Business Development Manager

GMED Overview

Location: Muskegon County / West Michigan (hybrid work available)

Reports to: President & CEO

Type: Full-time, Exempt

Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) drives sustainable economic growth throughout Muskegon County by supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion; coordinating workforce and site development efforts; and aligning public and private partners to create opportunities for the county and beyond. Muskegon County has tremendous momentum and the right candidate will be part of a team focused on building on this momentum. This is an excellent opportunity to catch the wave and make a positive impact on the community and grow your career with an incredible team.

At GMED, we live by our core values:

• Evolve – We adapt to changing markets, pursue continuous improvement, and seek new opportunities for growth.
• Serve – We listen first, then act to meet the unique needs of our communities and businesses.
• Deliver – We follow through on commitments and ensure results that strengthen trust and advance shared goals.
• Unite – We bring people and organizations together to align efforts, share resources, and create lasting impact.
• Integrity – We lead with transparency, accountability, and ethics in every decision and partnership.

These values guide everything we do — from supporting entrepreneurs to collaborating with local governments and global companies alike.

The Business Development Manager plays a key role in advancing Muskegon County’s economic vitality by supporting business attraction, retention, and expansion initiatives. The ideal candidate is motivated, energetic, and naturally collaborative — someone who enjoys connecting people, identifying opportunities, and helping projects come to life.

This role is well-suited for someone with entry to intermediate experience in business or economic development, or a professional from a related field (sales, community engagement, planning, workforce, etc.) looking to grow into an economic development career.

• Build relationships with existing businesses, prospects, and community partners to identify opportunities for growth and expansion.
• Manage the business development pipeline — research leads, qualify opportunities, coordinate site visits, and support project execution.
• Serve as a trusted liaison for local businesses, helping navigate incentives, workforce programs, and permitting processes.
• Convene and coordinate with stakeholders — including municipalities, utilities, workforce agencies, and developers — to move projects forward.
• Lead the Beyond Boundary series, convening stakeholders at these educational workshops.
• Prepare concise briefings, presentations, and proposals for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track and report on business development activity, including leads, visits, and investment/job creation outcomes.
• Support site readiness efforts, local marketing, and project management tasks as needed.
• Represent GMED at community and industry events, championing the county’s growth and revitalization story.

Required:

• 3+ years of relevant experience in business development, economic development, community engagement, or related fields.
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with excellent listening skills.
• Organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects with attention to detail.
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset — a natural “connector.”
• Familiarity with company database tools and tracking work.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with local government, utilities, workforce, or site development processes.
• Knowledge of business incentive programs or site selection basics.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public administration, planning, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• EDFP or CEcD Certifications.
• Embodies GMED’s core values of Evolve, Serve, Deliver, Unite, and Integrity in all work.
• Motivated self-starter with strong initiative and follow-through.
• Curious and eager to learn, with an interest in local economic development.
• Thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving team environment.
• Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and respect for diverse stakeholders.