Business Development Specialist

Position Summary

The Business Development Specialist supports the City of St. Louis’s business retention, expansion, and attraction (BREA) efforts through the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). This position plays a key role in assisting local businesses, attracting new investment, and advancing inclusive economic growth across city neighborhoods and employment corridors. The Specialist works closely with internal SLDC teams, City departments, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and the Missouri Department of Economic Development to deliver responsive, data-driven, and relationship-based solutions for employers and developers.

Key Responsibilities

Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction (BREA)

• Conduct regular outreach and retention visits with city businesses to identify growth opportunities and challenges.
  
• Support recruitment and attraction efforts by responding to company and site selector inquiries, preparing customized responses, and participating in project briefings.
  
• Maintain strong relationships with businesses, property owners, and industry partners to encourage continued investment and job creation in the City of St. Louis.
  
• Track active projects from initial contact through completion, ensuring timely communication and follow-up.
  

Project Support and Incentives

• Assist companies in navigating City permitting, zoning, and available business incentive programs.
  
• Gather and analyze project information to support the development of incentive proposals such as tax abatements, TIFs, and tenant improvement allowances.
  
• Prepare internal summaries, reports, and presentations for SLDC leadership, City officials, and board meetings.
  

Industry and Corridor Development

• Support corridor revitalization and business attraction initiatives, including programs like the Downtown Retail Incentive Program and targeted commercial corridor redevelopment.
  
• Assist with implementing sector strategies across key industries, including advanced manufacturing, biosciences, and geospatial technology.
  
• Coordinate with partner organizations, including Cortex, BioSTL, T-REX, and Harris-Stowe State University, to strengthen the city’s innovation and business ecosystem.
  

Data, Research, and Reporting

• Maintain an active CRM database of business contacts and project activity.
  
• Collect and analyze data related to employment, investment, and commercial activity to inform program decisions.
  
• Prepare periodic progress reports highlighting project outcomes and economic impact.
  

Community and Partner Engagement

• Represent SLDC at business, community, and civic meetings.
  
• Collaborate with neighborhood organizations, chambers, and workforce partners to promote equitable economic growth.
  
• Support implementation of the Economic Justice Action Plan and related citywide initiatives focused on inclusive development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  
• Minimum 2–4 years of experience in business development, economic development, or a related field.
  
• Knowledge of public finance, real estate development, or incentive programs preferred.
  
• Strong communication, relationship management, and organizational skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM systems and GIS tools preferred.

Core Competencies

• Collaboration: Builds effective working relationships across departments and with external partners.
  
• Customer Service Orientation: Provides responsive, professional support to businesses and stakeholders.
  
• Equity & Inclusion: Promotes inclusive economic growth throughout all business engagement efforts.
  
• Attention to Detail: Maintains accurate records, data, and follow-up on multiple active projects.
  
• Initiative: Demonstrates proactive problem-solving and a commitment to St. Louis’s growth and competitiveness.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK
This a full-time, exempt position with health benefits and paid-time-off. Traditional work hours are
from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

SLDC is committed to building a team with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. SLDC strongly encourages applications from
people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ candidates, and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity,
religion, national origin, ancestry, gender,