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Indyhunger

Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships

Indyhunger, Lebanon, Indiana, United States, 46052

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Organization:

Boone County Economic Development Corporation (Boone EDC)

Location:

Lebanon, Indiana

Reports To:

CEO

Position Overview The Director of Business Engagement & Partnerships leads Boone EDC’s relationships with local employers and private-sector partners, building a strong, sustainable membership base while supporting business retention, expansion, and community-driven economic development.

Success in this role depends less on formal fundraising experience and more on relationship-building, initiative, and the ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities.

This role is primarily field-based, with the majority of time spent meeting with employers, members, and partners across Boone County and the region. Approximately 20–30% of the position involves in-office work for planning, reporting, and team collaboration, and 70–80% working in the community. The role reports to the CEO and collaborates across internal teams and external stakeholders, serving as a bridge between private-sector engagement and economic development.

About Boone EDC Boone EDC is a forward-looking economic development organization dedicated to nurturing business growth, innovation, and county-wide prosperity. We champion local employers, support entrepreneurship, and convene public-private partnerships that strengthen Boone County’s economic ecosystem.

Why Join Us As part of the Boone EDC team, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties. This position offers the opportunity to:

Advocate for Boone County businesses, respond quickly to community needs, and bring innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Directly grow private-sector support and strengthen long-term relationships with local employers.

Join a nimble, collaborative staff that values initiative, creativity, and innovation.

Core Responsibilities Membership & Partnership Development

Lead the membership lifecycle, including outreach, onboarding, relationship-building, renewals, and growth opportunities.

Build and execute an annual membership and sponsorship strategy that strengthens Boone EDC’s private-sector support and reflects the value of our programming and advocacy.

Serve as a visible, trusted presence in the community through meetings, events, and one-on-one engagement with employers and partners.

Collaborate with the CEO on membership value propositions, presentations, and long-term partnership strategy.

Support membership events, appreciation efforts, and committee engagement.

Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)

Lead Boone EDC’s annual business visitation program across key industry sectors to understand employer needs, risks, and growth opportunities.

Serve as a connector between businesses and local, regional, and state partners related to incentives, workforce, infrastructure, and permitting.

Convene industry roundtables and problem-solving discussions in collaboration with public and private partners.

Identify potential business risks (downsizing or closure) and coordinate internal and external response strategies.

Support site, incentive, and data requests in coordination with Boone EDC leadership and partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Track engagement, membership, and BRE activity and provide concise reports to leadership.

Qualifications

2–5 years of experience in economic development, community development, business engagement, nonprofit partnerships, or a closely related field.

Comfortable representing an organization publicly and building relationships through in-person meetings, events, and informal conversations.

CRM proficiency; strong relationship management and board/stakeholder facilitation skills.

Ability to analyze industry trends, competitors, and organizational needs to identify new opportunities.

Ability to identify client pain points and tailor solutions accordingly.

Self-motivated and disciplined, with the ability to work independently while thriving in highly social, relationship-driven environments.

Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and partners both inside and outside the organization.

How to Apply Email a cover letter and resume (PDF format) to Andrea Kern, CEO, at

hello@BetterInBoone.org .

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