Business Development Specialist, Senior
City of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA, United States
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, this position serves as primary administrative liaison for the city of Portsmouth. Reports to Assistant Director of Economic Development.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Assists with new business contacts and opportunities, presentations and proposals; contacts and responds to prospect inquiries; assists in negotiations with company representatives; identifies and coordinates state, regional, and local programs to assist in business recruitment and retention efforts; identifies specific site and/or building requirements needed for expansion and/or relocation, and prepares related proposals; conducts and coordinates site visits.
Performs follow‑up activities and correspondence in response to requests for property referrals; develops and maintains contact with property owners and management groups, real estate brokers and developers in an effort to keep current with commercial property marketing trends and available properties; performs research assignments, participates in local tradeshows and committees which enhance the department’s outreach and marketing efforts to include strategic communications and company/prospect research.
Assists in the development of departmental methods and procedures by creating, maintaining and updating databases, spreadsheets and other organizational tools; conducts research and compiles information from numerous sources on local business activity, expansion plans and potential start‑up operations; documents and maintains results of business visits and implements resulting action items; and coordinates workforce development activities with appropriate organizations.
Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Job:
Has thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of business development, public planning, and economic and industrial development. Has thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques used in business solicitation or industrial promotion. Has considerable knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the economic and industrial development process. Has considerable knowledge of land and building values, urban design, municipal finances, tax credit incentives and funding sources for economic development or redevelopment. Has considerable knowledge of the available resources of the city. Has considerable knowledge of general management and business organization principles and practices. Has considerable knowledge of current and projected economic trends. Is skilled in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data. Is able to organize work flow and coordinate activities for short‑term and long‑term projects. Is able to exercise considerable independent judgement and discretion in establishing, applying and interpreting policies and procedures. Is able to gather, analyze and interpret industrial and economic data and to make sound recommendations from the information.
Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all city departments and divisions, co‑workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work:
Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under Essential Job Functions.
Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance:
Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time‑off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self‑reliant and self‑starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment:
Evaluates the best method of research and exercises appropriate judgement in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the relative cost and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate.
Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the city.
Relationships with Others:
Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with private sector businesses, employees, City Manager, elected and appointed boards and commissions, and the general public. Able to effectively handle routine inquiries and complaints from or disputes with customers.
Coordination of Work:
Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time‑management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains an electronic calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping:
Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Urban Studies, Public Administration or a related field and 3–5 years of experience in economic development, sales, marketing or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong communication skills are a must.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, calculator, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical requirements are those for Sedentary Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with private sector businesses, employees and the general public. Able to effectively handle routine inquiries and complaints from or disputes with customers.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read marketing materials, budget reports, zoning maps, correspondence, reports, City Code, journals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, budgetary items, agenda items, etc., using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.
Intelligence, Verbal Aptitude, Numerical Aptitude, Form/Spatial Aptitude, Motor Coordination, Manual Dexterity, Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism; to handle abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend the most abstruse concepts; to record and deliver information, explain procedures, follow instructions; to use mathematical formulas and statistical inference; to inspect items for proper dimensions; to coordinate hands and eyes; to handle office equipment; to differentiate colors; to deal with people under stress.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
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ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Assists with new business contacts and opportunities, presentations and proposals; contacts and responds to prospect inquiries; assists in negotiations with company representatives; identifies and coordinates state, regional, and local programs to assist in business recruitment and retention efforts; identifies specific site and/or building requirements needed for expansion and/or relocation, and prepares related proposals; conducts and coordinates site visits.
Performs follow‑up activities and correspondence in response to requests for property referrals; develops and maintains contact with property owners and management groups, real estate brokers and developers in an effort to keep current with commercial property marketing trends and available properties; performs research assignments, participates in local tradeshows and committees which enhance the department’s outreach and marketing efforts to include strategic communications and company/prospect research.
Assists in the development of departmental methods and procedures by creating, maintaining and updating databases, spreadsheets and other organizational tools; conducts research and compiles information from numerous sources on local business activity, expansion plans and potential start‑up operations; documents and maintains results of business visits and implements resulting action items; and coordinates workforce development activities with appropriate organizations.
Performs other related work as required. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Job:
Has thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of business development, public planning, and economic and industrial development. Has thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques used in business solicitation or industrial promotion. Has considerable knowledge of laws and ordinances affecting the economic and industrial development process. Has considerable knowledge of land and building values, urban design, municipal finances, tax credit incentives and funding sources for economic development or redevelopment. Has considerable knowledge of the available resources of the city. Has considerable knowledge of general management and business organization principles and practices. Has considerable knowledge of current and projected economic trends. Is skilled in the collection, analysis and presentation of technical data. Is able to organize work flow and coordinate activities for short‑term and long‑term projects. Is able to exercise considerable independent judgement and discretion in establishing, applying and interpreting policies and procedures. Is able to gather, analyze and interpret industrial and economic data and to make sound recommendations from the information.
Quality of Work:
Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts with all city departments and divisions, co‑workers and the general public.
Quantity of Work:
Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under Essential Job Functions.
Dependability:
Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and for meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.
Attendance:
Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time‑off requests.
Initiative and Enthusiasm:
Maintains an enthusiastic, self‑reliant and self‑starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
Judgment:
Evaluates the best method of research and exercises appropriate judgement in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the relative cost and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate.
Cooperation:
Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the city.
Relationships with Others:
Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with private sector businesses, employees, City Manager, elected and appointed boards and commissions, and the general public. Able to effectively handle routine inquiries and complaints from or disputes with customers.
Coordination of Work:
Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time‑management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains an electronic calendar for meetings, deadlines and events.
Safety and Housekeeping:
Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Economics, Urban Studies, Public Administration or a related field and 3–5 years of experience in economic development, sales, marketing or related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong communication skills are a must.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical: Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a computer, calculator, etc. Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to exert a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical requirements are those for Sedentary Work.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to develop and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with private sector businesses, employees and the general public. Able to effectively handle routine inquiries and complaints from or disputes with customers.
Language Ability: Requires the ability to read marketing materials, budget reports, zoning maps, correspondence, reports, City Code, journals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, budgetary items, agenda items, etc., using prescribed format and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction and style.
Intelligence, Verbal Aptitude, Numerical Aptitude, Form/Spatial Aptitude, Motor Coordination, Manual Dexterity, Color Discrimination: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems; to deal with nonverbal symbolism; to handle abstract and concrete variables; to comprehend the most abstruse concepts; to record and deliver information, explain procedures, follow instructions; to use mathematical formulas and statistical inference; to inspect items for proper dimensions; to coordinate hands and eyes; to handle office equipment; to differentiate colors; to deal with people under stress.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
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