Business Development Director jobs in Tulsa, OK

Description

About the Organization:

Discover Tulsa For You and Me: a collection of economic development programs building a vibrant and inclusive city through a booming economic landscape for Tulsa. We are forging strategic connections between talented professionals and innovative companies in future-focused industries such as advanced aerial mobility, energy tech, cybersecurity, virtual health, among others. Operated under the stewardship of the George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF), affiliated programs include nationally recognized and innovative organizations like Tulsa Remote, Tulsa Innovation Labs, inTulsa, Build In Tulsa, Atento Capital, among others. 

Our goal is both ambitious and clear: to attract and build 20,000 jobs in high-growth industry clusters, by the year 2033. A cornerstone of this mission is our commitment to ensuring that at least one-third of these opportunities are accessible to Tulsans from historically underrepresented communities. This is an extension of our broader vision for a more equitable, innovative, and vibrant Tulsa, where a strong state of economic health provides the basis for equal opportunity. Our economic development organization is anchored in four pillars: (1) attracting and growing companies (2) catalyzing innovation & entrepreneurship (3) making Tulsa a destination for talent (4) developing an equitable workforce for the future. Each pillar drives the city toward a future of inclusive prosperity and upward mobility.

Position Purpose:

The Managing Director, Business Development’s main goal is to attract and retain high-growth companies and jobs to Tulsa’s growing Tech ecosystem. You’ll lead the business attraction and growth pillar by creating a vision, leading and growing your team, building infrastructure, fine-tuning systems, leading through change, and by being a hands-on, execution-oriented leader. Your strategic acumen, coupled with a transformative leadership style, will not only drive corporate partnerships and elevate Tulsa on the global stage but will also shape the future trajectory of our city's economic landscape.

Responsibilities / Essential Duties:

Vision & Strategy:

• Develop a roadmap for business attraction and growth, identifying strategic partnerships and necessary resources.
• Oversee the client journey roadmap and deal process, from vision to execution.
• Research industry trends, place-based expansion strategies, and workforce tactics for companies relocating to or expanding in Tulsa.
• Craft and refine the “Why Tulsa, Why Now” leveraging local assets, incentives, and talent management opportunities.

Corporate Attraction & External Presence:

• Represent and promote Tulsa’s startup and tech ecosystem in national and global arenas
• Establish a thought leadership presence through online events, articles, and media engagements.
• Build strategic relationships with industry leaders and startups, emphasizing mission, diversity, and social impact.
• Collaborate with other organizations in the city's economic development efforts (GKFF, state, chamber, government, etc).

Team Coaching & Operations:

• Set team and individual goals, KPIs, and mechanisms for assessing business development outcomes, a best in class client journey and deal process, and ability to rapidly respond to high-potential opportunities 
• Lead and inspire Sector Leads and their teams, ensuring alignment with vision, universal strategies, collaboration across groups, and a high performance, learning, and impact driven culture.
• Design and implement standard operating procedures, structures, and systems for scalable efforts.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (marketing, IT, operations, reporting & analytics, etc.) and peer leaders.

Education & Experience:

• 10 years of experience in economic development, business attraction, or corporate partnerships.
• 5 years of multi-layered team management experience, including direct prior experience building a new team or function
• Direct work experience fostering relationships or supporting revenue generating (2M ), Series B-D startups, and knowledge of innovative workforce development solutions
• Proven history in fast-paced, innovative environments or as an entrepreneur.
• Demonstrable knowledge of site selection processes and corporate relocation, and the impact of workforce development, R&D, and venture pipelines to business growth. 
• Understanding, championing, and implementing DEI principles in business strategies and within your team. 

Skills & Abilities:

• Strategic thinking for long-term forecasting and developing business strategies.
• Leadership and team management aptitude.
• Operational precision with a willingness to be a hands-on executor. 
• Analytical skills to interpret complex data and market trends.
• Adaptability to changing conditions and uncertainty.
• Digital proficiency, including CRM systems and sales enablement software

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 25lbs., for lifting supplies and materials, as needed
• Position continually requires the ability to talk and hear both in person and over the phone, visual acuity; ability to operate equipment, read, and use a keyboard
• Position frequently requires the ability to sit, walk, and stand for extended periods of time
• Position requires the ability to travel occasionally but not regularly