Assistant Director, Regional Business Development, Southern Tier

Empire State Development; New York (NY); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Job summary

Empire State Development seeks an Assistant Director of Special Initiatives to support strategic planning and implementation of priority economic development programs in the Southern Tier region. You will collaborate with businesses, government agencies, and community partners to attract and retain investment and promote workforce development.

The role emphasizes leadership in program development, financial performance, and completing briefs, research, and analyses for the Regional Director.

Qualifications

• Understanding of local and state economic development programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to diverse audiences.
• Experience coordinating with public and private partners.

Responsibilities

• Support Regional Director in promoting incentive programs and economic development tools.
• Lead and participate in cross-functional project teams.
• Identify expansion, retention and attraction opportunities.
• Assist with structuring state involvement in awarding benefits for regional priorities.
• Maintain relationships with businesses, developers, and communities.

Skills

Strong writing and verbal comms

Project management

Collaboration with leadership

Digital literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Description

• This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.
• Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

Basic Function

Under the general direction of the Regional Director, the Assistant Director of Special Initiatives supports strategic planning, coordination, and implementation of priority economic development program and projects aimed at enhancing the economic vitality of the Southern Tier region. This leadership role involves collaboration with businesses, developers, government agencies, and community partners to attract and retain businesses, promote workforce development, and facilitate sustainable growth for the region. Manage and administer key initiatives focused on the Southern Tier Region, including program development, financial performance, within the assigned area(s) that support the Southern Tier Regional Strategic Plan.

Work Performed

• Support the Regional Director in promoting incentive programs, including tax credits, grants, and other economic development tools.
• Lead and participate in project teams consisting of ESD staff, government departments/agencies, and regional partners.
• Identify, analyze, and manage potential expansion, retention and attraction projects.
• Assist in the structure and negotiations of State involvement in awarding benefits related to regional priorities priority projects.
• Maintain and develop strong relationships with existing businesses, developers, and community organizations.
• Represent the department at public meetings, regional events, and business forums.
• Establish program goals and objectives and metrics for evaluation of program performance.
• Preparation of briefings, research, analyses and other supporting documents for the Regional Director as necessary.
• Manage external communications with regional, state, federal, private entities, including participation in work groups, boards, and organizations as needed.
• Other projects/duties as requested by the Regional Director.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Demonstrate understanding of fundamental principles and practices of local and state economic development programs, public and business administration, real estate, and finance. Strong writing and verbal communication skills - experience communicating complex ideas to a wide range of audiences, including the public, maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse range of job-related contacts; proficient in digital platforms, standard software programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and some specialized software. Proven ability to take ownership of independent projects and manage competing deadlines - Readiness to collaborate with and seek guidance from senior management and colleagues Education Level required: Bachelors; master’s degree preferred in Business Administration, Finance, Banking, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate Development, and Public Administration Relevant experience required: Direct experience (5 years or more) in one or more of the following fields: economic development, government, business, finance, planning, real estate development, urban studies, public administration, or in the industry assigned to that individual. Master’s degree can be substituted for up to 2 years of experience. Knowledge required: Attributes of the specific industries assigned; Working of government, public policy objectives, business planning, public and private financing programs, environmental policy/ regulations, design and construction issues, real estate development.

Additional Comments

Salary range as specified.

Comprehensive Benefits Package.