BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE, INTERSECT ILLINOIS
About Intersect Illinois
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.
Business Development Team
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.
Opportunity
The Business Development Associate is primarily responsible for assisting the business development team on a wide range of activities in support of efforts to recruit employers and assist communities in Illinois. This entry level position is focused primarily on gathering information for projects and leads. The BD Associate reports to the Site Selection Manager and Business Development Vice President and works closely with the entire business development team, as well as with the research and marketing teams.
Responsibilities
• Assist BD Vice President on presentations, featured properties campaign, and any other relevant initiatives
• Assist Site Selection Managers on site selection projects including creating presentations, communicating with regional economic developers, finalizing proposals and managing projects when
• Conduct research on workforce, supply chain, real estate, mapping, and other necessary information related to business development
• Utilize Intersect Illinois’ proposal management system (GIS Planning) and create credentials for real estate brokers
• Manage CRM system (Dynamics 365)
• Coordinate with community, regional and state economic development organizations
• Assist with preparation and follow up virtual events, sales trips and trade shows
• Manage and update the slide library together with the research and marketing departments
• Monitor and record company expansions and relocations throughout Illinois
• Assist with lead generation efforts
• 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
Knowledge/Experience
• Functional knowledge: familiarity with the Illinois economy and business community, or 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
• Experience with ArcGIS is a plus