The Wyandotte Economic Development Council (WYEDC), a public private partnership serving the entire county, is seeking a Business Retention & Expansion Manager for its business retention and expansion program. The position reports to the Senior Director of Retention & Workforce Solutions and alongside the President.

The individual will serve as a liaison between WYEDC, the existing business community and governmental agencies. The duties for the position will include business visits, database management, written and verbal correspondence, and program execution with a specific focus on small to mid-sized existing companies. The candidate must possess a team philosophy and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills. This individual should be able to work well with others but also work efficiently on their own with minimal supervision. This individual will be joining a small, upbeat, and fun office culture where being nimble and hands-on is the norm.

The position is responsible for:

• Organizing, conducting, and analyzing business retention visits and surveys primarily using and entering the data into a CRM database,
• Maintaining regular contact with existing businesses through various outreach initiatives,
• Understanding existing business trends, business activity, performance indicators, economic market information and workforce needs,
• Implementing programs that identify and address the needs of existing businesses,
• Understanding state and local incentives, and programs to assist businesses,
• Implementing marketing efforts related to the business retention and expansion program,
• Developing a knowledge base of workforce solutions to meet the needs of existing companies,
• Participate on workforce solutions committees in support of the Jobs & Education initiative tied to the Community Health Improvement Plan,
• Maintain a list of local, minority, and woman-owned businesses in the county,
• Support small business/entrepreneurial programming and outreach through the organization,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This individual must be able to maintain confidential information. The ideal candidate has experience in team leadership, project management, marketing aptitude, excellent facilitation skills, strong interpersonal and negotiation skills and well developed oral and written presentation skills.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree, at least three years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience in the fields of economic development, program management or business sales. Knowledge of incentives/finance, workforce programs, and the community is preferred. Individual must maintain a valid driver’s license. Salary range: $50,000-$70,000.

Send cover letter, resume, references, and compensation requirements to: Greg Kindle, President, Wyandotte Economic Development Council, 727 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66109 or by email at gkindle@wyedc.org by August 11, 2023. The position will remain open until filled.