Director of Business Development: Strategic Technology Initiatives

Job Description

The Director of Business Development: Strategic Technology Initiatives is responsible for a portfolio of specific tech-focused projects within the business development function.

The Director is expected to establish and execute attraction and retention strategies within the technology sector. In addition to business development initiatives, the following is a sampling of responsibilities

the Director would be expected to perform:

· Managing a pipeline of new attraction and retention business leads, focusing on the technology industry; documenting progress in Project CRM database.

· Serve as a leader in coordination with other economic development partners to position Philadelphia as a driving force in creating opportunities for diverse communities in the tech ecosystem.

· Foster and grow relationships with key companies in the Tech and Innovation community to support Philadelphia’s prominence in the local and regional ecosystem.

· Identify and develop strategic partnerships with local startup and tech affinity groups, venture capital investors, incubators, co-working spaces, etc.

· Maintain working knowledge of industry trends, targeted business assistance opportunities, and financing/incentive programs appropriate to service the tech sector.

· Convening a Tech Advisory Group to meet regularly and inform the City’s strategy in this sector.

· Collaborating with Commerce’s Communications Team to coordinate the promotion of tech initiatives, programming, and marketing efforts of the department.

· Represent the Department of Commerce at various trade shows, speaking engagements, special events and other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

· Research prospects to determine suitable opportunities for the Philadelphia market.

· Serve as key City liaison to partners in the Tech community.

· Manage tech initiative programming, providing oversite of deliverables and budget.

· Assist the leadership of the Business Development team as needed, working collaboratively with all members of the Commerce Department.

· Meet with existing and prospective businesses to review ideas and concepts for business development.

· Assist existing businesses with city processes and access to resources to strengthen retention and expansion efforts.

· Draft talking points, statements, and held guide design/language on presentation decks and other collateral as needed.

· Conduct research, identify opportunities for business attraction and retention efforts in tech sector.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree is required, Graduate degree in business or related field preferred.

· Management of projects from initiation to completion with documented outcomes.

· 2+ years of demonstrated experience working within technology ecosystem.

· 5+ years of experience in public sector economic development.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

· Excellent verbal, written and computer communication skills are essential.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Suite products; MS Word, PowerPoint and Client Management software essential.

· Strong time management and organizational skills, including attention to detail and abilities to prioritize tasks and keep multiple projects moving simultaneously.

· Diplomacy and the ability to facilitate problem resolution.

Additional Information

Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and reference letter with your application.

The City of Philadelphia is interested in hiring the best possible candidate for the role. We recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and that many skill-sets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

What We Offer:

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• A wellness program that offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within six months of employment.

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [emailprotected] For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx