Director, Industry Development

$80,000 - $85,000/Yr

Empire State - Rochester, NY

Full-time - Senior

Rochester, 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 capital investment within the state. This role is particularly timely as the cleantech sector is experiencing unprecedented interest in expanding U.S.-based manufacturing, and the Director will be at the forefront of attracting these manufacturers to New York. The 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 involves responding to requests for information (RFIs) from site selectors and manufacturers, as well as organizing and participating in site tours with regional and local partners. The Director will also serve as the internal expert on the cleantech industry, which encompasses sectors such as offshore wind, onshore wind, energy storage, hydrogen, recycling, solar, e-mobility, and clean heating and cooling. In addition to managing projects, 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. The role requires staying current on industry trends, federal funding opportunities, and site selection requirements to enhance New York's competitive position. The Director will also develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, represent ESD at industry functions, and prepare various documents and reports as needed. Occasional travel may be required to support marketing initiatives and company attraction efforts.

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 consisting of 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.
• 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 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.