Senior Business Development Manager

City of Chesapeake Virginia; Chesapeake, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Chesapeake Virginia is seeking a Senior Business Development Manager to drive economic growth and investments within the community. The role emphasizes strong leadership in business development, project oversight, and collaboration with engineers and government partners.

Responsibilities include attracting and retaining businesses, managing complex projects from start to finish, and guiding strategic plans that align with economic development goals.

Qualifications

• Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of six years of related, full-time equivalent experience.
• Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate relationships with target businesses for attraction and expansion.
• Develop and implement strategic business retention programs to foster existing business growth.
• Conduct industry research to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Identify, cultivate, and close strategic business development opportunities that align with the organization’s economic development goals.
• Develop and implement targeted business attraction and retention strategies.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging industries and potential investment opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, government officials, and community leaders.

Skills

Business development

Project management

Negotiation

Communication skills

Relationship building

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Driving Requirement

Position Driving Requirement R - Routine

Pay Grade

Pay Grade GE19

Pay Basis

Pay Basis Semi-Monthly

Advertised Salary

$82,884 $109,821Based on qualifications and experience

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Senior Business Development Manager to join our Economic Development team. This key role will be responsible for driving economic growth and investment in our community. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in business development, project management, and a deep understanding of economic development strategies.
Key Responsibilities:

Business Attraction and Retention

• Identify, qualify, and cultivate relationships with target businesses for attraction and expansion.
• Develop and implement strategic business retention programs to foster existing business growth.
• Conduct industry research to identify emerging trends and opportunities.
• Identify, cultivate, and close strategic business development opportunities that align with the organization’s economic development goals.
• Develop and implement targeted business attraction and retention strategies.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify emerging industries and potential investment opportunities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, government officials, and community leaders.

Project Management

• Manage and oversee economic development projects from inception to completion, including site selection, incentive negotiations, and project timelines.
• Utilize project management tools like Microsoft Project or similar software to track progress and ensure timely delivery of projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate project activities and resolve issues.
• Oversee and manage complex economic development projects from inception to completion.
• Develop detailed project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Monitor project progress and identify potential risks and challenges.
• Utilize project management software, such as Microsoft Project, to track and report on project performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution.

Engineering and Technical Expertise

• Possess a strong understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Evaluate site suitability and infrastructure requirements for potential projects.
• Work closely with engineers and technical experts to address project-specific needs.
• Provide technical guidance and support to businesses and developers.

Economic Development Strategy

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the organization’s economic development strategy.
• Analyze economic data and market trends to inform strategic decision-making.
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate economic development initiatives and outcomes.

Community Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including businesses, government officials, and community organizations.
• Collaborate with local, regional, and state economic development organizations to leverage resources and opportunities.

Required Qualifications

VOCATIONAL / EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT : Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : In addition to satisfying the vocational/education standards, this class requires a minimum of six years of related, full-time equivalent experience.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES : Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City Driving Standards.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : Employees may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs and/or City-wide emergencies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, Urban Planning, or related field.
• Proven track record in project management and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of economic development principles, industry trends, and best practices.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Project or similar project management software.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Advanced degree ( MBA , MPA , or MEng) preferred.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Job Open Date

09/22/2026

Job Close Date

10/07/2026

Open Continuous

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

ADA Checklist

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands

Overall Physical Strength Demands L=Light - Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Standing

Standing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Sitting Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Walking

Walking Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Lifting

Lifting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Lifting Amount

Lifting Amount Exerting up to 20 lbs

Carrying

Carrying Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Carrying Weight

Carrying Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Pushing/Pulling

Pushing/Pulling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Pushing/Pulling Weight

Pushing/Pulling Weight Exerting up to 20 lbs

Reaching

Reaching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Handling Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Fine Dexterity

Fine Dexterity Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Kneeling

Kneeling Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Crouching

Crouching Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Bending Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Twisting

Twisting Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Climbing

Climbing Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Balancing Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Vision

Vision Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Hearing

Hearing Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Talking

Talking Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Foot Controls

Foot Controls Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.

Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids Used

Protective Equipment Required

Health and Safety

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Mechanical Hazards

Mechanical Hazards N = Never

Chemical Hazards

Chemical Hazards N = Never

Electrical Hazards

Electrical Hazards N = Never

Fire Hazards N = Never

Explosives

Explosives N = Never

Communicable Diseases

Communicable Diseases N = Never

Physical Danger or Abuse

Physical Danger or Abuse N = Never

Other

Other N = Never

If Other, Description

D = DailyW = Several Times Per WeekM = Several Times Per MonthS = SeasonallyN = Never

Dirt and Dust

Dirt and Dust N = Never

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme Temperatures S = Seasonally

Noise and Vibration

Noise and Vibration S = Seasonally

Fumes and Odors

Fumes and Odors N = Never

Wetness/Humidity

Wetness/Humidity S = Seasonally

Darkness or Poor Lighting

Darkness or Poor Lighting S = Seasonally

Primary Work Location

Non-Physical Demands

C = Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.F = Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.O = Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.R = Rarely- Less than 1 hour per week.N = Never- Never occurs.

Time Pressures

Time Pressures Frequently- From 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Emergency Situations

Emergency Situations Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Frequent Change of Tasks

Frequent Change of Tasks Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime

Irregular Work Schedule/Overtime Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously

Performing Multiple Tasks Simultaneously Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team

Working Closely with Others as Part of a Team Continuously- 2/3 or more of the time.

Tedious or Exacting Work

Tedious or Exacting Work Occasionally- Up to 1/3 of the time.

Noisy/Distracting Environment N = Never

Other

Other N = Never

If Other, Description

Can anyone assist the employee in performing the primary tasks assigned to this position? If yes, identify the eligible task(s)

No

Professional References

Please provide contact information for professional references.

Minimum Requests 0

Maximum Requests 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Do you possess a valid driver's license and a driving record that is in compliance with the City's Driving Standards? Please review link in posting for details.
  • Yes
  • No