Business Development Manager

Position Type: Full-Time Exempt

Reports To: Director of Economic Development

Pay range: $83,000 – $98,000

Location: Grand Forks, ND; in-person

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm

Working Hours: Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, with occasional early morning and evening work

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to Ashley Decker at ashleyd@grandforks.org by Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

Position Summary

The Business Development Manager directs economic development programs and projects in the Grand Forks region, working with community leaders to attract new businesses and support local businesses with retention and/or expansion projects. The Business Development Manager must effectively build and maintain relationships with public and private partners, stakeholders, and industry representatives to effectively advance the EDC’s strategy, goals, and objectives to recruit, grow, and retain primary sector businesses that align with EDC priorities. S/he frequently meets with stakeholders and collaborates at various levels to advance the EDC’s strategy, goals, and objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy strategies for primary sector business attraction, recruitment and retention initiatives in the region’s target industries.
• Maintain sound knowledge of the region’s business development assets including, but not limited to, its communities, service providers, incentive programs, and available sites.
• Manage projects portfolio, ensuring EDC is responding to client needs; track projects’ status; prepare necessary reporting.
• Manage client projects through necessary processes to include responding to RFPs and preparing proposals; coordinating site visits; packaging financial applications; identifying and connecting clients to regional resources and partners.
• Manage activities of the Foreign Trade Zone, recruiting and supporting clients and overseeing reporting requirements.
• Regularly attend business community meetings and events; serve as an EDC spokesperson with stakeholder groups and media.
• Participate in professional associations and organizations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in business or related field. At least two years of business development experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of economic development.
• Competent user of standard business computer software and client management system.
• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting reports and projects.
• Must have strong interpersonal, organization and communication skills for facilitating relations with public and private sector partners; ability to function successfully in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work within timelines to define and execute steps necessary to bring projects to successful conclusions.
• Effective organization skills, with the ability to use independent judgment regarding work priorities.

Other Requirements

• Occasional overnight travel may be required

Benefits

• 10 paid holidays
• 6.67 hours of paid vacation accrued per month (2 weeks annually, increases after 24 months of employment)
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued per month
• Comprehensive health and other insurance coverage
• Retirement plan

Grand Forks Region EDC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Pay: $83,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person

Salary : $83,000 - $98,000