Business Development Specialist

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Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. Our downtown ballpark proudly serves as the home of the Milwaukee Brewers minor league affiliate. The team celebrated its inaugural Opening Night on April 14, 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for our community and downtown district.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $54,970.28 (minimum salary) to $75,702.44 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications. 

The purpose of this position is to support the City's efforts to promote economic growth, business retention and recruitment, private investment, and commercial redevelopment. The position assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing business development projects, programs, initiatives, and activities designed to strengthen the local business environment and encourage investment throughout the City.

The work consists of a broad range of professional, technical, communications, marketing, research, and administrative responsibilities within the Business Development Division. Responsibilities include working with businesses and property owners, supporting recruitment and retention efforts, researching market conditions and economic data, promoting incentives and development opportunities, coordinating projects and programs, tracking business activity, private investment, and development projects over time. The need to work independently, manage multiple priorities, develop practical solutions, and effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders adds to the complexity of the work.

Major Duties

• Works under the direction of the Downtown & Business Development Manager to support and increase business activity, private investment, and economic opportunities throughout the City.
• Assists with the development and implementation of business development activities, projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Works with existing businesses to provide business assistance, identify resources and opportunities, and support business growth, expansion, and retention.
• Assists with business recruitment and expansion efforts by researching prospective businesses, industries, properties, and investment opportunities.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, commercial property owners, developers, brokers, investors, community organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Assists businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders with identifying available City resources, incentives, funding opportunities, and other tools that may support business growth, property improvement, redevelopment, or investment.
• Assists with efforts to promote commercial redevelopment and private investment opportunities, including available properties, development opportunities, incentives, and other resources.
• Tracks and maintains information on private investment, business activity, development projects, and other economic activity to measure changes and investment year over year.
• Tracks market trends, commercial property conditions, demographic information, economic indicators, and other relevant data to support business recruitment, retention, redevelopment efforts, and informed decision-making.
• Assists with developing and implementing internal and external communications plans that effectively reach businesses, property owners, developers, investors, community partners, and the public.
• Designs, produces, and distributes marketing materials and communications through appropriate channels, including flyers, brochures, presentations, digital content, and other promotional materials.
• Promotes business development programs, incentives, funding opportunities, development initiatives, and other economic opportunities through effective and creative outreach and marketing efforts.
• Assists with the development of educational resources, tools, workshops, and training opportunities designed to strengthen the capacity and business acumen of businesses, property owners, and other stakeholders.
• Assists with identifying grants and other funding mechanisms and with preparing and submitting grant applications and supporting documentation.
• Assists with monitoring and maintaining information related to program activities, project budgets, expenditures, outcomes, and performance measures.
• Maintains appropriate files, databases, records, reports, and other documentation in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and standards.
• Collaborates with City departments, community organizations, regional partners, and other agencies to coordinate business development activities and advance economic growth initiatives.
• Attends meetings, conferences, networking events, site visits, and other functions as needed to develop relationships, gather information, and represent the City.
• Performs related work as required.

Guidelines

Supervisory/Management Responsibility

• None

 
Education/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Economic Development, Planning, Marketing, Communications, Project Management, or a closely related field.
• One (1) to three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in business development, economic development, commercial real estate, planning, marketing, communications, project management, community development, business services, or closely related work.
• A combination of education and relevant experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• This position requires a valid driver's license. 

Knowledge Requirements

• Working knowledge of principles, practices, and programs related to business development and economic development.
• Working knowledge of business retention, business recruitment, and business expansion practices.
• Working knowledge of commercial real estate fundamentals, commercial redevelopment concepts, and private investment.
• Knowledge of business assistance resources, economic development incentives, and funding opportunities.
• Knowledge of marketing, communications, public outreach, and promotional practices.
• Knowledge of basic research and data collection methods and the ability to use economic, demographic, market, property, and investment data to support business development activities.
• Skill in the use of computers and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and the ability to learn and effectively use other technology and software applications as needed.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with City officials and employees, business owners, property owners, developers, investors, representatives of other agencies and organizations, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively and independently in a time-sensitive environment while recognizing when issues require direction or assistance from the Downtown & Business Development Manager.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, maintain confidentiality when appropriate, and make sound decisions within established policies and procedures.
• Ability to organize work, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and implement assigned projects, programs, and activities.
• Ability to research unfamiliar subjects, learn new concepts and processes, and apply that knowledge to business development activities.
• Commitment to providing customer service and achieving positive results and outcomes.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.

 

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching.
• The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects. The work is typically performed in an office and off-site.
• The employee may be exposed to noise, machinery with moving parts, or irritating chemicals. 
• The work may be performed outdoors and occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather.
• The work may require protective devices such as masks, goggles, and gloves.