Director of Regional Business Development
Posted: October 16th, 2024
Location: In Person/In Office – Bozeman, MT
Prospera is the leading non-profit organization advancing and supporting community-centered
economic development in southwest Montana. Our focus is helping businesses and
communities find their pathway to success, acting as the navigator, problem-solver, and catalyst
for a strong Montana economy. Founded in 1985, Prospera has deep connections to the people
and communities we serve across Southwest Montana.
Position Summary:
The Director of Regional Business Development is a senior-level position that serves on the
management team in a role that helps build the organization. This position will develop a partner
network and create new strategic efforts that will advance regional business development. The
position works in collaboration with the Prospera team to plan and implement business
development programming and events that have positive outcomes for businesses and the
community. Program development and coordination across our network of peer organizations is
an important element of success.
In addition, this position is our senior business advisor assisting business clients with their growth,
management, expansion, or relocation needs. This role oversees and supports our business
development team which includes the Montana Women’s Business Center (WBC), Small Business
Development Center (SBDC), and the Food and Ag Development Center (FADC). Together, these
programs serve more than 1000 clients annually in a fast-changing and growing regional economy.
This position reports to the Executive Director, and collaborates with the Finance Director for
Salary $75,000 to $95,000 or DOE, with full benefits including:
Health Insurance: 100% paid for employee (Silver, Blue Cross Blue Shield plan)
Plus, employer paid Health Savings Account (Silver Plan)
IRA with 3% match
31 Paid-Time Off days (20 PTO + 11 Holidays)
Monthly phone stipend
Parental Leave
Professional Development Opportunities
Collaborative and Rewarding Work That Matters
Desired Fit and Capabilities:
The business landscape in southwest Montana is changing rapidly, and this position requires a
self-motivated, energetic, and adaptive individual who can respond to the needs of businesses
and develop programs and deliver services that are effective. This role requires:
- A passion and interest in Prospera’s work and mission.
- A resourceful team player that will collaborate with others to expand our regional impact.
- Strong interpersonal skills; building positive relationships at Prospera and with government agencies, banks, businesses, and community leaders.
- Foresight and the ability to be proactive cultivating a new network of business leaders and community relationships.
- Tech savvy with strong communications skills for digital media, public relations, and community outreach.
- A strategic thinker that can plan and implement programs/projects, and is a fun and competent leader who can take on work with ease.
- Skilled at translating opportunities into new programs that elevate Prospera.
Desired Qualifications:
- 5+ years of program development or business advisory experience, with a working knowledge of government business or workforce development programs. Non-profit work experience is a plus.
- A 4-year college degree is required.
- Savvy communications skills; being comfortable writing, public speaking, and crafting messages to a variety of audiences. Graphic design skills are a plus.
- Highly competent working with Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and database management.
- Teambuilder engaging staff with short- and long-term projects and can effectively plan and delegate work to others.
- Organized and competent planner who manages time and priorities to get things done.
Position Responsibilities:
Regional Economic Development
This position is responsible for planning and executing programs and activities that elevate
Prospera’s impact as the leader in business development in southwest Montana.
- Develop partnerships, and new programming, with businesses and local/state peer organizations who are advancing business development in our region.
- Represent Prospera on the Headwaters Tech Hub consortium, and actively support the photonic industry projects.
- Create new business networking events/forums that are relevant and meet the needs of a diverse business community.
- Explore new ways to engage local companies, and other regional business leaders in programs/events that are influential in the regional economy.
- Identify subject matter experts who can support Prospera and be a source of innovative thought-leadership.
- Collaborate in Prospera business events including the Annual Business Ignite Luncheon, business tours, and other related events.
- Advocate and promote our services to bankers, businesses, government, and community leaders.
- Strategize new ways to strengthen and improve the workforce development pipeline that supports local businesses.
- Implement multi-lingual business counseling services.
- Participate in peer events such as MEDA, and others that are in the economic development ecosystem.
Business Development
Serve as the senior business counselor/advisor who meets with and supports individual business clients. In addition, support and manage the business development team so our business clientele receives excellent service.
- Manage Prospera’s monthly rural office hours in Livingston and Big Sky for high quality service for our clients.
- Provide business counseling/advising services, offering expert advice, professional connections, and programs that meet client needs.
- Be the source of expertise/resources for business planning, financial management, marketing, development, loan financing, and professional networking.
- Provide leadership and peer-training to the counselor team – so they are top performers for our WBC, SBDC, FADC and their impact metrics.
- Be a source of prospective loan clients for Prospera loan funds.
- Provide the strategy and methods for on-boarding new clients and data processes with Neoserra, to ensure accurate data tracking.
- Help select business client success stories and assist with follow-up as needed.
- Write and provide content for our website, e-news stories, and success stories.
- Work with local business organizations, chambers and other associations on workforce and economic development programs.
- Pursue business grant funding opportunities for clients and explore new funding opportunities for Prospera.
- Collect data and research that helps clarify the needs and opportunities we have to improve the workforce pipeline.
Community Relationships
Collaborate with Prospera leadership team for effective peer and community relationships to support our business development strategies, and strategic plan.
- Seek public speaking opportunities and attend community meetings.
- Develop working relationships with key local, state, and federal agencies.
- Share our story of how our work makes a positive impact on businesses and communities.
- Assist with writing and publishing of our Annual Report.
- Assist and support our marketing, communications, and fundraising strategies.
Work Conditions:
Work week is generally Monday - Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm, with some variability depending on workload and events. Standing, lifting and some moderate physical requirements (ability to lift 50 lbs.) are necessary along with a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance is required. This is an “in office” position based in Bozeman, MT.
To Apply:
Email a cover letter describing your interest in the position, and a resume. The cover letter will be considered a writing sample in addition to serving as a personal introduction.
E-mail your application with “Business Development” in the subject line to:
preichert@prosperamt.org
Initial application review deadline is November 4th, 2024.
After the deadline, applications will be reviewed as received. This position is open until
filled.
