Director of Business Investment

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position                                  Director of Business Investment

Organization                          Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC)

Location                                 Baltimore, MD

Reporting Relationship        Chief Economic Officer & Executive Vice President

Website   https://gbc.org/

ABOUT GBC

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region on equitable economic growth and civic issues. With the merger of the GBC and the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, the organization is advancing a vibrant, future-ready Baltimore region.   The GBC Team - composed of experts in public policy, research, economic development, and communications - supports more than 400 members to align the region’s resources to equitably increase opportunity and deliver a thriving economic environment for the region’s diverse communities.

GBC ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The GBC’s staff structure includes five teams, with staff leads who report directly to the CEO.

Operations:

·      Provide fiscal, operational, and HR leadership for organization.

·      Support CEO, Board to establish corporate governance and execution of mission.

Policy and Research:

·      Shape and publish public policy, data-driven research, and bold strategies to support the region’s vitality and economic growth.

·      Proactively engage with elected officials, partners, and stakeholders to advance GBC’s agenda.

Marketing and Communications:

·      Shape GBC’s message and communications strategy. Grow and modernize our audience, improving how we interact with partners, stakeholders, and amplify civic progress in Baltimore.

·      Execute the regional marketing and balance perspective on the Baltimore Region as a place to invest and expand.

·      Manage and solidify support for GBC’s events and engagement.

Partnerships:

·      Develop and establish GBC’s new membership and engagement model. 

·      Develop and orient GBC’s committee and member collaborations toward high-value impact.

·      Establish and manage partnerships with local, state, and national peers to advance the Greater Baltimore region.

Business & Economic Investment:

·      Lead regional business retention, expansion, and recruitment efforts. 

·      Lead regional business and real estate investment activation and attraction efforts. 

·      Support the Baltimore Region's federal Tech Hub designation and the Regional Innovation Office.  

·      Work with public and private partners to support investment in regionally-significant activity centers and projects.  

POSITION OVERVIEW 

The Director of Business Investment is an economic development position on the Economic Investment Team that will play a central role in reaching the Greater Baltimore Region’s objectives in expanding and attracting business and investment within the 7-county region of greater Baltimore. The position reports to the Chief Economic Officer & EVP and will support strategic economic development projects to grow and support opportunity and foundational sectors. 

The Director will conduct economic development activities, including recruitment of new industry, retention and expansion of existing industry, start-up support and potentially international investment. The position’s responsibilities are cross-functional, including, but not limited to, project management, lead generation, prospect hosting, and partner relations. The position works closely with and will advise the Chief Economic Officer on external business attraction, retention, and expansion opportunities and other issues within the Baltimore region.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Proactive and regular engagement of existing businesses across the region through check-ins, surveys, and on-site visits with businesses to gather feedback and address concerns 

• Represent and promote Baltimore region to prospective companies, investors and developers, as needed 

• Develop and maintain meaningful and effective professional relationships with the various local and state economic development partners and organizations 

• Conduct economic development project management 

• determine and analyze location criteria for business prospects 

• respond to information requests 

• partner with local and state economic development organizations 

• prepare formal presentations for business prospects 

• plan, coordinate and support company representatives on site tours and community tours 

• Develop and maintain updated inventory of economic development-related regional data by working closely with Policy & Research Team 

• Assist in development and maintenance of CRM for existing businesses and prospects to track engagement, issues, and opportunities for growth 

• Assist with marketing campaigns and other prospect development activities 

• Assist with planning and execution of various business and economic investment-related GBC events, including, but not limited to, Pulse Check and Investment Summit 

• Support economic development-related GBC steering committees 

• Attendance at various meetings of industry groups, local chambers of commerce, and other business associations, as needed 

• Respond to qualified requests for business site proposals 

• Update and maintain commercial real estate property listing through continued coordination and communication with property owners, brokers, and/or other economic development agencies 

• Work with confidential information and maintain strict confidentiality 

• Seek to maintain and grow targeted businesses from post move-in, to expansion to succession, always providing excellent customer service 

• Facilitate connections between businesses and other businesses/potential partners, as well as regional, state, national, and international resources 

• Compile, maintain, and update economic development programs designed to attract, retain, and support the expansion of businesses and investment from local EDOs, state, industry associations, etc. 

• Work closely with Regional Innovation Office and related Tech Hub efforts, as needed 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor's Degree is required (Economic Development, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration or similar field is a plus). Master’s degree Is preferred. 

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in economic development or a professional business services industry sector, including specific experience in economic development project management 

• Experience working public, private, or nonprofit economic development initiatives 

• Strong time management, planning, and organizational skills and detail-oriented personality 

• Commitment to being a team player who enjoys collaboration and information sharing 

• Skill in planning, organizing, coordinating and executing projects; project management certification a plus 

• Knowledge and ability to comprehend and analyze demographics/business market research 

• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction 

• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include occasional work and travel on evenings and weekends in order to attend meetings, events and conferences, or handle special projects 

• Commitment to equity and experience shaping inclusive opportunities 

• Experience developing strategic plans, investment strategies, and operational plans, as well as budget management 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including experience in negotiation and coalition building 

• Possess a good sense of direction/geography for efficient available site awareness. GIS, Google Earth, and/or other public mapping experience could be beneficial 

• Possess effective communication (both written and oral), including public speaking and in-person networking skills 

• Excellent follow up and follow through 

• Possess the ability to develop and maintain effective and positive internal and external working relationships 

• Possess a process improvement mindset 

• Possess good judgement, be dependable and able to hold oneself accountable with independent problem-solving abilities 

• Possess the ability to appropriately balance productivity with quality of work while being flexible and adaptable to changing needs 

• Possess metric tracking and reporting capability with the ability to catch important details while keeping the big picture in mind 

ATTRIBUTES

• Strategic Thinker: Capable of envisioning long-term operational strategies aligned with organizational goals. 

• Analytical Mindset: Proficient in analyzing data to drive informed decisions and process improvements. 

• Collaborative Leader: Adept at fostering teamwork, consensus-building, and a positive work culture. 

• Adaptable and Innovative: Comfortable navigating changing environments and implementing innovative solutions. 

• Coalition Builder: Able to build consensus with strategic partners and stakeholders. 

• Ethical and Compliant: Upholds high ethical standards and ensures compliance with regulations. 

What We Offer

·      Competitive salary and benefits.

·      Supportive and mission-driven work.

·      Opportunities for professional development and leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000-$110,000/year. Potential for annual bonus based on performance. Salary commensuratewith qualifications and experience.