Organization: Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC)
Location: Lebanon, Indiana
Reports To: CEO
Position Overview
The Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships leads Boone EDC’s relationships with local employers and private-sector partners, building a strong, sustainable membership base while supporting business retention, expansion, and community-driven economic development.
Success in this role depends less on formal fundraising experience and more on relationship-building, initiative, and the ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities.
This role is primarily field-based, with the majority of time spent meeting with employers, members, and partners across Boone County and the region. Approximately 20–30% of the position involves in-office work for planning, reporting, and team collaboration, and 70–80% working in the community. The role reports to the CEO and collaborates across internal teams and external stakeholders, serving as a bridge between private-sector engagement and economic development.
About Boone EDC
Boone EDC is a forward-looking economic development organization dedicated to nurturing business growth, innovation, and county-wide prosperity. We champion local employers, support entrepreneurship, and convene public-private partnerships that strengthen Boone County’s economic ecosystem.
Why Join Us
As part of the Boone EDC team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties. This position offers the opportunity to:
- Advocate for Boone County businesses, respond quickly to community needs, and bring innovative solutions to complex challenges.
- Directly grow private-sector support and strengthen long-term relationships with local employers.
- Join a nimble, collaborative staff that values initiative, creativity, and innovation.
Core Responsibilities
Membership & Partnership Development
- Lead the membership lifecycle, including outreach, onboarding, relationship-building, renewals, and growth opportunities.
- Build and execute an annual membership and sponsorship strategy that strengthens Boone EDC’s private-sector support and reflects the value of our programming and advocacy.
- Serve as a visible, trusted presence in the community through meetings, events, and one-on-one engagement with employers and partners.
- Collaborate with the CEO on membership value propositions, presentations, and long-term partnership strategy.
- Support membership events, appreciation efforts, and committee engagement.
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)
- Lead Boone EDC’s annual business visitation program across key industry sectors to understand employer needs, risks, and growth opportunities.
- Serve as a connector between businesses and local, regional, and state partners related to incentives, workforce, infrastructure, and permitting.
- Convene industry roundtables and problem-solving discussions in collaboration with public and private partners.
- Identify potential business risks (downsizing or closure) and coordinate internal and external response strategies.
- Support site, incentive, and data requests in coordination with Boone EDC leadership and partners.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Track engagement, membership, and BRE activity and provide concise reports to leadership.
Qualifications
- 2–5 years of experience in economic development, community development, business engagement, nonprofit partnerships, or a closely related field.
- Comfortable representing an organization publicly and building relationships through in-person meetings, events, and informal conversations.
- CRM proficiency; strong relationship management and board/stakeholder facilitation skills.
- Ability to analyze industry trends, competitors, and organizational needs to identify new opportunities.
- Ability to identify client pain points and tailor solutions accordingly.
- Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work independently while thriving in highly social, relationship-driven environments.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners both inside and outside the organization.
How to Apply
Email a cover letter and resume (PDF format) to Andrea Kern, CEO, at .
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