Business Development Specialist

Wilson is a city of around 50,000 people located in the heart of eastern North Carolina. We are about an hour from the Research Triangle and the buzz of the Raleigh area, and you can also quickly reach the North Carolina beaches.

The City of Wilson is known for innovation and outstanding service. We have top-rated, nationally accredited police, fire and recreation departments. Our parks and sports facilities are among the best in the nation, and our Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park is a unique and beautiful attraction that hosts concerts, farmers markets and the N.C. Whirligig Festival among other events. We are in the process of building a downtown field to host a Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league team starting in 2026.

Wilson has the strongest manufacturing base in our part of the state, including tire manufacturing, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Greenlight citywide broadband services help technology-based companies flourish.

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a best-in-class benefits package that brings additional value to your total compensation. To learn more about our benefits package, click on the ‘Benefits’ tab above.

The hiring range for this position is $54,970.28 (minimum salary) to $75,702.44 (midpoint of range) dependent upon qualifications.

The purpose of this position is to support and perform the business development activities of the Office of Business Development. The work consists of varied administrative duties concerning business development, community growth, and revitalization. The need to respond effectively to and develop solutions to issues affecting businesses and private investment adds to the complexity of the work.

• Works under the direction of the Downtown Business Development Manager to support and increase private investment and business activity in targeted redevelopment areas.
• Develops and oversees business development activities, projects, programs and initiatives.
• Works with existing businesses to provide business development assistance and help them grow their market share and presence.
• Creates an internal and external communications plan through multiple channels that is effective in speaking to a diverse and multi-faceted audience that includes small businesses, property owners, residents, investors, visitors and consumers.
• Designs, produces and distributes marketing collateral for various media channels. This includes posters, flyers, brochures and e-marketing materials.
• Tracks market trends, conditions and data to provide needed information for redevelopment effort, as well as existing and potential businesses, property owners and developers.
• Promotes incentives, programs and other development efforts with effective and creative use of media and promotional materials.
• Assists with the search for grants and other funding mechanisms; helps to prepare and submit grant applications.
• Maintains appropriate files and records in accordance with applicable laws and standards.
• Attends meetings and functions to network as needed.
• Performs related tasks as required.

• Guidelines include relevant state and federal laws, city ordinances, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

• None

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in business administration, public administration, planning or related field with considerable experience (3 to 5 years) working in business development, commercial real estate development, city planning, and/or closely related field.
• This position requires a valid driver's license.

• Knowledge of best practices, principles, regulations and procedures of business development programs and activities;
• Knowledge business development best practices;
• Knowledge of commercial real estate fundamentals and redeveloping real estate best practices;
• Knowledge of effective business retention and recruitment strategies and experience in working with the business community;
• Past experience in working with small and mid-sized business…