Intersect Illinois is a nonprofit economic development organization that facilitates the attraction of new businesses and markets the state to domestic and global business leaders.  Intersect Illinois’ mission is to bring jobs and investment to the state of Illinois through dynamic collaborations with industry, academic, and government partners and to support a unified approach to economic development. A public-private partnership, Intersect’s board of directors includes business and civic leaders representing the state’s diverse industries, geographies and communities. 

Intersect works directly with companies interested in exploring Illinois for their next relocation or expansion project. With its network of partners, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois is committed to providing companies and site selection professionals with the information and resources to make investment decisions. Bringing a fresh approach to economic development, Intersect Illinois is comprised of a diverse team with deep domain experience, adapting best-in-class processes and procedures to build long-term relationships. Intersect Illinois operates with the highest integrity and key values, which include being consistent, responsive, professional, and connected while always acting with a sense of urgency to deliver continuity, trust, integrity and accountability to the process of business attraction and expansion. 

The business development team at Intersect Illinois is responsible for bringing business opportunities to Illinois and managing the pipeline of projects to completion. The team works to promote Illinois’ assets and provide information to prospective companies that may relocate or expand in the state. The business development team is a primary point of contact for companies making location decisions, and works closely with site consultants, brokers, corporate end users, local economic development offices and communities, utilities and other strategic partners. The team collaborates with State economic development leadership on major projects requiring programmatic support including incentives and grants.

The Business Development Associate is primarily responsible for assisting on projects to ensure deadlines are met and deliverables are of high quality. The Business Development Associate performs a wide range of tasks in support of efforts to recruit employers to Illinois. This entry level position is focused primarily on gathering information for projects and leads. The Associate reports to the Site Selection Manager and Business Development Director and works closely with the entire business development team, as well as with the research and marketing teams.

• Conduct market research utilizing Intersect’s research tools, partners and public information

• Run real estate searches and interact with brokers

• Utilize Intersect Illinois’ proposal management system (GIS Planning) 

• Assist in compiling RFI responses for corporate end users and site selection consultants

• Coordinate with community, regional and state economic development organizations

• Assist with preparation and follow up to sales trips and trade shows

• Assist with drafting pitches, presentations, reference material and other documents 

• Assist with the research to target potential customers 

• Manage CRM system, running activity reports and entering new data 

• Work closely with staff across departments to implement strategies 

• Deliver vision and mission of the organization, seeking to accomplish set goals and objectives

• Perform other specials projects and duties as assigned 

• Functional knowledge: familiarity with the Illinois economy and business community, understanding of economic development

• Proficient in: Microsoft Office suite 

• Experience: relevant internship or work experience

• Attributes: detail-oriented, excellent interpersonal written and oral communication skills with ability to engage effectively with various levels of management, staff and clients; team player with ability to work on multiple projects at one time in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines

• Skills/knowledge: understanding of research tools such as US Census, BLS, workforce analytics, economic impact, and other related tools welcome

• Degree: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, social sciences or related field required

Please send resume, cover letter, and two work/education related references to: https://app.trinethire.com/companies/811-intersect-illinois/jobs/23815-business-development-associate