Mission
The mission of Louisiana Economic Development is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana.
We are looking for a Business Development Director who will serve as the senior operational leader for the Louisiana Growth Network, reporting directly to the Executive Director. This position functions as the second-in-command, responsible for activities including but not limited to overseeing day‑to‑day operations, managing staff and resources, and executing the strategic vision established by the Executive Director. The Director provides leadership, direction, and coordination across all Louisiana Growth Network initiatives to support small business growth, second‑stage company expansion, and statewide economic development priorities.
Experience Requirements
- Eight years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate.
- Six years of full‑time work experience in any field plus five years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate.
- A bachelor's degree plus five years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate.
- An advanced degree in a business administration field, economics, or international trade plus four years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate.
Experience Substitution
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full‑time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours, which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
Certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) or completion of the Economic Development Institute certificate program will substitute for one year of the required experience.
Possession of a Professional Community and Economic Developer Certification (PCED) or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification will substitute for two years of the required experience.
Job Duties
- Direct and manage the daily operations of the Louisiana Growth Network, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and supporting business creation, growth, and sustainability statewide.
- Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs supporting early‑stage and second‑stage businesses, including establishing performance measures and reporting outcomes.
- Provide oversight of business support services to ensure programs are effective, efficient, and aligned with economic development priorities.
- Coordinate activities across internal teams and external partners to ensure a unified, statewide approach to service delivery.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, promoting available resources and strengthening collaboration across the business ecosystem.
- Advocate for small businesses by improving access to resources and ensuring businesses are connected to appropriate support throughout their lifecycle.
- Direct the collection and analysis of program data to support decision‑making, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Represent the Louisiana Growth Network in meetings and assist in the development of policies and initiatives that support small business growth.
- Lead special projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
Position‑Specific Details
Appointment Type: Only permanent classified employees of Louisiana Economic Development will be considered
Louisiana Economic Development is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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