Director, Industry Development

$80,000 - $85,000/Yr

Empire State - Syracuse, NY

Full-time - Senior

Syracuse, NY

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

The Director of Industry Development at Empire State Development (ESD) plays a crucial role within the Strategic Business Development team, focusing on the cleantech industry. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about economic development and have a strong desire to make a significant impact in New York State. The primary responsibility of the Industry Director is to manage site selection and originate growth and attraction projects that will create jobs and stimulate in-state capital expenditure. The cleantech sector is currently experiencing unprecedented interest in expanding U.S.-based manufacturing, and this role is pivotal in attracting these manufacturers to New York by leveraging the extensive resources of the state's leading economic development agency. The Industry Director will handle a portfolio of approximately 20 growth and attraction projects, which includes assisting with site selection, navigating incentives, and coordinating resources across the state. This role requires timely responses to requests for information (RFIs) from site selectors and manufacturers, as well as participation in site tours in collaboration with regional and local partners. The Director will also oversee the growth and attraction of key cleantech manufacturing industries, serving as the internal expert on the industry and its supply chain. Active industries include offshore wind, onshore wind, energy storage, hydrogen, recycling, solar, e-mobility, and clean heating and cooling. In addition to project management, the Director will present recommendations for incentive proposals to a review committee, maintain relationships with key stakeholders, and represent ESD at industry functions and conferences. The position also involves staying current on industry trends, federal funding opportunities, and site selection requirements to enhance New York's competitive position. The Director will prepare updates, briefings, and various documents, including project tracking reports and marketing materials. Occasional travel is required to support company attraction and marketing initiatives, and the position may allow for hybrid work schedules based on specific job duties and ESD policy.

Responsibilities

• Handle a portfolio of approximately 20 growth and attraction projects.
• Assist with site selection, incentives, and navigating resources across the state.
• Respond to requests for information (RFIs) from site selectors and manufacturers.
• Coordinate and participate in site tours with regional and local partners.
• Oversee the growth and attraction of key cleantech manufacturing industries.
• Serve as the internal expert on the cleantech industry and its supply chain.
• Present recommendations for incentive proposals to a review committee.
• Work with companies through their commitment to New York and project milestones.
• Provide input on messaging and audience for targeted marketing efforts.
• Plan and execute a large New York delegation and exhibition presence at cleantech industry conferences.
• Stay current on industry trends, federal funding opportunities, and site selection requirements.
• Prepare updates and briefings as needed.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders.
• Identify, analyze, and manage potential expansion, retention, and attraction projects.
• Represent ESD at industry functions, conferences, and events, making presentations as necessary.
• Advise on policy development and prepare recommendations for legislative action.
• Maintain complete and accurate data and files on prospects, projects, and initiatives.
• Lead and participate in project teams with ESD staff and others in government and the private sector.
• Prepare various documents, including project tracking, reports, presentations, and marketing materials.
• Assist in other various projects as directed by Senior Directors and department SVP.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, finance, economics, urban planning, public administration & policy, law, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate development, or a related field.
• Associate's degree with 7 years of direct relevant experience may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
• Direct experience (5 years or more) in economic development, government, business, public and private financing programs, business planning, real estate development, urban studies, public administration & policy, consulting, design and construction, engineering, or in the cleantech & renewable energy industries.
• Two years of public-facing experience assisting clients and customers, which can be part of the 5 years of experience defined above or in another field.
• A master's degree in business administration, economics, public administration & policy, or a related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.