What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Business Attraction position at Knoxville Chamber (Knoxville, Tennessee)?
The Director of Business Attraction advances the Knoxville Chamber’s mission by attracting high-wage, innovation-driven companies to the City of Knoxville and Knox County, TN, driving new investment and job growth.
- Manage confidential business attraction projects including but not limited to coordinating site visits, conducting relevant research, and maintaining ongoing relationships
- Coordinate and host company and site consultant in-person and virtual visits including creating itineraries, scheduling meetings with stakeholders, hosting meetings and small gatherings, and finding appropriate sites to review and tour
- Generate and cultivate leads, focusing on innovation economy sectors
- Represent the Chamber at industry trade shows, conferences, and economic development meetings
- Build and maintain relationships with key partners like real estate brokers, developers, local utilities, workforce training entities, research partners, and universities
- Respond to requests for information generated by the State of TN, TVA, consultants, etc. including building/land search, demographics, community and business climate information, incentives, utilities, permitting, transportation, etc.
- Develop relationships with site selectors and investors
- Maintain knowledge of local business sector, available sites, business climate, and community assets
- Work with chamber team to develop marketing collateral for economic development initiatives
- Develop and execute new processes and strategies to advance business attraction initiatives
- Support VP of Economic Development as needed
Key Skills:
- Strong organization and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Relationship-building and communication skills
- Sales mindset
- Willingness to travel
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required
- 3 years of economic development or real estate marketing experience desired
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Valid driver’s license
Technical Skills:
- Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Google Earth, Zoom, Microsoft Teams
- CRM systems
- Understanding of state/local incentives and tax structures