Business Development Specialist

Business Development Specialist Job Description Summary The purpose of this job is to identify, attract, and support economic development opportunities within the City of Columbia and Boone County that can stimulate high-impact economic development. This position works to recruit new businesses and investment, market available sites, build strategic relationships with businesses, developers, brokers, and site selectors, and advance projects that contribute to community growth and economic vitality. This position partners closely with City and County stakeholders, businesses, developers, and community partners to support strategic economic development initiatives. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Supports economic development efforts including business attraction, retention, and expansion, site development, project management, and strategic growth initiatives. Assists with the administration of Chapter 100 processes, incentive programs, and other financing tools. Facilitates connections to state resources and programs, identifies barriers to economic growth, and recommends strategies to remove or reduce those barriers. Recruits retail businesses by maintaining an inventory of available sites, identifying high‑potential prospects, conducting outreach and engagement efforts, attending industry trade shows, responding to requests for information, and following up with prospects to understand project needs and opportunities. Responds to requests for information (RFIs), prospect inquiries, and project opportunities by gathering and presenting relevant community, workforce, infrastructure, demographic, and site data. Facilitates development projects by coordinating with businesses, developers, brokers, and other external stakeholders; guiding projects through regulatory, zoning, and permitting processes; and collaborating with City, County, and regional partners, including Community Development, Utilities, Public Works, and other applicable agencies. Develops and implements revitalization and redevelopment strategies for underserved areas by promoting retail development and economic growth through research, market analysis, data‑driven best practices, and identification of financing opportunities. Monitors relevant projects going through City and County Council review and approval processes (e.g., Planning and Zoning Commission). Manages and communicates project activities by preparing reports, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others. Human Collaboration and Job Impact Interactions and communications may result in recommendations regarding policy development and implementation. May also evaluate customer satisfaction, develop cooperative associations, and utilize resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction. Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations. Fiscal Responsibility Position has limited fiscal responsibility. May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor work unit or program/promotional level budget and expenditures. Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Planning, Public Administration, or related field. 5 to 7 years of progressive experience in economic development, business attraction/retention, retail/commercial real estate, community development, commercial lending, project coordination, and/or a related field. Licenses or Certifications Valid driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Principles and practices of economic development, retail recruitment, and commercial revitalization. Urban planning, land use, zoning, and regulatory processes and regulations relevant to ground‑up commercial development. Financing tools and incentives such as Chapter 100 bonds, tax incremental financing (TIF), and development districts. Geographic information systems (GIS), site inventory databases, and economic development platforms (e.g., LOIS, LASSO, ESRI, or similar tools). Local, regional, and national retail market trends and site selection criteria. Methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting demographic, economic, and market data. General office practices and administrative procedures, records management and administration techniques and procedures. Skill in: Recognizing, analyzing, and solving a variety of problems. Project management, including setting goals, tracking progress, and meeting deadlines. Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience. Writing technical documentation that guides the work of external partners. Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding. Organizing and managing time effectively. Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Strategic planning and implementation of retail and economic development initiatives. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Thinking critically and analytically. Ability to: Identify and evaluate economic and retail development opportunities and align them with community needs and development goals. Identify necessary and synergistic site/area characteristics required to procure targeted retail occupancies. Work collaboratively across departments and with external partners to move projects forward. Interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations related to economic development. Create and present reports. Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely. Apply logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems. Provide high levels of effective customer service. Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment. Work Environment – Environmental or Atmospheric Conditions Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently/Often Street environment (near moving traffic) – Sometimes Vehicle – Sometimes Exposures Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes Physical Demands This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary. Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Hours and Pay Monday‑Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Occasional meetings or events outside of typical work hours. Starting Salary $66,144 – $78,000 annually; commensurate with training and experience. Application Deadline 07/24/2026 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE. The City of Columbia requires pre‑employment drug testing. The City of Columbia participates in the federal E‑Verify work authorization program. Location 600 E. Broadway, P.O. Box 6015, Columbia, MO 65205 #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Columbia, MO