Boise State University Business Development & Engagement Specialist

Business Development & Engagement Specialist

Tech Help, Idaho’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center, is seeking a high‑impact Business Development & Engagement Specialist to lead growth and expand partnerships across Idaho’s manufacturing and business community. The role manages the full sales cycle, builds industry and government relationships, and drives innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth statewide.

This position drives revenue growth, expands Tech Help’s market presence, and builds long‑term relationships with manufacturers, businesses, and government‑facing organizations. Reporting to senior leadership, it manages the full sales lifecycle and serves as the primary external relationship owner for industry and contracting partners.

Represents the MEP center across all regional teams, translating marketing insights and qualified leads into contracts, partnerships, and sustained client relationships that support private‑sector growth, manufacturing competitiveness, and public‑sector contracting readiness.

Also provides cross‑functional leadership for the management, analysis, and reporting of the NIST Economic Impact Survey, ensuring accurate impact measurement, federal compliance, and strategic use of data.

• Identify, pursue, and secure new business opportunities across technical assistance, manufacturing support, creative services, innovation, and government contracting readiness.
• Manage the full sales cycle from lead qualification through proposal development, pricing, negotiation, contract execution, and close.
• Establish clear transition plans at contract execution to ensure effective handoff to Client Managers and continuity of the client relationship.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of manufacturers, suppliers, technology firms, and government contractors.
• Track sales activity, forecasts, and performance metrics in coordination with marketing and senior leadership.
• Monitor and analyze statewide manufacturing trends, competitive dynamics, and emerging industry risks to inform organizational strategy and service positioning.
• Continuously assess market demand and identify gaps in Tech Help’s service offerings; recommend new programs, service enhancements, or delivery models to meet evolving manufacturer needs and strengthen competitive positioning.
• Identify, vet, and onboard qualified third‑party service providers to address technical areas outside Tech Help’s direct expertise, expanding service capacity while maintaining quality and client satisfaction standards.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with manufacturers, supply chain firms, and government‑facing organizations.
• Collaborate with APEX Accelerator staff to support government contracting readiness and referral pipelines.
• Represent Tech Help and Studio Blu at outreach events, trade shows, industry meetings, and procurement forums.
• Monitor and elevate organizational awareness of industry trends, procurement opportunities, and manufacturing challenges.

• Lead cross‑functional management of the NIST Economic Impact Survey process.
• Ensure timely client follow‑up, high survey completion rates, and data accuracy in collaboration with delivery teams.
• Analyze and interpret survey data to quantify economic impact, including job creation/retention, cost savings, revenue growth, and operational improvements.
• Prepare executive‑ready reports for senior leadership, state stakeholders, and federal partners.
• Ensure compliance with NIST MEP reporting standards and performance requirements.
• Integrate impact data into business development strategy, marketing messaging, funding justifications, and stakeholder communications.
• Identify trends and insights that inform service enhancements, market positioning, and strategic growth priorities.

• Develop and implement statewide business development strategies in partnership with regional Client Managers and the Marketing Manager.
• Align regional pipelines with statewide…