At Louisiana Central, we believe we do incredibly valuable and important work in our ten-parish region of Louisiana. We grow jobs, grow opportunities, and grow our region! BUT we would not be able to do any of the work we do without our most valuable asset. YOU! Check out the open position below and apply if you think you are a good fit to our company, our mission, and this position!
Open Position: Director of Business Development
Job Summary:
Louisiana Central seeks a motivated, talented self-starter to serve as the Director of Business Development. This person will join a creative team of professionals dedicated to working together and with our partners to create more opportunities in our region. The position will support Louisiana Central’s business retention and expansion initiatives and lead our business recruitment efforts. The position builds effective collaborative relationships with state, regional, and local economic development partners. Key responsibilities include marketing key assets and sites in the region, responding to and completing requests for information and proposals, data analysis and reporting, organizing prospect visits, and promotion of state and local incentive programs. Position requires knowledge of the practice of economic development, including industrial, commercial and real estate development as well as the principles and practices of community development and coordinating aspects of a business location including zoning, development review, transportation, utilities, environmental considerations, and financing. Position requires travel (local, state, national and possibly international).
Key Job Duties:
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Actively market/sell the region to targeted prospects and site selection professionals. Coordinate and participate in economic development sales call, trade show, event, and conference activity.
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Respond to leads in a timely and effective manner.
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Pursue new leads independently.
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Maintain a comprehensive body of knowledge on Central Louisiana’s value proposition (competitive advantages, assets, etc.).
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Act as a key point of contact for prospects, in addition to managing potential and active projects.
- Prepare customized information and analysis for requests for information, company and industry presentations, and materials for lead generation activities.
- Produce data, information, and insights on target sectors, as needed.
- Ensure data is kept up to date, and work to ensure update processes are efficient and timely.
- Assist with existing industry retention and expansion initiatives.
- Maintain confidentiality of client, partner, and organizational information as required.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local and regional economic development partners, Louisiana Economic Development (LED), economic developers, and site selectors.
- Maintain awareness of state and federal legislative issues and policies that impact economic development and business growth efforts.
- Maintain continued education and certification in economic development and be an active member of local, regional, and national economic development organizations.
- Maintain inventory and data on all available sites in the region.
- Prepare regular reports to staff, management, board, partners, and the general public.
Key Qualifications:
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Competitive spirit, confidence and tenacity
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Collaborative attitude and habits
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Bachelor’s Degree is preferred, but not required
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5 years of relevant professional experience is preferred, but not required. Previous economic development experience is preferred. Without economic development experience, candidates should have experience in real estate, sales, public administration, finance, business or similar field. Knowledge of commercial real estate is preferred, but not required.
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CEcD preferred, but not required
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Experience with customer relationship management software preferred, but not required
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Organizational and project management skills
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High level of attention to detail
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Strong analytical skills and familiarity with different research methods
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Intellectual curiosity and willingness to quickly develop working knowledge of new subject matters
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Ability to synthesize information/data from different sources in a clear and concise manner
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Ability to work well under pressure and manage tight deadlines
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Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills
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Sound knowledge of economic principles/understanding of major trends shaping the economy
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Strong computer skills required. Advanced knowledge of all Google products preferred, but not required
Additional Requirements: Subject to a complete criminal history background search with acceptable results. May be subject to DMV driving record review as required by amount of work-related driving, specified by support responsibilities.
Compensation and Benefits:
Louisiana Central provides competitive compensation and benefits, based on each team member’s experience and qualifications.
Louisiana Central is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, family or parental status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. All employment decisions are based on a person’s merit, business needs, and role requirements.