Senior Director Of Business Development Jobs in Grand Rapids, MI
Senior Director Of Business Development jobs in Grand Rapids are concentrated in the Medical Mile corridor, downtown's Monroe Center district, and the growing Cascade and Kentwood business parks, with strong demand across medtech, advanced manufacturing, and professional services. Employers hiring right now include GE Aerospace, Dematic, and Daifuku. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 52+ Senior Director Of Business Development jobs
Nature of Work
If you're a strategic thinker who enjoys leading complex development projects, mentoring teammates, and helping shape the future of Grand Rapids through impactful economic development initiatives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. The purpose of this job is to manage the application and approval process for various tax abatement and tax increment financing programs. The majority of time is dedicated to supporting projects for the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. If you excel at balancing multiple priorities, guiding projects from concept to completion, and serving as a trusted advisor to businesses and community partners, this role is for you.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Manages and implements the core programs of the Economic Development Department, including various tax abatement programs as authorized by State Legislation, with primary focus on application and approval of Brownfield redevelopment projects and various tax abatements.
-
Manages the project pipeline by coordinating overall project flow with the Director and partnering with the Coordinator I to allocate and balance duties between the two roles.
Evaluates project proformas to determine appropriate level of incentive support
- . Collaborates with businesses and developers to ensure projects support City priorities
- . Responds to inquiries from, and provides detailed guidance to, potential applicants, other municipalities requesting information and citizen inquiries regarding specific projects
- . Supports utilization of grant funds; financial administration and reporting requirements of grants
- . Serves as a liaison for businesses and developers to other City departments to identify and achieve resolution to issues. Reports on progress and outcomes of departmental programs and initiatives
- . Performs program evaluation and identifies process improvement; participates in program modifications and/or policies to align with City priorities. Participates in the formation of budgets for the department, including related boards and authorities. Prepares and reviews a variety of correspondence and reports related to the work; assists with special projects; maintains records and statistics. Attends and presents at a variety of internal and public meetings and conferences including monthly board meetings of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Prepares Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to support the City’s property disposition efforts, advance strategic development opportunities, and facilitate the selection of qualified partners for priority projects. Participates, informs, and recommends policy changes and guidelines for implementation. Assesses and recommends process improvement tools and changes. Travels for work-related conferences and trainings, including occasional overnight stays
- . Performs related work as required
- .
Minimum Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or a related fiel
- d
Five (5) years of professional experience related to economic developmen
- t
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities
Other Information
We Offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day- 1 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit
- ) Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Accoun
- t Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan option
- s Twelve Paid Holiday
- s Paid Vacation and Sick Tim
- e Paid Parking (if applicable
- ) Employee Home Ownership Incentiv
- e Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunitie
- s Paid Parental Leav
- e Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counselin
- g Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentiv
- e Employee Discounts and Perk
- s
Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Please Note:This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Civil Service Rules
Nature of Work
If you're a strategic thinker who enjoys leading complex development projects, mentoring teammates, and helping shape the future of Grand Rapids through impactful economic development initiatives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. The purpose of this job is to manage the application and approval process for various tax abatement and tax increment financing programs. The majority of time is dedicated to supporting projects for the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. If you excel at balancing multiple priorities, guiding projects from concept to completion, and serving as a trusted advisor to businesses and community partners, this role is for you.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Manages and implements the core programs of the Economic Development Department, including various tax abatement programs as authorized by State Legislation, with primary focus on application and approval of Brownfield redevelopment projects and various tax abatements.
-
Manages the project pipeline by coordinating overall project flow with the Director and partnering with the Coordinator I to allocate and balance duties between the two roles.
Evaluates project proformas to determine appropriate level of incentive support
- . Collaborates with businesses and developers to ensure projects support City priorities
- . Responds to inquiries from, and provides detailed guidance to, potential applicants, other municipalities requesting information and citizen inquiries regarding specific projects
- . Supports utilization of grant funds; financial administration and reporting requirements of grants
- . Serves as a liaison for businesses and developers to other City departments to identify and achieve resolution to issues. Reports on progress and outcomes of departmental programs and initiatives
- . Performs program evaluation and identifies process improvement; participates in program modifications and/or policies to align with City priorities. Participates in the formation of budgets for the department, including related boards and authorities. Prepares and reviews a variety of correspondence and reports related to the work; assists with special projects; maintains records and statistics. Attends and presents at a variety of internal and public meetings and conferences including monthly board meetings of the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Prepares Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to support the City’s property disposition efforts, advance strategic development opportunities, and facilitate the selection of qualified partners for priority projects. Participates, informs, and recommends policy changes and guidelines for implementation. Assesses and recommends process improvement tools and changes. Travels for work-related conferences and trainings, including occasional overnight stays
- . Performs related work as required
- .
Minimum Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or a related fiel
- d
Five (5) years of professional experience related to economic developmen
- t
Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities
Other Information
We Offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision starting on Day- 1 6% employee 401a contribution with employer matching (6% or 7% based on bargaining unit
- ) Employee & Employer contributions to Retiree Health Savings Accoun
- t Voluntary benefits such as term life insurance, flexible spending accounts, accidental insurance, disability insurance, and deferred compensation plan option
- s Twelve Paid Holiday
- s Paid Vacation and Sick Tim
- e Paid Parking (if applicable
- ) Employee Home Ownership Incentiv
- e Tuition Reimbursement and professional development opportunitie
- s Paid Parental Leav
- e Employee Assistance Program with free mental health counselin
- g Comprehensive Wellness program with a health and wellness incentiv
- e Employee Discounts and Perk
- s
Should an applicant need any disability related accommodation or other consideration in the application or selection process, please notify the human resources department upon submittal of application
The City of Grand Rapids does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy or gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Please Note:This position is subject to the provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all relevant civil service rules. For additional information, links to union agreement and Civil Service Rules are provided below.
Collective Bargaining Agreements
Civil Service Rules
See All 52 Senior Director Of Business Development Jobs in Grand Rapids
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Find JobsSenior Director Of Business Development Job Market in Grand Rapids
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
- Insurance
- Transportation & Logistics
Senior Director Of Business Development Jobs in Grand Rapids: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior director of business development job in Grand Rapids?
The strongest path into a senior director of business development role in Grand Rapids is a background in medtech, contract manufacturing, or professional services, the sectors where local employers hire most actively. Roles concentrate downtown and along the 28th Street corridor. Candidates with a history of closing enterprise deals, managing regional P&L, and building channel partnerships in the Midwest stand out most in this market.
Which companies hire senior director of business developments in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids senior director of business development roles are posted by GE Aerospace, Dematic, and Daifuku and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. The local market skews toward established mid-market manufacturers, regional health systems, and professional services firms with national client bases.
Are there remote senior director of business development jobs in Grand Rapids?
Yes, though the role typically involves enough in-person client meetings and cross-functional leadership that fully remote arrangements are less common than in purely analytical positions. About 19% of senior director of business development openings tied to Grand Rapids are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting demand from employers open to regional travel-based models. Strategy and partnership development tasks tend to be the most location-flexible components locally.
How can I get a senior director of business development job in Grand Rapids with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path locally is moving up through a business development manager or strategic accounts role at one of Grand Rapids' medtech suppliers, contract manufacturers, or regional professional services firms. Employers in the Cascade and Kentwood business parks regularly hire into these feeder roles. Building a portfolio of closed deals, cross-functional project ownership, and regional market knowledge accelerates the transition to director-level consideration.
Which industries hire the most senior director of business developments in Grand Rapids?
The sectors hiring the most senior director of business developments in Grand Rapids are Manufacturing, Technology & Software, and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Grand Rapids' deep concentration of health innovation companies along the Medical Mile and its legacy of advanced manufacturing drive consistent demand for senior business development leadership across those industries.
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