Position Title: Director of Business Retention & Expansion
Department: Business Retention & Expansion
Position reports to: Betsey Hale CEcD, CEO
Submit resume to: Rachelle Zimmerman at rachellez@cheyenneleads.org
Application Deadline: February 12, 2021
General Purpose of Position
To develop, organize, and implement the organization’s Business Retention and Expansion program. To assist the CEO, Board of Directors and Committees in completing the Cheyenne LEADS BRE Program. Fostering relationships to create new jobs and capital investment within Laramie County, Wyoming.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
Participate as the active and operative member in all matters relating to Business Retention & Expansion. Perform Project Manager duties on any BRE related project. Identifying and qualifying business prospects by working directly or indirectly with prospect companies or decision makers who may be considering the relocation or expansion of a facility. Maintain and use BRE inventory tracking and reporting through Executive Pulse.
Maintain knowledge of economic impacts and conditions and interpret those factors as they effect growth and the development of Laramie County. Take initiative in creating and recommending required actions through the development and implementation. Creating and harvesting a “Rapid Response Team” made up of key constituencies to respond and ultimately meet BRE challenges as they arise.
Form and shape strong, long-term working relationships with state, regional and local economic organizations; including the Chambers of Commerce, City of Cheyenne Chief Economic Development Officer, Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Economic Development Association, the University of Wyoming, Laramie County Community College, other statewide and local public entities. Build partnerships with the aforementioned entities to maintain and administer tools and resources (i.e. surveys, etc.) useful to capture relevant and useful data.
Participate in community committees and economic development ad-hoc groups as required or requested. Engage and solicit stakeholder participation (to include Rapid Response Team Members, LEADS Staff & Board Members) to facilitate BRE related events and efforts.
Protects organization’s value by keeping information confidential. The integrity and ability for confidentiality of this position requires the ability to relate to a prospect at any given time reliable information relative to community characteristics, demographics, climate, and availability of labor or local training.
Attends professional development training and stays current on new economic development trends, ideas, and practices.
Job Description: Director of Business Retention & Expansion
Other Duties/Responsibilities
Able to pick up projects at any point and see them to completion.
Assist in grant writing efforts.
Finalize business deals by coordinating requirements; developing and reviewing contracts; integrating contract requirements with business operations.
Supervisory Duties
Provide oversite and management of LEADS’ business parks and other property holdings. Also, perform property management duties on behalf of any commercial owner associations LEADS is majority owner or represented in. Manage and oversee construction projects Cheyenne LEADS takes part in as needed.
Job Qualifications
Education or Formal Training: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field. Experience in economic development is desired.
Education and Experience:
• 2+ years sales or business development experience
• Excellent computer skills
• Proficient with MS Office applications and CRMs
• Problem-solving skills
• Must be able to prioritize
• Broad business knowledge.
• Excellent networking skills
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently
• Available to travel, and work evenings when necessary
• Valid driver’s license
• Must live in or be willing to move to Laramie County in Wyoming
Working Environment:
May be requested to work overtime and evenings for special program events or public meetings.