Economic Development Specialist

State of Idaho Career Opportunity

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.

As the lead economic development agency for the State of Idaho, the mission of the Idaho Department of Commerce is to foster a business-friendly environment to aid in quality job creation, support existing companies, strengthen communities, promote innovation, and market Idaho domestically and internationally.

The Business Development Specialist plays a critical role in advancing economic development across Idaho. This position supports business development and growth, attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives while working with State, regional, community, and federal partners to strengthen the foundation for Idaho's companies, industries, and local communities to thrive. This highly visible role involves strategic collaboration with public and private stakeholders to promote Idaho as a competitive environment for domestic and international business development, robust industries, and strategic investment. It involves engaging companies and industries to understand their needs, conducting market research and analysis, advising on financial and logistical matters, connecting business owners and investors to appropriate resources and assistance, fostering industry and community engagement, and liaising with a range of governmental and private sector entities to facilitate business success. The position advocates for Idaho industry and development, connects small businesses to resources for assistance and growth, and assists companies in accessing new markets via trade shows and international trade missions.

Through this integrated approach, the Business Development Specialist ensures that Idaho attracts, grows, and retains businesses and competitive industries, and in turn cultivates vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and invest.

Key Responsibilities:

Customer Relationship Management

• Manage relationships with domestic and international business clients, site selectors and stakeholders providing assistance with their expansion, relocation, or international trade activities.
• Respond to inquiries, provide information, and facilitate connections with local, state, private, and federal resources, including business assistance programs, experts, incubators, and others.
• Support local economic development and small business assistance programs throughout the State. Connect business assistance inquiries to the appropriate service providers for their needs.
• Support clients in understanding regulatory and compliance requirements related to business operations and industry requirements.

Business Development and Recruitment

• Respond to business inquiries and coordinate with local, regional, and federal economic development stakeholders to provide comprehensive site location assistance to businesses considering expansion or relocation to Idaho.
• Build and maintain networks with regional economic developers, chambers of commerce, local governments, and private sector entities to promote Idaho's economic opportunities and industries.
• Plan, organize, and execute public events throughout Idaho bringing together business, economic development, and community partners to promote industry, economic, and community cooperation and development.
• Prepare customized business proposals and conduct cost and incentive analyses (e.g., tax rates, labor costs, utility rates, transportation needs, workforce availability).

Markets and Industries

• Analyze, engage, and support industry organizations and agents that represent key Idaho industries (i.e. advanced manufacturing, food technology, energy, natural resources, etc.)
• Research, collect, organize and analyze industry trends, market opportunities, and state competitiveness.
• Organize and attend trade shows, workshops, and outreach events to market Idaho's business environment to potential investors, site selectors, and international buyers.
• Support trade show and trade mission attendance and representation for Idaho companies in Department-sponsored events and engagement.

Community Engagement and Liaison

• Actively engage, communicate, and cooperate with other State of Idaho agencies and organizations as appropriate to support efficient, responsible government support for business development and industry throughout Idaho.
• Assess community needs related to business development, infrastructure, and workforce and identify appropriate programs or technical assistance.
• Serve as a liaison between businesses, industry, local government, and other community groups to facilitate the growth and retention of businesses.
• Prepare and deliver training and/or presentations to stakeholders on business development strategies and available resources.

Minimum Qualifications:

Good knowledge of:

• Economic development, business assistance and marketing concepts.
• State and local economic development practices.

Experience:

• Working in a professional capacity with federal, state, or local economic development/assistance programs.
• Organizing and conducting workshops and making presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Governmental regulations and agencies involved in or supporting economic development, small business development, and/or industry regulations.
• Private business operations, financing, and/or management.
• Experience working with small business assistance programs and resources.
• Strong networking skills.
• Excellent teamworking skills.
• Outstanding oral communication skills.
• Some knowledge of key Idaho industries and partners throughout the State.
• Some knowledge of grant and contract management.
• Experience with international travel.

Additional Information:

The position is based in Boise and represents the entire State of Idaho. It requires up to 20% travel: throughout Idaho, the United States, and internationally.

A valid U.S. passport and driver's license, and the ability to travel internationally, are required. Candidates may be subject to a background check and required to disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect their professional conduct for the Idaho Department of Commerce.

Benefits:

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation and benefits package, including but not limited to:

• One of the top 5 retirement systems in the Nation (PERSI) that offers a defined lifetime benefit at retirement
• 2 voluntary supplemental retirement plans including both pre-tax and Roth options
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance benefits that become effective first of the month following your hire date. All contributions can be pre-tax
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick and vacation that begins accruing on your first day of employment; can be used immediately after accruing (no waiting time)
• Paid parental leave
• Life insurance for self, spouse, and children
• Additional perks and discounts available through medical provider
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligibility
• Employee assistance program

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.