JOB DESCRIPTION

**IN-PERSON POSITION. NO REMOTE APPLICANTS PLEASE**

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

About Baltimore Development Corporation

The Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is the economic development agency for the City of Baltimore. Our mission is to grow the city's economy in an inclusive and equitable manner by retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and promoting investment, thereby increasing career opportunities for residents.

BDC is committed to a more equitable economy by supporting Black, minority and women-owned businesses and promoting investment in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by institutional racism and/or generational poverty. We develop strategies and facilitate collaboration among our partners to intentionally create an inclusive and equitable economy.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC) is seeking a Senior Vice President & Chief Business Development Officer to lead comprehensive business attraction efforts positioning Baltimore as the premier destination for businesses owned by historically underserved entrepreneurs while managing brand development, tourism promotion, and creative industries support. SVP/CBDO provides management and oversight of the Business Development Team. Reporting to and working with the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, the SVP/CBDO manages and directs all BDC business attraction, communications, marketing, media and public relations activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Brand Development

• Develop and implement "Equitable Economic Development" branding strategy for Baltimore.
• Create comprehensive brand identity highlighting Baltimore's commitment to historically underserved business development.
• Establish Baltimore's reputation as the most supportive environment for diverse entrepreneurs.
• Coordinate brand messaging across all BDC communications, public relations and marketing materials.

Public Relations and Media Relations

• Develop strategic public relations campaigns promoting Baltimore's inclusive business development success.
• Build relationships with diverse media outlets, business publications, and influential journalists.
• Manage crisis communications ensuring Baltimore's inclusive business reputation remains strong.
• Establish thought leadership positioning Baltimore's leadership as experts in inclusive economic development.

Tourism Promotion

• Develop heritage and business tourism initiatives highlighting Baltimore's diverse cultural assets.
• Create "Business Tours" and economic development tourism programs showcasing historically underserved business success.
• Market Baltimore as destination for minority business conferences, conventions, and events.
• Coordinate with Visit Baltimore and tourism partners to promote inclusive business and heritage tourism.

Creative Industries Support

• Develop comprehensive support programs for creative industries with emphasis on historically underserved artists and creative entrepreneurs.
• Create pathways for historically underserved creatives to access affordable workspace and business development resources.
• Establish programming connecting creative entrepreneurs with traditional business development resources.
• Coordinate with arts organizations and cultural institutions serving historically underserved communities.

Made In Baltimore Program Management

• Oversee Made In Baltimore manufacturing and local business promotion program.
• Develop manufacturer support programs focusing on historically underserved business owners.
• Create marketing and branding support for local manufacturers from historically underserved communities.
• Establish retail and distribution channels for products from historically underserved manufacturers.

Regional, National and International Business Attraction

• Lead business attraction efforts specifically targeting successful businesses owned by historically underserved entrepreneurs.
• Develop marketing campaigns attracting diverse businesses to relocate or expand to Baltimore.
• Establish presence at national minority business conferences, trade shows, and networking events.
• Create international business attraction initiatives focusing on immigrant and minority-owned businesses.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point.
• Knowledge of Hubspot or similar CRM platforms
• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas and possess a healthy sense of intellectual curiosity.
• Collaborative approach to cross-functional work

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years' experience in business attraction, economic development marketing, or related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in marketing to historically underserved audiences and diverse business communities.
• Strong experience with brand development, public relations, and media management.
• Experience with tourism marketing, creative industries support, or manufacturing promotion.
• Cultural competency in historically underserved communities and understanding of diverse business landscape.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Workplace Setting: The position requires presence in an office setting, employees are scheduled to work a 7.5-hour workday Monday through Friday, providing a total of 37.5 hours per work week. The BDC 7.5-hour workday plus one hour for lunch, begins between 7:00 am – 9:00 am and ends between 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Flexibility for occasional extended hours or weekend work may be required.
• Equipment Use: Proficiency in using standard office equipment such as computers, printers, copiers, and telecommunication devices is essential.
• Rare evening and weekend work for special events and Board meetings
• Some travel within Baltimore metropolitan area for community events and stakeholder meetings
• BDC's offices are located at 36 S. Charles on the 21st & 20th floors and are accessed via elevators and emergency stairs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility: The position requires the ability to sit for extended periods, stand, and walk, including occasionally moving between different locations within the office and offsite.
• Manual Dexterity: Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, handle documents, and perform data entry.
• Lifting: Occasionally required to lift and move objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Vision and Hearing: Adequate vision and hearing are necessary for reading documents, using a computer, and communicating with others in person and via telecommunication devices.

DRESS CODE

• Professional Attire: The candidate is expected to adhere to a professional dress code that reflects the organization's standards and presents a neat, clean, and business-like appearance.
• Meetings and Events: For meetings with public officials, community leaders, or external partners, business formal attire may be required.
• Casual Days: On designated casual days, business casual attire is acceptable, provided it maintains a professional and respectful appearance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

BDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a more equitable economy through employment, supporting minority and women-owned businesses and promoting investment in neighborhoods that have been negatively impacted by institutional racism and/or generational poverty. We develop strategies and facilitate collaboration among our partners to intentionally create an inclusive and equitable economy. BDC does not and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

BENEFITS

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. BDC also offers a full package of benefits including paid sick, personal, and vacation leave; subsidized medical/dental with Health Savings Account; 403(b) retirement with employer matching; parking/transit subsidy; mobile phone reimbursement; and other benefits.