Business Attraction Specialist

Description

Business Attraction Specialist

SALARY $27.00 - $33.00 Hourly

Applications will be accepted through 4:59 PM MST on the posting end date. 

About the Agency:

As the lead economic development and marketing agency for the State of Idaho, the mission of the Idaho Department of Commerce is to foster a business-friendly environment to aid in quality job creation, support existing companies, strengthen communities, promote innovation, and market Idaho domestically and internationally.

Description:

The Idaho Department of Commerce is seeking a Business Attraction Specialist to assist in advancing Idaho’s economic success by facilitating inquiries from businesses and/or organizations who have the intent and desire to relocate or expand their business operations in Idaho.

The Business Attraction Specialist plays a pivotal role within the competitive landscape of business attraction and economic development worldwide. The Specialist will offer exceptional customer service to both domestic and international businesses; from small family owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. The Business Attraction Specialist will deploy services and tactics to facilitate investments from these companies by showcasing Idaho’s quality of life, tax incentives, and business-friendly climate among other attributes.

The position requires a high degree of interpersonal skills and business acumen, strong written and verbal communication skills, and excellent project management proficiencies.

Examples of Duties:

• Acts as single point of contact for customers and stakeholders throughout the duration of the project
• Offers superior customer service while responding to and managing confidential recruitment and expansion projects
• Acts as the state’s one point of contact for potential expansion projects to clarify requirements and then disseminate associated Requests for Information (RFIs) to local and regional economic development organizations (EDOs)
• Coordinates a statewide response; works further in partnership with local communities to coordinate site selection information and site visits, develops and estimates incentive offers, prepares proposals, completes cost comparisons, coordinates with other state agencies, and does research on relevant data points
• Coordinates essential research and outreach for multiple clients utilizing Commerce information platforms including but not limited to Gem State Prospector, IMLAN, D&B, Chmura, IBIS and Lightcast
• Prepares cost comparisons and estimates on state utility rates, labor costs, fringe benefits, tax rates, worker's compensation, transportation costs, land use, capital formation resources, workforce training programs and other incentives
• Coordinates all aspects of site visits to include budget, travel, meals, facility tours, and stakeholder meetings
• Presents proposals regarding site location, workforce information and other business related subjects to company/site selector interested in locating in Idaho
• Coordinates with state, federal, and regional sources to maximize the benefit to the customer and provide a high level of response to their requests
• Serves as a liaison to local units of domestic and foreign government organizations, chambers of commerce, state agencies, private sector organizations and economic development professionals on a broad range of economic development activities
• Attends conferences, meetings, and events to network with industry professionals and stay informed about trends and best practices in economic development
• Participates in domestic and/or international industry trade shows representing Idaho

 Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of:

• Business development and marketing concepts.

Experience:

• Making business contacts or sales calls, and developing business relationships
• Making presentations to groups
• Writing effective business correspondence

Preferred Qualifications:

• Business development skills and sales experience
• Understanding of Idaho’s industry and business environment
• Good knowledge and experience in gathering, analyzing, and presenting financial, tax and/or other business data
• Experience with Level C Executives
• Strong networking skills
• Excellent teamworking skills
• Outstanding oral communication skills
• Superior written skills
• Event and/or trade show planning and experience
• Good knowledge of promotion and marketing concepts
• Some knowledge of marketing concepts, social media, and promotion
• Some knowledge of contracts/grants.

Supplemental Information:

All candidates must be willing to travel throughout Idaho, throughout the United States and/or on international trips up to 10% of the time. Occasional afterhours international business calls/meetings may be required. 

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.