Business Development Representative

Job Title: Business Development Representative (BDR)

Department: Business Services

Reports To: Business Development Lead

Location: East Texas Workforce Development Area

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary

The Business Development Representative (BDR) is responsible for engaging employers across the East Texas region to promote workforce solutions and support regional economic development. This position serves as a primary liaison between the workforce system and the business community, identifying employer needs and connecting them to qualified talent and workforce programs.

The BDR plays a critical role in expanding employer partnerships, increasing utilization of workforce services, and supporting successful employment outcomes for job seekers. This position works collaboratively with internal teams, including Employment Services (ES), Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA), and Business Outreach to align employer needs with available workforce resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Outreach and market to businesses the services available through Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET).
• Identify, recruit, and engage employers for participation in workforce programs and services
• Initiate and maintain ongoing personal contact with a variety of business and industry representatives and job placement/training agencies.
• Conduct outreach activities including cold calls, emails, site visits, and networking events to expand employer partnerships and participation.
• Promote business-oriented Workforce Solutions services, including those offered by Texas Workforce Commission, the East Texas Workforce Board, and grant funded initiatives at the contractor level.
• Produce, track, and document tangible outcomes from business relationships including job postings, hiring events, On-the-Job Training contracts, Work Experience contracts, training opportunities, and incentive programs
• Collaborate with ES and RESEA staff to identify qualified candidates for employer needs
• Collaborate with WSET Program staff to identify employment opportunities for individuals with specific needs.
• Conduct labor market research to identify high-demand industries and emerging workforce needs
• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with employers to support retention and repeat engagement
• Initiates follow-up contact with employers to determine satisfaction with services and plan for quality improvement.
• Plan, coordinate, schedule, and execute employer meetings, presentations, and hiring events (in-person and virtual)
• Participates in community events, interagency events, and employer engagement activities to foster networking and public relation opportunities.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of employer contacts, services, and outcomes in designated systems
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, and regulations
• Stay current on workforce programs, labor market trends, and innovative business engagement strategies
• Achieve monthly Scorecard Goals
• Utilize Extreme Customer Service behaviors with all interactions with internal and external customers.

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in business development, sales, workforce development, or a related field
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the service area

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in workforce development or public workforce systems
• Knowledge of labor market information and regional economic trends
• Experience working with diverse employer groups and community partners
• Minimum of 2 years' business customer success management preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to speak effectively and professionally to groups
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with employers and stakeholders
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Analytical skills to interpret data and track performance outcomes
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems
• Understanding of workforce programs, employment services, and business engagement strategies

Performance Measures
• Number of new employers engaged and partnerships established
• Employer participation in workforce programs and services
• Job orders developed and filled in collaboration with ES and RESEA teams
• Contracts developed and filled in collaboration with Workforce Programs (WEx, OJT, Apprenticeships)
• Number of qualified referrals and successful job placements
• Outreach activities documented (calls, emails, visits, meetings)
• Employer retention and repeat engagement
• Participation in hiring events and community outreach initiatives

Working Conditions
• Frequent travel within the East Texas region
• Occasional evening or weekend work for events and employer engagement activities
• Work is performed in both office and field environments

Physical Requirements
• Ability to sit, stand, and travel for extended periods
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds, as needed

Equal Opportunity Employer