Every strong economy has a heartbeat, the businesses that grow, innovate, and push a region forward. At the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, that heartbeat is powered by relationships, real-time insights, and a deep commitment to helping employers thrive. We are excited to share this new position!
DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Reports To: President & Chief Executive Officer
Position Summary
The Director of Business Development leads the Chamber’s Business Retention and Expansion efforts, strengthening relationships with existing businesses, supporting company growth and competitiveness, and advancing employer-driven strategies that contribute to a strong and resilient regional economy.
This role leads the Chamber’s structured business engagement and visitation efforts, gathers real-time business intelligence, makes connections to aid in business growth, and translates employer needs into actionable strategies, partnerships, and advocacy. The Director of Business Development also staffs and supports four industry councils, ensuring they are employer-led, outcomes-focused, and aligned with the Chamber’s strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Business Growth & Employer Engagement
• Lead a proactive, structured business visitation and engagement program across key industries and employer sizes.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for businesses regarding growth, expansion, workforce, infrastructure, and operational needs.
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities affecting business growth and the regional business climate.
• Translate employer feedback into actionable Chamber initiatives, partnerships, and policy positions.
• Connect businesses to Chamber programs, workforce initiatives, advocacy efforts, and external resources.
• Maintain a database to track and report on information gathered and note outcomes related to business engagement, growth indicators, and employer satisfaction.
Industry Council Leadership
• Staff and manage four industry councils (currently Manufacturing, Healthcare, IT, and Applied Sciences), ensuring they are employer-driven and strategically aligned.
• Partner with council chairs to establish clear annual goals, agendas, and deliverables.
• Support meetings that focus on problem-solving, decision-making, and tangible outcomes.
• Translate council insights into recommendations for Chamber programming, workforce alignment, and advocacy.
• Encourage collaboration across councils on cross-cutting issues such as talent, technology adoption, and infrastructure.
Strategy, Advocacy & Partnerships
• Inform Chamber advocacy priorities using real-time intelligence from employer engagement.
• Collaborate with economic development, workforce, education, and government partners to address barriers to business growth.
• Support development and execution of Chamber initiatives that enhance regional competitiveness.
• Represent the Chamber as a trusted convener and problem-solver in business and community settings.
Leadership & Operations
• Serve as a collaborative member of the Chamber’s leadership team.
• Develop systems and processes to ensure consistent, high-quality employer engagement.
• Prepare briefings, reports, and presentations for the CEO, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement of Chamber strategies and services.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, public administration, economic development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with business leaders across multiple industries.
• Strong facilitation, relationship-building, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to translate business needs into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, data-informed, and comfortable operating in a relationship-driven environment.
Core Competencies
• Business and employer engagement (able to converse with and listen to business leaders)
• Growth strategy and needs assessment (able to collaboratively develop an approach and strategy)
• Industry and sector leadership (ability to quickly learn community and sector business leaders)
• Collaborative problem-solving
• Advocacy and policy alignment (sensitive to policy issues and processes to address them)
• Results-oriented execution (self-motivated, proactive, exceed expectations)
Competitive Salary/Benefits. Please send resumes to sbevis@talchamber.com
