Director, Business Retention & Expansions, Central 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, Business Retention & Expansions (BR&E), Central Region serves as the primary IEDC project representative for Central Indiana retention and expansion strategy and projects. This role is responsible for overall management of the IEDC central regional office and Central region team members, successful negotiation of economic development deals within the region, and representing the IEDC throughout the region.

Responsibilities

• Leads, directs, organizes, and manages the daily operations of the Central Region Retention & Expansions staff and Central Business Development Regional Office, including assigning projects to designated Central Region BD staff.
• Manages and negotiates high-profile and highly competitive projects with emphasis on retaining and attracting new capital investment resulting in new job opportunities for Hoosiers; oversees negotiations for other competitive projects within the Central Region handled by Expansions team Project Managers.
• Builds and maintains relationships with economic development partners within the State, particularly within the Central Region, acting as a professional resource for education and training of economic development and local elected officials.
• Visits local businesses, local elected officials, and development-related organizations to assess needs and identify opportunities for the IEDC, including coordination and completion of business retention/expansion visits covering a multi-county region in conjunction with regional partner organizations, Local Economic Development Organizations, and various state agencies.
• Serves as primary Central Indiana regional Retention & Expansions liaison to IEDC central office, providing regular updates on regional activities to IEDC leadership.
• Encourages collaboration between economic development partners within the IEDC and the Central region.
• Leads the BR&E team-based strategy for the central region assigned counties, including reporting weekly on visits and planning/scheduling visits.
• Leads the central region BR&E team, including local economic developers, workforce and higher education representatives, and other external partners as deemed appropriate.
• Provides representation on economic development-related regional boards and commissions on an ex-officio basis, as directed or approved by IEDC leadership.
• 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 IEDC Senior Leadership.

Requirements

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in fields such as economic development, community development, urban planning, real estate, sales/business development, tax/regulatory law, or core industries listed below.
• Eight years of post-graduate professional work experience, preferably in a client-facing role.
• At least five years of experience working in the field of economic development is desired.
• Appropriate business development/professional experience, particularly in business deal negotiation and/or government relations.

Skills

• Knowledge of core industries in Indiana, such as manufacturing, life sciences, agribusiness, “economies of the future,” and information technology.
• Familiarity with IEDC and other government-agency programs and processes, both in-state and in other states.
• Understanding of IEDC business development processes and account management processes.
• Awareness of the region’s community and business development organizations, including local government officials, economic development leaders, business executives, and non-profit/community development organizations.
• Knowledge of the region’s business climate, quality of place offerings, workforce makeup, and state economic development laws and trends.
• Understanding of Indiana government structure, including local government structure and its engagement with state government.
• Familiarity with local government incentive programs and administrative processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Dynamics CRM or other similar client management systems.
• Ability to engage a broad range of business professionals to generate desired project outcomes.
• Skill in identifying leverage in business deals through analysis of the overall context.
• Ability to negotiate complex business transactions on behalf of the State of Indiana, optimizing outcomes for Hoosier taxpayers.
• Leadership in presenting unified responses to company requests for proposals with state and local economic development partners.
• Ability to develop relationships with local economic development officials, brokers, site selectors, and consultants to foster economic development projects in the region.
• Mentorship of Central Region project managers in business transaction management, negotiation, and interaction with businesses, government agencies, and local economic development offices.
• Analytical skills to evaluate the needs of businesses and communities and determine appropriate levels of IEDC and other state, public, and private sector services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
• Ability to navigate, use, and understand CRM-based databases and spreadsheets.
• Willingness to travel in-state and nationally as needed.
• Maintain residency within the Central 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 – $82,500, commensurate with education and work experience.

Benefits

• Three medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• Health savings account, including bi-weekly state contribution.
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match.
• Two fully-funded pension plan options.
• Robust, comprehensive program of leave policies, including:
  • 160 hours of paid New Parent Leave and 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 that allows for covered behavioral health visits.
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.