Business Development Manager

General Statement of Duties

The City of Eugene’s Community Development Division is actively seeking candidates for the role of Business Development Manager to perform a variety of economic development duties. This position will lead efforts to establish and grow economic development initiatives, build relationships with regional partners and the business community, expand firms within targeted sectors, and support the creation of living‑wage jobs.

The Business Development Manager will develop, recommend, and implement the goals, strategies, policies, and programmatic framework for business‑focused economic development activities in Eugene. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in research, analysis, planning, and implementation of economic development programs. The role requires a high degree of professionalism, problem‑solving skills, and independent judgment. Teamwork and cross‑departmental collaboration are mandatory. The position involves high‑profile public projects.

The Business Development Manager will join the Economic Prosperity Team committed to creating a vibrant community with economic opportunity for individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds. The team values excellence and innovation, and the work contributes to the economic vitality and livability of Eugene.

In Community Development, we recognize the racial injustices that impact those we serve. Our division has started a Racial Equity Literacy program and commits time each month to promote awareness and dialogue about how to better include the lives of Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in Eugene.

Responsibilities
Examples of duties performed (not exhaustive):

Manages and coordinates the planning and implementation of Business Development programs, including business attraction, retention, job creation, assistance, marketing, and related functions.

Develops an Economic Development Strategy for the City that aligns with and complements strategic planning efforts with regional partners.

Serves as liaison for economic development activities with regional agencies and organizations, identifies and fosters partnering opportunities, and coordinates to promote prosperity countywide.

Identifies funding strategies for long‑term economic development initiatives in collaboration with other City departments.

Attends City Council and commission meetings and acts as a staff resource to sub‑committees and staff.

Applies racial equity principles to manage programs, evaluate and eliminate systemic racism, and build relationships with historically marginalized groups.

Communicates with economic development and real estate professionals interested in establishing businesses in Eugene.

Creates and assembles marketing materials for business retention, expansion, and recruitment.

Coordinates public information for the City’s economic development programs, updates web pages and social media, and prepares press releases.

Directs and oversees planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and reviewing the Business Development Team.

Keeps abreast of legislative developments that may impact programs and implements follow‑up action.

Updates regional economic development data and develops efficient methods of maintaining current data on employment, wages, and real estate trends.

Researches, analyzes, interprets, and prepares studies and reports on economic and demographic topics.

Conducts independent research on City policies, regulations, and processes, identifies potential improvements, and recommends changes.

Negotiates, prepares, and administers contracts and agreements; reviews consultant and staff submissions for accuracy and completeness.

Prepares grant and funding applications, administers grants, and prepares reports for City Council and other committees.

Provides ongoing project management, reporting, and performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Experience:

Five years of professional experience in project management or program administration, including four years in Economic Development, preferably in the public sector.

At least two years of full supervisory experience.

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Planning, or a closely related field.

Valid Oregon driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state.

Must pass a background check.

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of economic development strategies, program administration, and resources, including methods for business attraction and retention.

Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures concerning economic development.

Knowledge of methods for analyzing local economic and industry trends.

Proficiency in marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development.

Understanding of the functions and relationships between private and public sector groups in the economic community.

Proficiency in contract negotiation methods and contract administration.

Understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, goals, and objectives.

Flexibility, independent judgment, initiative, and creativity, with minimal supervision.

Effective communication skills, both oral and written, including public presentations.

Ability to research, analyze, and prepare technical funding proposals, contracts, and financial reports.

Analytical problem‑solving skills and ability to implement recommendations.

Computer fluency (Microsoft Office Suite).

Team‑player and trust‑builder with colleagues, partners, and diverse stakeholders.

Benefits
Salary: $46.04 – $62.15 hourly / $95,763.20 – $129,272.00 annually. The City determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience.

Benefits include holidays, vacation, sick leave, retirement, deferred compensation, health, dental, vision, life insurance, long‑term disability, physical examination, and more. Detailed benefit information is available on the City’s benefits page.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary if the employee demonstrates fluency in an eligible language.

Non‑Represented Retirement Program: Eligible employees receive a 6% City contribution and employer contribution to the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System, with additional contributions to a deferred compensation program if applicable.

Legal and Equality Statements
The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural and life experiences of each employee and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. The City does not participate in the E‑Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E‑Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible.

Application Process
Applications are screened based on relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process may include supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, interviews, and assessment processes. Background investigations and records checks may be required.

Once the posting closes, the process can take 4–6 weeks to complete.

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