Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships

Organization: Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC)

Location: Lebanon, Indiana

Reports To: CEO

The Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships leads Boone EDC’s relationships with local employers and private-sector partners, building a strong, sustainable membership base while supporting business retention, expansion, and community-driven economic development.

Success in this role depends less on formal fundraising experience and more on relationship-building, initiative, and the ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities.

This role is primarily field-based, with the majority of time spent meeting with employers, members, and partners across Boone County and the region. Approximately 20–30% of the position involves in-office work for planning, reporting, and team collaboration, and 70–80% working in the community. The role reports to the CEO and collaborates across internal teams and external stakeholders, serving as a bridge between private-sector engagement and economic development.

Boone EDC is a forward-looking economic development organization dedicated to nurturing business growth, innovation, and county-wide prosperity. We champion local employers, support entrepreneurship, and convene public-private partnerships that strengthen Boone County’s economic ecosystem.

As part of the Boone EDC team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties. This position offers the opportunity to:

• Advocate for Boone County businesses, respond quickly to community needs, and bring innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Directly grow private-sector support and strengthen long-term relationships with local employers.
• Join a nimble, collaborative staff that values initiative, creativity, and innovation.

• Lead the membership lifecycle, including outreach, onboarding, relationship-building, renewals, and growth opportunities.
• Build and execute an annual membership and sponsorship strategy that strengthens Boone EDC’s private-sector support and reflects the value of our programming and advocacy.
• Serve as a visible, trusted presence in the community through meetings, events, and one-on-one engagement with employers and partners.
• Collaborate with the CEO on membership value propositions, presentations, and long-term partnership strategy.
• Support membership events, appreciation efforts, and committee engagement.

• Lead Boone EDC’s annual business visitation program across key industry sectors to understand employer needs, risks, and growth opportunities.
• Serve as a connector between businesses and local, regional, and state partners related to incentives, workforce, infrastructure, and permitting.
• Convene industry round tables and problem-solving discussions in collaboration with public and private partners.
• Identify potential business risks (downsizing or closure) and coordinate internal and external response strategies.
• Support site, incentive, and data requests in coordination with Boone EDC leadership and partners.

• Track engagement, membership, and BRE activity and provide concise reports to leadership.

• 2–5 years of experience in economic development, community development, business engagement, nonprofit partnerships, or a closely related field.
• Comfortable representing an organization publicly and building relationships through in-person meetings, events, and informal conversations.
• CRM proficiency; strong relationship management and board/stakeholder facilitation skills.
• Ability to analyze industry trends, competitors, and organizational needs to identify new opportunities.
• Ability to identify client pain points and tailor solutions accordingly.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work independently while thriving in highly social, relationship-driven environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners both inside and outside the organization.

Email a cover letter and resume (PDF format) to Andrea Kern, CEO, at hello
.