Business Development Manager - ASCEND Engine
The Business Development Manager will support the Director of Business Development in advancing the Colorado-Wyoming ASCEND Engine's mission to position the region as a national leader in Advanced Sensing and Computing for Environmental Decision-making (ASCEND). This role focuses on business attraction, partnership facilitation, and commercialization support for technologies and companies seeking to expand or relocate to the region.
The ASCEND Engine is a transformative opportunity to competitively position Colorado and Wyoming collectively as a hub for Advanced Sensing and Computing for Environmental Decision-making - facilitating the growth of technologies in Aerospace, Quantum and High-Performance Computing, AI, IoT, Autonomous Technologies, and more. These technologies enable the unlock of real-time, computing and analysis intensive applications ranging from wildfire-response and mitigation, air quality monitoring, water quality and resource management, and soil health for a myriad of industries including Defense, National, Regional, Corporate, and Private landowners, Utilities, and Agriculture, Municipalities, among others.
The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation have partnered with ASCEND on this groundbreaking initiative, which is set to catalyze significant outcomes that will reshape the landscape of ASCEND technology and regional economic development in Colorado and Wyoming. These technologies - from environmental monitoring to predictive analytics - aim to empower communities, governments, and industries to effectively navigate and adapt to natural hazards and risks.
In this contract, grant-funded role, we are looking for a motivated, business-savvy Business Development Manager who reports to the Metro Denver EDC's Director of Business Development to help advance this important initiative.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
Team Support
- Identifies opportunities for business attraction and expansion in region
- Implements Engine-related goals aligned with Metro Denver EDC Objectives and Key Results including business attraction and job creation
- Works collaboratively with Metro Denver EDC Business Development team and Economic Competitiveness Team
- Assists with work functions of Metro Denver EDC's Engine Team
Partnership Development
- Engages with business, industry, research institutions, and government representatives to support initiatives within the region
- Builds and maintains relationships with stakeholders in Aerospace, Data Analytics, Computing, and other related industries
- Supports partnerships between research institutions, private sector companies, and government agencies to facilitate the commercialization of technologies
- Gathers market intelligence and connects resources for companies developing ASCEND use-case solutions
Program Support
Assists with initiatives within the ASCEND Engine program, including:
- Implementation of commercialization support programs
- Contributes to Metro Denver EDC's Economic Competitiveness team with sector analysis and reporting
- Collects data for key performance indicators related to resilience initiatives
- Supports Metro Denver EDC's Economic Competitiveness team with employer and workforce pipeline data for Workforce Cluster Reports
- Support workforce development and strategic partners in evaluating business organizations' employment and training needs
- Support the ASCEND Engine's Workforce Development team with creation of apprenticeships, internships, and on the job training opportunities through new employers, or Chamber Members
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Talent Attraction & Marketing
- Implements strategies to promote the region as a hub for technology innovation
- Provides sector data to prospective companies considering expansion or relocation
- Participates in meetings with business leaders and Site Selection Consultants in local and domestic markets
Ecosystem Development
Maintains and develops relationships with:
- Research institutions and laboratories
- Emerging tech investors and venture capital firms
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Industry associations and advocacy groups - Researches funding opportunities through federal grants, private investment, and public-private partnerships
- Coordinates with economic development entities and chamber organizations regarding community resilience and competitiveness strategies
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Experience & Skills
- Bachelor's degree in business, environmental science, engineering, or related field
- 3+ years' experience in business development, preferably in climate tech, cleantech, or related industries
- Understanding of ASCEND technologies and markets
- Experience supporting research institutions and technology commercialization
- Strong organizational and planning capabilities
- Good communication and presentation skills
- Pro-business beliefs that are consistent with the organization's mission and generally the positions of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
- Experience with stakeholder engagement and partnership support
Technical Knowledge
- Familiarity with technology transfer and commercialization processes
- Knowledge of federal funding mechanisms and grant programs
- Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
- Understanding of economic development principles
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with NSF or other federal grant programs
- Previous experience in research institution or laboratory setting
- Knowledge of CO-WY regional business ecosystem
- Experience supporting public-private partnerships
Personal Qualities
- Analytical thinker with ability to implement
- Self-motivated professional
- Effective relationship builder
- Adaptable to changing environment
- Collaborative team player
- Detail-oriented with focus on results
Because of our commitment to fair, and equitable pay, we are guided by pay transparency. Meaning, we set salary ranges based on competitive market data. Our intent is to be up
front will all candidates about the salary range for their role so candidates can be confident that they are receiving competitive wages.
The Chamber and its affiliates are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees. Employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis, and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
FLSA: W-2, temporary, non-exempt, grant-funded role
Hourly Range: $29 - 36/hour
Benefit eligibile: our benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, vison, STD, LTD and accident insurance.
Posted until filled
To apply:
Compensation details: 27-35 Hourly Wage
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