Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Help shape Iowa's economic future. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), located in Des Moines, Iowa, is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Business Development Manager to join our Global Business team.

If you have experience in business development, economic development, financial or insurance services, and/or project management, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on Iowa's economy.

At the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), we're dedicated to making Iowa the choice for people and businesses. We build powerful partnerships, leverage diverse resources, and drive economic and community vitality. From supporting startups and expanding enterprises to preserving the rich history and culture of rural communities, and aiding in disaster recovery, we create endless opportunities for Iowans to thrive.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, you will develop and implement strategies to attract new businesses to Iowa, support the expansion and retention of existing companies, and position Iowa as a competitive destination for investment. You will also serve as IEDA's subject-matter expert for the financial and insurance services sector, building relationships with industry leaders and identifying opportunities for economic growth.

Drive Business Growth

• Attract, retain, and expand businesses in Iowa.
• Lead business recruitment and expansion projects.
• Promote Iowa's competitive advantages to business leaders and site selectors.

Lead Industry Strategy & Partnerships

• Serve as IEDA's subject-matter expert for the financial and insurance services industry.
• Build relationships with industry leaders, communities, and economic development partners.
• Represent Iowa at industry events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings.

Expand in Global Markets

• Analyze market trends and business opportunities to inform strategy.
• Provide insights and recommendations to agency leadership.
• Travel to and support domestic and international business development missions, trade shows, and promotional activities.

Ideal candidates have:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn market information into actionable business development strategies.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple internal and external stakeholders
• The ability and willingness to travel frequently throughout Iowa, domestically, and occasionally internationally
• Dedicated to our Core Values:

- We take pride in our work and results.

- We thrive on solving challenges through dynamic collaboration with our teams and partners.

- We place Iowans at the heart of everything we do.

New to the area or looking to relocate to Iowa? Visit ThisIsIowa.com to see how Iowa offers something for everyone- competitively low cost of living, bustling cities and neighborhoods, access to entertainment, opportunities for career growth and unrivaled access to outdoor adventures.

As an employee of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, you are a State of Iowa employee, and you are eligible to enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy vacation with accruals that rollover on a yearly basis, sick leave with no limits on accrual and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Great Benefits: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options.
• Retirement Plan: IPERS Retirement package and an option for a deferred compensation plan.
• Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical and dependent care).
• Life Insurance: Free Life Insurance.
• Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs.

The Business Development Manager position is a non-merit, non-contract position that is classified by the State of Iowa as an Economic Development Specialist 3 and is exempt per FLSA regulations.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is an EEO/AA Employer

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: 1) Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in research, planning, economics, public relations, business, corporate finance, journalism or marketing, and experience equal to four years of full-time work in interpreting laws, rules and regulations, and/or securing compliance with them; or compiling and evaluating statistical, historical, economic, business, financial, or technical related program data. 2) A total of eight years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full-time experience. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. (Download PDF reader)

Additional Qualification Requirements

Travel, including overnight travel, may be required for positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.