DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, INTERSECT ILLINOIS
About Intersect Illinois
Intersect Illinois is the only statewide economic development organization focused on bringing new businesses, jobs, and investment to Illinois. Since 2016 Intersect has helped bring over 15,000 jobs and $4.5 billion of investment into Illinois. Intersect collaborates with industry, academic and government partners to showcase to international and domestic companies why Illinois is the best location for expansion and relocation.
Intersect Illinois markets the state’s position as a leading global business destination, including its diverse economy, abundant talent, unparalleled infrastructure, superior quality of life, and strong public and private and partnerships.
A not-for-profit, public-private partnership, Intersect Illinois is funded by the State of Illinois and private donations, and guided by a board of directors comprised of private sector leaders. Its business development, marketing and research teams provide data, location assistance, and connections to companies considering growth in Illinois, helping navigate and simplify the site selection process.
Opportunity
The Director of Business Development is responsible for managing company expansion and relocation projects from beginning to end, including compiling information for companies to make informed decisions and highlighting Illinois’ competitive advantages so companies choose to invest and create jobs in Illinois. The position is a part of the business development team, which is responsible for bringing business opportunities to the state and managing the pipeline of projects to completion. The team works to promote Illinois’ assets and provide information to prospective companies and is a primary point of contact for companies making location decisions. The team works closely with site consultants, brokers, corporate end-users, local economic development offices, utilities, and other strategic partners. The team also collaborates with State economic development leadership on major projects requiring programmatic support, including incentives and grants. The Director of Business Development is a full-time position that reports to the Vice President of Business Development. Our ideal candidate is a communicator and leader who is passionate about Intersect Illinois’ mission and will represent Intersect to internal and external stakeholders with professionalism and integrity.
Responsibilities
Manage business development projects to completion, including leading project calls, communicating with local and state government stakeholders, organizing site visits, following up with consultants and clients and reporting outcomes through an internal CRM system
Promote Illinois’ assets, provide information and deliver pitches and presentations to prospective companies and partners
Work closely with business development, research, and marketing teams to deliver quality information to clients
Maintain relationships and collaborate with state and local economic development organizations, utility, industry, and transportation partners
Attended industry trade shows as needed
Identify new business development project opportunities through direct engagement with companies and the real estate community
Complete special projects and duties as assigned
Some domestic and international travel
Qualifications and Skills
Minimum four years of project management and/or economic development experience with proven sales and relationship management experience
Experience with one following industries: manufacturing, agribusiness, life science & healthcare, technology, transportation & logistics or energy
Knowledge of real estate and site development, utilities and transportation infrastructure
Understanding of the Illinois economy and business community, global location and site benchmarking, talent market benchmarking and evaluations, location operating conditions screening, country comparative risk analysis, variable operating cost modeling and business case development
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, social sciences, or related field required; master’s degree in business (or related) and/or project management certificate preferred
Strong business connections and network; experience in identifying potential clients, cultivating strong relationships with new clients, while maintaining existing client relationships
Attributes: detail-oriented; excellent interpersonal and written communication skills; ability to engage effectively with various levels of management, staff and clients; team player; ability to work on multiple projects at once in a fast-paced environment