Business Development Manager

City-of-Eugene,-or; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 96,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual Pay Benefit

Benefits package

Job summary

The City of Eugene’s Community Development Division seeks a Business Development Manager to lead economic development initiatives, attract and retain businesses, and create living-wage jobs. You will work with regional partners to grow firms across sectors and shape policies and programs for business-focused development.

The role requires extensive collaboration across City departments and private partners, strong leadership, and the ability to manage high-profile projects with accountability

Qualifications

• At least five years of professional experience in project management or program administration.
• At least two years of full supervisory experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Planning or closely related field, plus four years of professional experience in Economic Development or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the planning and implementation of Business Development programs including attraction, retention, job creation, and marketing.
• Develop an Economic Development Strategy aligned with regional planning efforts.
• Serve as liaison with regional agencies and organizations and coordinate with partners to promote economic prosperity regionally.

Skills

Project management

Supervisory experience

Communication (oral & written)

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Planning or closely related field

Master’s degree desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The City of Eugene’s Community Development Division is actively seeking candidates to fill the role of Business Development Manager to perform a variety of economic development duties. This position will lead efforts to establish and grow economic development initiatives. The Business Development Manager will play a key role in establishing and building relationships with Eugene’s regional partners and the business community. The successful individual will work to expand firms within targeted economic sectors and support the creation of living-wage jobs.

We are seeking a collaborative and enthusiastic individual to join the City of Eugene’s Economic Prosperity Team. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in the application of professional knowledge and skills to affect research, analysis, planning and implementation of economic development programs. The successful candidate will develop, recommend, and implement the goals, strategies, policies and programmatic framework for business-focused economic development activities in Eugene. The position requires a high degree of professionalism, problem-solving skills, and the frequent use of independent judgment. The ability to work in a team and across city departments and private-sector partners is mandatory. The successful candidate must be comfortable working on high-profile projects that are subject to public scrutiny.

The Business Development Manager will join the highly motivated Economic Prosperity team, committed to creating a vibrant community with economic opportunity for individuals at all skill levels and from all backgrounds. The team values excellence and empowers innovation. The work is hard, but the rewards are many, including being involved in tangible improvements that will contribute to the economic vitality and livability of Eugene.

In Community Development we recognize the racial injustices that impact those we serve. Our division has started a Racial Equity Literacy program for ourselves, committing time throughout each month to promote awareness and ease of dialogue about how we can improve or better include the lives of Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in Eugene, and transform the way we do business by seeing it through a racial equity lens.

Application Deadline: Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 5 p.m. P.T.

Classification: Class Specifications | Manager 1

Salary: $46.04 - $62.15 hourly / $95,763.20 - $129,272.00 annually

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).

Department, Division: Community Development, Planning and Development Department

Position Information: Non-Represented, Exempt

Work Location: Atrium, 99 West 10th Avenue, Eugene, OR

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. with the flexibility per business need

Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.

Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information. This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Strategic Planning and Coordination

• Manages and coordinates the planning and implementation of the Business Development programs including business attraction, retention, job creation, business assistance, marketing, and related functions.
• Develops an Economic Development Strategy for the City that aligns with and complements strategic planning efforts with regional partners.
• Serves as a liaison for economic development activities with regional agencies and organizations, including regional economic development partners, workforce training, industry trade organizations, and City of Eugene workgroups. Coordinates with the partners to promote economic prosperity on a countywide basis; identifies and fosters partnering opportunities for various economic development programs and proposals.
• Identifies funding strategies for long-term economic development initiatives, in collaboration with other City departments.
• Attends the various City Council and commission meetings and acts as a staff resource to various sub-committees and City staff.
• Researches and utilizes racial equity principles and practices in managing economic and business development programs to evaluate and implement efforts to eliminate systemic racism, including how the City can build relationships with and support groups that have historically been marginalized or unable to access our business development programs.

Business Recruitment and Marketing

• Communicates and coordinates with economic development and real estate professionals interested in establishing businesses in Eugene.
• Creates, coordinates, and assembles marketing materials for business retention, expansion, and recruitment.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of public information for the City’s economic development programs and resources. Updates relevant webpages and social media tools.
• Prepares press releases and responds to questions from the media about City’s economic development programs and efforts in coordination with the department’s Public Information Officer.

Administration and Research

• Directs and oversees the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the Business Development Team.
• Keeps abreast of legislative developments which may impact economic development programs, policies and/or procedures and implements approved follow-up action.
• Update existing regional economic development data and develop efficient methods of maintaining current data on employment, wages, and real estate trends.

• Researches, analyzes, interprets, and prepares studies and reports on a variety of economic and demographic topics.
• Conducts independent research on City policies, regulations, and processes and their impact on commercial activity; identifies potential improvements and recommends changes.
• Negotiates, prepares and administers contracts and agreements.
• Reviews analysis, documents and reports prepared by consultants and staff to assure accuracy, completeness and appropriateness.
• Researches, prepares, and/or oversees preparation of complex grant and funding applications and proposals, and administers grants.
• Prepares staff and other reports for the City Council and other committees and advisory boards; makes presentations as required.
• Provides ongoing project management and reporting.
• Performs related and other duties as assigned.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Class Specifications | Manager 1

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

At least five years of professional experience in project management or program administration, preferably in the public sector. At least two years of full supervisory experience.

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, Planning or closely related field, AND four (4) years of professional experience in Economic Development OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. A master's degree in a relevant field is desirable.

Knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of economic/business development strategies, program administration, and resources, including methods for business attraction and retention.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, regulations, and procedures concerning economic development.
• Marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development.
• Knowledge of methods and sources used in analyzing local economic trends and industry trends.
• The functions and relationships between private and public sector groups in the economic community.
• The principles and practices of contract negotiation methods and techniques, contract development and contract administration.
• Principles and practices of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, goals, and related objectives.

Skills and Abilities in:

• Is flexible and able to work with shifting priorities, competing demands, and uncertainty.
• Can work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently.
• Can exercise sound independent judgment and demonstrate initiative and creativity, with minimal supervision.
• Communicate complex material clearly, logically, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public presentations to varied audiences, including the general public, business community, and elected officials.
• Can research, analyze and prepare highly technical funding proposals, contracts, and financial reports.
• Can analyze problems and identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals;
• Can interpret and apply complex federal, state and local policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement a comprehensive business development program, including proactive outreach and communication program which projects the image to the community.
• Is a team player and trust builder with colleagues, partners, and diverse public stakeholders. Is responsive to private development parties, providing needed information in a timely manner.

Computer Skills

• Has basic computer fluency (Microsoft Office Suite)

The City of Eugene encourages individuals of all communities and backgrounds to apply for job opportunities as we strive to provide the best service to the public. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable knowledge, skills, and abilities from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

MUST PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK

License

Valid Oregon driver’s license (or the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

What to Expect from our Selection Process

Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at [phone].

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States. NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.