Director, Attractions Southeast Region

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is a fast-paced, forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in Indiana and around the world. Our culture embodies boldness and collaboration to create the economy of the future. IEDC is organized as a public-private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana. Recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by the Indianapolis Star.

About the role

The Director Attractions Southeast Region serves as the key IEDC project representative for Southeast Indiana Attractions strategy and projects. This role is responsible for overall management of the IEDC regional office business development activities, successful negotiation of economic development deals within the region, and other critical functions.

Responsibilities

• Manages and negotiates high-profile, highly competitive projects with an emphasis on attracting new capital investment and creating new job opportunities for Hoosiers.
• Manages and oversees negotiations for other competitive projects within the Southeast Region.
• Builds and maintains relationships with economic development partners within the state, particularly in the Southeast region, acting as a professional resource for education and training of economic development and local elected officials.
• Leads state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals and site visits.
• Visits local businesses, elected officials, and development-related organizations to assess needs and identify opportunities for the IEDC.
• Serves as the primary Southeast Indiana regional Attractions liaison, regularly updating IEDC leadership on regional activities.
• Encourages collaboration between economic development partners within the IEDC and the Southeast region.
• Provides representation on economic development-related partner organizations, as directed or approved by IEDC leadership, to assist Indiana’s economic development ecosystem.
• Maintains confidentiality to protect the integrity of clients and the State of Indiana.
• Supports outside sales trips and other efforts to generate leads and raise Indiana brand awareness; attends conferences, out-of-state meetings, and events as needed.
• Performs other critical business development functions as identified by Business Development and IEDC leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in economic development, community development, urban planning, real estate, sales/business development, tax/regulatory law, or related fields, or equivalent experience.
• Eight years of post-graduate professional work experience, preferably in a client-facing role.
• Minimum five years’ experience working in economic development.
• Appropriate business development/professional experience, particularly in business deal negotiation and/or government relations.

Qualifications

Knowledge

• Core industries in Indiana, such as agribusiness (preferred), manufacturing, life sciences, mobility, microelectronics, and information technology.
• IEDC and other government-agency programs and processes, both in-state and in other states.
• IEDC business development and account management processes.
• Southeast region’s community and business development organizations, including local government officials, economic development leaders, business executives, and non-profit/community development organizations.
• Region’s business climate, quality of place offerings, workforce makeup, and state economic development laws and trends.
• Indiana government structure, including local government and its engagement with state government.
• Local government incentive programs and administrative processes.
• Microsoft Dynamics CRM or other similar client management systems.

Ability

• Engage a broad range of business professionals to generate desired project outcomes.
• Identify leverage in business deals through analysis of the overall context.
• Negotiate complex business transactions on behalf of the State of Indiana, optimizing outcomes for Hoosier taxpayers.
• Lead state and local economic development partners in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals.
• Develop relationships with local economic development officials, brokers, site selectors, and consultants to foster economic development projects.
• Mentor and grow project managers in business transaction management, negotiation, and interaction with businesses, government agencies, and local economic development offices.
• Analyze and evaluate the needs of businesses and communities to determine appropriate levels of IEDC and other state, public, and private sector services.
• Communicate clearly and directly, both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentations.
• Navigate, use, and understand CRM-based databases and spreadsheets.
• Travel in-state and nationally as needed.
• Maintain residency within the Southeast Region, preferably near the IEDC’s primary offices, or willingness to relocate within the region.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,011 – $85,000, commensurate with education and work experience.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options (including prescription coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Earn gift card rewards by completing wellness activities.
• Health savings account with bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to a 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two fully-funded pension plan options.
• Comprehensive leave policies, including:
  • 160 hours of paid New Parent Leave.
  • Up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers.
  • Up to 16 hours of paid community service leave.
  • Combined 192 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off.
  • 12 paid holidays (14 on election years).
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Group life insurance.
• Referral Bonus Program.
• Employee assistance program covering behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.