Business Development Manager (Retention)

Position Summary:

The Business Development Manager is a cross functional position that supports retention and expansion efforts of the Flint and Genesee Economic Alliance. The role exists to build a more vibrant Flint & Genesee County. The Business Development Manager promotes economic development activities with Genesee County businesses.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

· Successfully scheduling and performing Retention Visits with executive leadership, to discuss potential projects, and business challenges

· Managing and building trust with assigned local primary business executives

· Identify and assist at risk companies (facing downsizing, ownership transitions, facility obsolescence, or regulatory hurdles

· Identify and assist expanding local companies with industrial site identification, zoning/permitting assistance, and local incentive packaging

· Navigate local and state economic development programs (e.g., tax abatements, job creation grants, infrastructure assistance

· Work closely with local city officials, planning departments, utility providers, and transit authorities to remove regulatory barriers or infrastructure delays for local businesses

· Work closely with resource providers such as talent/workforce, trade, procurement, and technical assistance organizations

· Evaluate corporate needs across talent/workforce availability, supply chain constraints, infrastructure/utility requirements, and capital financing 

· Identify and manage projects and active investment timelines using CRM platform (HubSpot)

· Educate area business representatives on the focus and mission of the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance

· Organize sector specific peer networks (e.g., manufacturing alliances, tech roundtables) to foster peer-to-peer learning and collective problem-solving

· Coordinate with all divisions of the Flint & Genesee Group to receive and make referrals as appropriate

· Identify and implement appropriate responses to request meetings with clients

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director of Business Services 

Knowledge, Experience, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated track record in excellent customer service
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration preferred or equivalent experience in a related position
• Professional experience in business development or economic development e.g. finance, site selection, workforce development, collaborating and marketing real estate, tax incentives, and workforce dynamic preferred
• Acts with personal, professional, and behavioral integrity
• Ability to work well with diverse groups at all levels 
• Ability to demonstrate strong written and oral communication skills to effectively convey ideas, information, and instruction to visitors, colleagues, and management
• Ability to present with impact
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, work effectively and thrive in a collaborative team-based, on positive work environment
• Detail oriented and able to prioritize and support multiple projects and tasks
• Ability to work independently, manage time and tasks well, and solve problems effectively
• Demonstrate an understanding of planning, organizing, delegating, directing, and controlling work tasks
• Ability to adhere to priorities, meet multiple deadlines and effectively present and explain complex information
• Proficient in operating computer processing systems with an aptitude for learning new technologies and ability to manage technological tools relevant to position and industry.
• Should be comfortable participating in virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and/or Google Meet
• Reliable transportation for offsite meetings required
• Local travel to offsite locations required

Flint & Genesee Group Mission, Vision, Values and DEI Agreement:

Our mission is to maximize economic and community growth through collaborative partnerships and promotion of the region. Our vision is that by 2040, Genesee Country is a top five community in Michigan based on jobs, talent, livability and equity.

Our core values are to Lead from Every Level, Be Inclusive to Elevate All, Be Excellent, and Respect Your Impact

As an employee of FGG, employees agree to:

• Demonstrate commitment to the Flint & Genesee Group mission, vision, and values by contributing to a collaborative, respectful, and accountable workplace culture and supporting organizational goals through individual contributions and teamwork.
• Cultivate inclusive culture grounded in values that instill leadership and excellence at every level and require respect and accountability from all.