflow with communications staff to develop, refine, and implement the external brand and marketing strategy for the Acadiana Region in partnership with the communications staff
• Managing the business development budget functions and operations within approved budget parameters
• Develop strong relationships with partners (i.
e.
, local and state economic development professionals, utility providers, 1A leaders, investors, etc.
)
• Managing Board of Directors awareness through direct reporting to the board and by leading the board's Business & Site Development Committee (with assistance and support of the committee Chair)
• Partnering with and advising the state agency, Louisiana Economic Development (LED)
Skills/Qualifications:
• Three or more years of professional experience in economic development, including at least one year of experience in a senior-level business development role
• Bachelor's degree (advanced degree preferred in business administration, finance, economic development, or related field)
• Exceptional project management and sales skills
• Experience with team management
• Proficiency with online business development tools, including GIS and site and building databases
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and proficiency in developing and delivering presentations
• Ability to multitask and work under time pressure
• Excellent organization and planning skills
• Strong attention to detail
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