Business Development Director

Overview

The mission of Louisiana Economic Development is to cultivate jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana.

The Business Development Director, Incentives and Compliance provides strategic oversight and operational governance for Louisiana’s statewide business incentive programs. Serving as the agency’s primary authority on incentive program administration and compliance, this role supports multiple programs as assigned by executive leadership. The director leads program structure, performance management, and contract compliance to ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with the mission of the Louisiana Economic Development Office of Business Development.

The director collaborates closely with internal teams, external partners, and senior leadership to develop, implement, and sustain effective, compliant, and high-impact programming across key industries and geographies.

• Eight years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate; OR
• Six years of full-time work experience in any field plus five years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate; OR
• A bachelor’s degree plus five years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate; OR
• An advanced degree in a business administration field, economics, or international trade plus four years of experience in economic research or development, financial services, international relations, marketing, or real estate.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

Certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) or completion of the Economic Development Institute certificate program will substitute for one year of the required experience.

Possession of a Professional Community and Economic Developer Certification (PCED) or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification will substitute for two years of the required experience.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be obtained from the agency.

• Oversee the design, governance, and performance of statewide business incentive programs, including tax credits, partnerships, infrastructure awards, and financial assistance tools

• Develop and maintain program integrity frameworks aligned with legislative requirements and best practices

• Lead compliance operations for performance-based contracts, eligibility standards, reporting, and regulatory interpretation

• Monitor audit findings and state and federal requirements to recommend procedural or policy improvements

• Advise executive leadership on program performance, policy development, and strategic priorities

• Represent the agency in inter-agency collaborations and formal briefings as appropriate

• Oversee program evaluation, data integration, performance metrics, and reporting to support leadership and legislative needs

• Lead and develop program staff, establish performance standards, and foster cross-functional collaboration

Appointment Type: Promotional or Probational

This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies.

Louisiana Economic Development is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports improved employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

* Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information:

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dawn Thibodeaux
Human Resources Director
Dawn.

Thibodeaux