Business Development Manager

General Statement of Duties

The City of Eugene’s Community Development Division is actively seeking candidates to fill the role of Business Development Manager to perform a variety of economic development duties. This position will lead efforts to establish and grow economic development initiatives. The Business Development Manager will play a key role in establishing and building relationships with Eugene’s regional partners and the business community. The successful individual will work to expand firms within targeted economic sectors and support the creation of living-wage jobs.

Examples of Duties Performed

• Strategic Planning and Coordination
• Manages and coordinates the planning and implementation of the Business Development programs including business attraction, retention, job creation, business assistance, marketing, and related functions.
• Serves as a liaison for economic development activities with regional agencies and organizations, including regional economic development partners, workforce training, industry trade organizations, and City of Eugene workgroups. Coordinates with the partners to promote economic prosperity on a countywide basis; identifies and fosters partnering opportunities for various economic development programs and proposals.
• Identifies funding strategies for long-term economic development initiatives, in collaboration with other City departments.
• Attends the various City Council and commission meetings and act as a staff resource to various sub-committees and City staff.
• Researches and utilizes racial equity principles and practices in managing economic and business development programs to evaluate and implement efforts to eliminate systemic racism, including how the City can build relationships with and support groups that have historically been marginalized or unable to access our business development programs.
• Business Recruitment and Marketing
• Communicates and coordinates with economic development and real estate professionals interested in establishing businesses in Eugene.
• Creates and assembles marketing materials for business retention, expansion, and recruitment.
• Covers the development and implementation of public information for the City’s economic development programs and resources. Updates relevant webpages and social media tools.
• Prepares press releases and responds to questions from the media about City’s economic development programs and efforts in coordination with the department’s Public Information Officer.
• Administration and Research
• Directs and oversees the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the Business Development Team.
• Keeps abreast of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policies and/or procedures and implements approved follow-up action.
• Updates existing regional economic development data and develop efficient methods of maintaining current data on employment, wages, and real estate trends.
• Researches, analyzes, interprets, and prepares studies and reports on a variety of economic and demographic topics.
• Conducts independent research on City policies, regulations, and processes and their impact on commercial activity; identifies potential improvements and recommends changes.
• Negotiates, prepares, and administers contracts and agreements.
• Reviews analysis, documents and reports prepared by consultants and staff to assure accuracy, completeness and appropriateness.
• Researches, prepares, and/or oversees preparation of complex grant and funding applications and proposals, and administers grants.
• Prepares staff and other reports for the City Council and other committees and advisory boards; makes presentations as required.
• Provides ongoing project management and reporting.

Qualifications

• Experience - Five years of professional experience in project management or program administration, including four (4) years of professional experience in Economic Development, preferably in the public sector. At least two years of full supervisory experience.
• Education - Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Planning or closely related field.
• Background - Must pass a background check.
• Licenses - Valid Oregon driver’s license (or the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of: The principles and practices of economic/business development strategies, program administration, and resources, including methods for business attraction and retention. Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures concerning economic development. Knowledge of methods and sources used in analyzing local economic trends and industry trends. Marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development. The functions and relationships between private and public sector groups in the economic community. The principles and practices of contract negotiation methods and techniques, contract development and contract administration. Principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, goals, and related objectives.
• Skills and Abilities in: Is flexible and able to respond to shifting priorities and competing demands. Can work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently. Can exercise sound independent judgment and demonstrate initiative and creativity, with minimal supervision. Communicate complex material clearly, logically, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public presentations to varied audiences, including the general public, business community, and elected officials. Can research, analyze and prepare highly technical funding proposals, contracts, and financial reports. Can analyze problems and identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Can interpret and apply complex federal, state and local policies, laws, rules, and regulations; Ability to plan, organize and implement a comprehensive business development program, including proactive outreach and communication program which projects the image to the community. Is a team player and trust builder with colleagues, partners, and diverse public stakeholders. Is responsive to private development parties, providing needed information in a timely manner.