Director of Business Development, Quantum in Chicago, Illinois at Illinois EDC

The Quantum Business Development team at Illinois EDC is responsible for bringing business opportunities to Illinois. The team works to promote Illinois’ assets and provide information to prospective companies that may relocate or expand in the state. The business development team is a primary point of contact for companies making location decisions, and works closely with site consultants, brokers, corporate end users, local economic development offices and communities, utilities, educational, research and innovation organizations, investors, and other strategic partners. The team also collaborates with State economic development leadership for programmatic support including incentives and grants.

Opportunity

The Quantum Business Development Director manages several business development prospects from outreach and intake to completion, including leading meetings with companies, organizing company visits, communicating with stakeholders in local and state government, educational and research institutions, investors, and reporting outcomes through an internal CRM system. The Quantum BD Director will assist in cultivating and maintaining company relationships and assist in operational planning and execution for various activities related to company engagement, outreach and economic development. The role reports to the Senior Vice President, Chief Quantum Officer and works closely with the Business Development Team.

Responsibilities

• Organize and lead meetings with companies, follow up on action items, and maintain timely and regular communications with companies

• Organize company visits, including planning, organizing, and overseeing logistics, developing background materials, briefings, presentations, and summaries, and managing follow-up action.

• Track projects, using Illinois EDC ’s CRM system to maintain updated project information and run reports in collaboration with Illinois EDC ’s Business Development team.

• Assist in preparation of materials for outreach to companies, including compilation of data in collaboration with research and marketing teams.

• Manage a portfolio of projects in the quantum and related industry business development pipeline.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key industry players, government agencies, higher education partners, research institutions, technology innovators and other innovation ecosystem partners, investors, real estate brokers, consultants, and local or regional economic development organizations, communities, utility and transportation partners

• Advocate for the state as a top destination for investment in advanced computing, quantum, and related industries. Represent the organization and the State of Illinois at industry events, conferences, and workshops to promote the state’s strengths and capabilities as needed.

• Perform specials projects and duties as assigned.

• Local, regional, and international travel required.

Knowledge/Experience

The ideal candidate has:

• Familiarity with the regional business and innovation ecosystem;

• Familiarity with high tech and other related industry sectors including advanced computing, quantum, microelectronics, semiconductors, photonics, and related industries;

• Familiarity or strong interest in quantum, exposure to or experience in industry, business, or economic development required.

• Project management experience required.

• Excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat suite of products required.

• Understanding and knowledge of real estate and site development, utilities and transportation infrastructure preferred.

• Experience in identifying potential clients, company outreach, and developing leads preferred, including experience in cultivating strong relationships with new clients while maintaining existing client relationships.

• Attributes: detail-oriented, organized, and resourceful, excellent interpersonal written and oral communication skills with ability to engage effectively with various levels of management, staff and clients; team player with ability to work on multiple projects at one time in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.

• Degree: Bachelor's degree in physical science, engineering or related field required.

Illinois EDC is a nonprofit economic development organization that facilitates the attraction of new businesses and markets the state to domestic and global business leaders. Illinois EDC ’s mission is to bring jobs and investment to the State of Illinois through dynamic collaborations with industry, academic, and government partners and to support a unified approach to economic development. A public-private partnership, Illinois EDC ’s board of directors includes business and civic leaders representing the state’s diverse industries, geographies and communities.

Illinois EDC works directly with companies interested in exploring Illinois for their next relocation or expansion project. With its network of partners, including the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois EDC is committed to providing companies and site selection professionals with the information and resources to make investment decisions. Bringing a fresh approach to economic development, Illinois EDC is comprised of a diverse team with deep domain experience, adapting best-in-class processes and procedures to build long-term relationships. Illinois EDC operates with the highest integrity and key values, which include being consistent, responsive, professional, and connected while always acting with a sense of urgency to deliver continuity, trust, integrity and accountability to the process of business attraction and expansion.