Business Development Specialist

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers.In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground. Number of Available positions: Vacancies: one (1) Business Development Specialist Reporting to the Manager of Business Development & Investment, the Business Development Specialist will be responsible for bold and industry-leading investment attraction initiatives and Business Development activities focused on the priority sectors of Clean Energy, Advanced Automotive/Mobility, Applied Digital Technology, Life Sciences and Electronics. This position will combine advanced sector-specific expertise and knowledge with commercial skills to facilitate new investments and create jobs and long-term economic growth in the regional economy. The incumbent will: -Take a lead role in the development and implementation of strategies, workplans and processes for Investment Attraction, with a focus on the priority sectors Clean Energy, Advanced Automotive/Mobility, Applied Digital Technology, Life Sciences and Electronics. -Actively promote Durham Region as a destination for foreign direct investment opportunities and a partner for international trade.-Identify and target investors from international and domestic locations and service prospective investment opportunities using sales methodologies to secure investments and create jobs. -Act as the primary 'sales' lead, for the sectors of specialization, for attracting new business investments to the Region. Plan and employ advanced Business-to-Business (B2B) sales strategies to communicate the Region's value proposition to prospective investors by employing industry-leading B2B methodologies, tactics, and tools and creating strong and trusting client relationships. -Strategically identify and lead investment attraction and business development opportunities, primarily in these priority sectors, and create and foster appropriate relationships for investment attraction locally and with senior levels of government. -Clearly articulate the Durham Region value proposition regularly with domestic and foreign investors and key partners. Work collaboratively with key partners to amplify key messages and achieve attraction objectives. -Raise Durham Region's profile through strategic channels and participate in strategic stakeholder networking.-Travel frequently to other international target geographies for the purpose of foreign direct investment attraction. -Deliver excellent, specialized, and responsive service in facilitating the informational and/or support needs of investors, ensuring a seamless process. -Prepare detailed, comprehensive and professional proposals or other documents as a part of the pitch/deal process and be accountable for maintaining an industry-leading investment support materials, processes, protocols, and service offering. -Oversee the sales funnel in the Region's CRM, with support from the Program Coordinator, to maintain ongoing relationships with prospective investors, monitor sources of leads and track/report results; analyzing information and results to make recommendation on program activities and target geographies, and industry sub-sectors. -Maintain a customer-oriented approach, delivering exceptional customer service while maintaining high levels of confidentiality. -Work closely with regional, provincial and federal colleagues to drive investment opportunities for Durham Region.-Using specialized business knowledge and a deep experience/understanding of the priority sectors, form relationships with key local sector value chain companies to support and enable their growth. -Identify strategically important companies and key players (i.e., Industry associations, supplier networks) within the priority sectors and form relationships and support them in attracting new business lines or allocation from foreign-owned parent companies. -Conduct analysis and identify gaps in local business value chains or existing cluster ecosystems in the Region where there may be an opportunity for attracting an outside investment that would fill the gap in the value chain. Identify outside actors to pursue as part of investment attraction efforts and strategies to reach these businesses. -Organize and conduct tours and personal visits, with support from the Program Coordinator and key regional stakeholders, of potential investment sites and support industrial and commercial investment lead inquiries.The successful applicant will possess: -A post-secondary diploma in Business, Commerce, Economics, Marketing and Communications or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience-Several years' experience with business to business (B2B) or Business Development within a municipal Economic Development environment -Professional sales and negotiation skills  with an understanding of the sales/investment attraction cycle in order to guide and influence investor decisions.-Strong understanding of Clean Energy, Advanced Automotive/Mobility, Applied Digital Technology, Life Sciences and Electronics.-Extensive knowledge of Durham Region's business, economic and innovation interests and objectives. -Knowledge of business procedures in the fields of economic development and investment/sales promotion. -Strong ability to build relationships with stakeholders at multiple organizational levels. -Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure and with minimum supervision.-Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and demonstratable presentation development and public speaking skills. -The ability to demonstrate professionalism through humility, respect, and responsiveness to diverse residents.-The ability to travel out of province and internationally as required. -A valid clad G Ontario driver's licence and access to a vehicle.  CUPE 1764 Salary Grade 8 This position is with Salary Grade 8 and will be paid at the following hourly rates:- Start: $50.43 - Six Month: $53.23 - Job: $56.03 Conditions of Employment All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date. External Application Process Come find a home where exciting and rewarding careers are balanced with your lifestyle.  We thank all applicants; however, only those being considered will be contacted. Please apply online (www.durham.ca) no later than midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on the closing date indicated on the Job Posting.The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process.  If contacted for an employment opportunity and you require accommodation, or if this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us at: RecruitingHelp@durham.ca and a Recruiter will provide appropriate assistance pursuant to the Region's Accommodation and Accessibility policies.  Please note that resumes should not be sent to RecruitingHelp@durham.ca. Follow us on social media @RegionofDurham