Business Development Manager

Purpose of Position: Under the general direction of the Vice President of Administration and CEO, the Business Development Manager will lead Fresno County EDC’s Business Development efforts, overseeing proactive strategies to recruit job-generating businesses and investment. This public-facing role requires a strategic thinker and dynamic relationship-builder who can translate policy, data, and market intelligence into outcomes that advance inclusive economic growth. The Manager will supervise a multidisciplinary team to execute high-impact projects, deliver exceptional client services, and elevate the region’s business climate.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management (65%)

• Responsible for overall program and performance management, implementation, and evaluation of the Business Attractions department’s goals and objectives.
• Manage and supervise business development activities, program quality assurance to ensure the highest service delivery for existing businesses through solicited and unsolicited means.
• Responsible for overall program and performance management, implementation, and evaluation of the Business Attractions department’s goals and objectives.
• Manage and supervise business development activities, program quality assurance to ensure the highest service delivery for existing businesses through solicited and unsolicited means.
• Work with the staff, analysts, and leaderships team to create and implement a proactive and targeted attractions outreach plan including the development of resources and collateral materials.
• Work collaboratively with private property owners, developers, real estate brokers and municipalities to identify underutilized land available for future job generating development.
• Review and analyze Request for Information (RFI) and client requests with Attractions staff to develop high quality, accurate and competitive proposals and/or reports.
• Conduct research and provide data to site selectors, brokers, and prospective industrial clients, emphasizing available industrial buildings, sites, and properties.
• Develop relationships with and involve commercial real estate firms and brokers, industrial real estate professionals, developers, utility partners, and municipalities in carrying out proactive engagements with companies suited for Fresno County.
• Coordinate face to face meetings, site visits and building tours within Fresno County for prospective investors and stakeholders to gather information for attraction and or expansion needs.
• Maintain a current inventory of available commercial/industrial buildings and sites.
• Provide guidance, knowledge and information on various forms of business assistance resources including site selection, public and private financing, workforce development, federal, state, and local incentives, and permitting.
• Utilize predictive analytics software for lead generation to identify prospective companies suited for locating in Fresno County; and
• Collaborate with contracts compliance point person and EDC Departments to ensure contract deliverables are met and properly documented and ensure a high degree of inter-departmental communication.
• Other roles and responsibilities as assigned to ensure the success of the EDC.

Education & Outreach (25%)

• Coordinate and attend local, national, and international trade shows, missions, and events to generate attraction leads within target industries.
• Represent the EDC at meetings and speaking engagements which may include legislative bodies, business organizations, community groups, development association and others.
• Oversee research and reporting on competing U.S. markets, including data on industrial absorption, unemployment, and building vacancy rates, among other indicators.
• Other roles and responsibilities as assigned to ensure the success of the EDC.

Evaluation & Budgeting (10%)

• Support Administration with the preparation, implementation and management of the department’s budget.
• Contribute to weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as requested by the Executive Team.
• Other roles and responsibilities as assigned to ensure the success of the EDC.

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Strong verbal and written communication, excellent interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with business leaders
• Project Management: Excellent organizational and time management skills, with ability to manage projects and meet performance targets
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with remote meeting technologies (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom). Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), CoStar, ArcGIS Business Analyst, EMSI, or similar programs
• Knowledge of real estate, real estate development, land use, and permitting (Strongly Preferred)
• Understanding of regional business landscape and target industry sectors (Strongly Preferred)

MINIMUM EDUCATION & WORK HISTORY:

• BA/BS Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public or business administration, economics, real estate, urban planning, or closely related field
• A minimum of four years of relevant experience in economic, real estate, workforce, planning, or community development—or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

PROPRIETARY & CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS:

• All matters relating to EDC and its business activities are strictly confidential.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Modified “light duty” restrictions may be arranged as needed and when available for job-related injuries or illnesses.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit; use hands for clerical duties and keyboarding. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; stoop and kneel.
• The employee will occasionally lift and / or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, and visual acuity sufficient to read a computer screen and paper documents.
• Acute hearing is necessary for telephone and in-person communication with callers and assisting staff, customers, and vendors. This position requires speaking in front of a group to lead meetings and training sessions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This position typically functions indoors in an office environment with light-to-moderate noise associated with business office equipment.
• Occasional travel required (25-50%).

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $77,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Application Question(s):

• Do you have any commercial real estate experience? If yes, how many years and in what capacity?
• How would you rate your project management skills? Can you provide some examples to support your answer.

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Fresno, CA 93721 (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $70,000 - $77,000