Director, Industry Development

$80,000 - $85,000/Yr

Empire State - Utica, NY

Full-time - Director

Utica, 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 available through ESD and collaborating with key stakeholders. In this position, the Director will handle a portfolio of approximately 20 growth and attraction projects, which includes assisting with site selection, navigating incentives, and coordinating necessary resources across the state. The role requires timely responses to requests for information (RFIs) from site selectors and manufacturers, as well as participation in site tours alongside 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. The Director will present recommendations for incentive proposals to a review committee, work closely with companies throughout their commitment to New York, and assist in project announcements and milestones. Additionally, the role involves using industry expertise to inform targeted marketing efforts, planning and executing a significant New York delegation at key cleantech industry conferences, and staying updated on industry trends and federal funding opportunities. Building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders, including private industry, trade organizations, and regional economic development organizations, is essential. The Director will also represent ESD at industry functions, prepare various documents, and assist in other projects as directed by senior leadership. Occasional travel is required to support company attraction and marketing initiatives, and the position may involve a hybrid work schedule based on specific job duties and ESD policy.

Responsibilities

• Handle a portfolio of approximately 20 growth and attraction projects, assisting with site selection, incentives, and navigating resources across the state.
• Respond to requests for information (RFIs) from site selectors and manufacturers in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and participate in site tours with regional and local partners.
• Oversee the growth and attraction of key cleantech manufacturing industries, serving as the internal expert on the industry and its supply chain.
• Present recommendations for incentive proposals to a review committee for approval.
• Work with companies through their commitment to New York, including project announcements and milestones.
• Provide input on messaging and audience for targeted marketing efforts using industry expertise.
• Plan and execute a large New York delegation and exhibition presence at key cleantech industry conferences.
• Stay current on industry trends, federal funding opportunities, and site selection requirements within the assigned cleantech industry.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, including private industry and trade organizations.
• 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 consisting of ESD staff and others in government and the private sector.
• Prepare various documents, including project tracking, reports, presentations, briefings, and marketing materials as needed.
• Assist in 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.
• Direct experience of 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 actively assisting clients and customers, which can be part of the 5 years of experience defined above.
• A master's degree in business administration, economics, public administration & policy, or a related field may substitute for 2 years of experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the cleantech or renewable energy industries.
• Strong networking skills with industry stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex data and trends.
• Experience in project management and coordination.

Benefits

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