Business Development Manager

Description

This position is responsible for advancing initiatives aimed at attracting new businesses and fostering regional growth. A central responsibility is proactive lead generation, which includes identifying and researching prospective companies both domestically and internationally, and initiating outreach to promote the Tulsa region. This position works closely with the Senior Vice President of Economic Development and the Vice President of Business Development, as well as Economic Development team members specializing in business attraction and expansion, marketing, and research.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identifies potential companies in key markets and target industries for recruitment to the Tulsa Region. 
• In collaboration with the Business Attraction and Research teams, uses databases, software tools, and online resources to analyze market trends and build a strategic list of prospective companies.
• Researches trade shows that align with Tulsa Regional Chamber’s target industries and strategic goals and attends selected trade shows as needed.
• Works collaboratively with the marketing team to develop an outreach program that captures the attention of prospective companies. This includes crafting customized messaging and providing tailored information that aligns with the interests and needs of each prospect.
• Initiates outreach to key companies and contacts in advance of trade shows, meetings, and call trips to schedule appointments for Economic Development team. Proactively schedules meetings to maximize engagement opportunities and ensure productive interactions while in market. Coordinates schedule with Economic Development team and conducts effective follow-up.
• Engages with prospective companies through phone calls, emails, and direct messages. 
• Works to build a rapport with prospects and then coverts them to leads. Transitions leads to Business Attraction team.
• Shares relevant and helpful information about the Tulsa region and responds to inquiries to build interest and convert prospects into warm leads. 
• Collaborates with Economic Development team to create materials that address common questions and support outreach efforts. 
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date records in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to track engagement and progress.
• Prepares prospect briefs that summarize interactions and provide strategic recommendations for engagement. These briefs support a smooth transition of warm leads to the Business Attraction team by offering context and guidance on the most effective approach.
• Initiates contact with site location consultants ahead of scheduled trips for the Business Attraction team. Proactively arranges meetings and introductions to support strategic engagement and relationship-building efforts.
• Maintains an accurate and up-to-date database of site location consultant contacts. 
• Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned.
   

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business, marketing, data analytics/intelligence and/or experience in sales, business development, marketing, customer services, or similar. All applicants must have a minimum of High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Must have excellent written and verbal skills and can communicate effectively with business executives and industry professionals.
• Must have strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word), as well as in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software/database management software. Experience in marketing automation is preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to simultaneously work on a variety of projects and requests with short deadlines.
• Demonstrates a strong interest in learning new skills and technologies, including the ability to quickly adapt to and effectively use new software tools.
• Demonstrates openness to taking direction and exploring new approaches, while also contributing ideas and recommending changes when needed to improve outcomes.
• Must have high levels of tact and diplomacy.
• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, insight into group dynamics, and the ability to develop and foster relationships.

WORK AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work environment: Normally a typical office environment with people, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, with occasional outdoor exposure to heat, cold, and environmental elements.
• Physical demands: Manipulate, handle, feel, and control items or equipment. Able to read, write, and interpret written documents. Occasionally lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.