Business Development Specialist Position Available In Boone, Missouri

Business Development Specialist 3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars Columbia, MO The purpose of this job is to plan for, identify, and recruit retail and other economic development opportunities within the City of Columbia and targeted areas of Boone County, with an emphasis on under-served areas. This position plays a key role in advancing the city’s economic vitality by facilitating commercial development in partnership with businesses, developers, and internal stakeholders. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job.

Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description Recruits retail businesses by inventorying relevant sites, identifying high-potential prospects, initiating engagement efforts, attending industry trade shows, responding to requests for information, and following up with prospects to understand needs and opportunities. Facilitates commercial development projects by coordinating with external stakeholders and guiding them through regulatory and permitting processes as well as collaborating with City, County, and other development entities such as Community Development, City Utilities, and Public Works Departments. Develops and implements revitalization strategies for under-served areas by promoting retail and economic growth through best practices, data analysis, and the identification of financing options. Monitors relevant projects going through City and County Council review and approval processes (e.g., Planning and Zoning Commission). Supports broader economic development efforts including site development, business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives, administration of Chapter 100 processes and other financing tools, as well as identifying hurdles towards economic growth and recommending opportunities to remove or lower those hurdles. Manages and communicates project activities by preparing reports, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals. Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function. Performs other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities No supervisory authority. Work may require providing guidance and training to others. Human Collaboration and Job Impact

• This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction Interactions and communications may result in recommendations regarding policy development and implementation.

May also evaluate customer satisfaction, develop cooperative associations, and utilize resources to continuously improve customer satisfaction. Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations. Fiscal Responsibility Position has limited fiscal responsibility. May assist in the collection of data in support of recommendations for departmental budget allocations. May monitor work unit or program/promotional level budget and expenditures. Education and Experience

• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered Education and Experience Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Planning, Public Administration, or related field 5 to 7 years’ experience in retail/franchise real estate site selection, development, commercial lending, recruiting businesses to a municipal/county location, or a related field.

Licenses or Certifications Valid driver’s license. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of economic development, retail recruitment, and commercial revitalization. Urban planning, land use, zoning, and regulatory processes and regulations relevant to ground up commercial development. Financing tools and incentives such as Chapter 100 bonds, tax incremental financing (TIF), and development districts. Local, regional, and national retail market trends and site selection criteria. Methods for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting demographic, economic, and market data. General office practices and administrative procedures, records management and administration techniques and procedures.

Skill in:

Recognizing, analyzing, and solving a variety of problems. Project management, including setting goals, tracking progress, and meeting deadlines. Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding. Organizing and managing time effectively. Collecting, organizing, and analyzing data. Strategic planning and implementation of retail and economic development initiatives. Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships. Thinking critically and analytically.

Ability to:

Identify and evaluate retail opportunities and align them with community needs and development goals. Identify necessary and synergistic site/area characteristics required to procure targeted retail occupancies. Work collaboratively across departments and with external partners to move projects forward. Interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations related to economic development. Create and present reports. Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships. Compile, organize, interpret, and communicate data and results concisely Apply logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems Provide high levels of effective customer service. Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment. Focus on tasks. Work Environment

• Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job

Work Environment:

Office or similar indoor environment

• Frequently/Often Outdoor environment
• Sometimes Street environment (near moving traffic)
• Sometimes Vehicle

• Sometimes Exposures:

  Individuals who are hostile or irate

• Sometimes The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. This position is relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary. Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met. Hours/Days 8am

• 5pm, Monday
• Friday; additional hours as required Starting Salary $63,906 per year
• $78,604 per year; Commensurate with Training and Experience Pay Grade 110 Number of Positions Available 1 Deadline to Apply Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to

Applicants Hours:

8am

• 5pm, Monday through Friday, with some after-hours work as required.

Must submit cover letter that includes reason for interest in position. This position is open until filled with a preferred deadline of Friday, August 15, 2025 Notice to Applicants Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)

TTY:

711 (MO RELAY)

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

MALE / FEMALE

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING

The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program