Vice President of Business Development

Vice President of Business Development

Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation

Fargo, ND Area

The Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC), is seeking a driven, passionate, and relationship-minded professional who will be energized by economic growth opportunities and seeing the Fargo-Moorhead business community thrive. The purpose of this role is to support and execute various business development functions of the GFMEDC to drive sustainable economic growth and diversification of primary sector companies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

Business Retention and Expansion (BRE):

• Conduct primary sector business visits and conduct Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) interviews and coordinate the necessary follow-up to the needs and opportunities that a business may have

Client Projects and Assists:

• Manage projects portfolio, ensuring EDC is responding to client needs; track projects' status; prepare necessary reporting
• Manage client projects through necessary processes including responding to RFPs and preparing proposals; coordinating site visits; providing guidance on qualifying for incentives; identifying and connecting clients to regional resources and partners

Relationship Management:

• 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 business that align with EDC priorities

Resource Integration:

• Maintain sound knowledge of the region's business development assets including, but not limited to, its communities, service providers, incentive programs, and available sites.
• Regularly attend business community meetings and events
• Attend industry and initiative-focused conferences in various parts of the nation
• Be a subject matter adviser to connect people, insights, and resources with partners and stakeholders

Business Recruitment:

• Support EDC staff and ecosystem partners to plan and organize site visits and host targeted sector companies as they explore and seek to understand the market
• Make meaningful connections to resources, ecosystem partners, and regional suppliers as part of the targeted sector prospecting process
• Assist with the preparation and organization of business development trips to targeted sector conferences or events and occasionally travel to attend.

Is this role a good fit for you?

The role requires a servant leader, who is an excellent communicator, detail-oriented, and thrives on learning and achieving results.

The ideal candidate will be proud of the Greater Fargo-Moorhead metro community and surrounding area and driven to contribute to the continued growth of industries in the area. The GFMEDC may be the next career move for someone who is a self-starter, innovative, responsive to suggestions and needs of clients and enjoys being a face for the organization.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION

• Degree in relevant field including economic development, business, economics, finance, or a related field
• 2 years of proven professional experience is preferred
• Experience in engaging a diverse set of external stakeholders
• Proven ability to close deals through solid sales and project management is critical. Experience with electronic CRM systems such as Salesforce is desirable.
• Demonstrated project and team management experience including managing multiple projects and demands simultaneously.
• Knowledge of real estate, planning/community development, project financing, and marketing helpful.
• Maintain sound knowledge of the region's business development assets including, but not limited to, its communities, service providers, incentive programs, and available sites.
• 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.
• Possess a valid Driver's License.
• Occasional early morning or evening commitments and overnight travel are required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The comprehensive benefits package for this position includes:

• Competitive salary based on experience: $75,000-90,000
• 6% Retirement Match
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Holiday Pay, Paid Time Off/Extended Illness Time
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account Options

THE SEARCH:

Sagency, an executive search and leadership consulting firm, has been retained by Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation (GFMEDC) to conduct this search for a Vice President of Business Development. Sagency consultants will review and evaluate all interested parties to help the hiring team review a final group for consideration.

If after reading this Opportunity Profile, you feel that your experience, skills, and passion are a good match for the organization and this role, we would like to engage with you.

• Interested candidates should complete the online application
• Upload your resume
• A Sagency Executive Search Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with specific candidates
• A select group of candidates will then meet with the GFMEDC hiring team

Thank you for your time and your interest in this role.