Business Development Manager

Company Overview: Join Our Team
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is a not-for-profit membership association dedicated to creating and maintaining a positive business climate that meets the needs of our members while supporting economic development in the region. As a team member, you’ll work in a collaborative environment with a small, dynamic team that shares the goal of improving our community, situated in a recently renovated workplace in downtown New London. In addition to a competitive benefits package, you’ll have the opportunity to do meaningful work, connect with a network of business leaders, and gain valuable regional and professional insights.

Position Summary
The Business Development Manager plays a critical role in driving Chamber growth through proactive recruitment of members and sponsorships, building and nurturing relationships in key regional industries. Additionally, the role supports member advocacy and economic development initiatives by working closely with members and by promoting Chamber programs designed to foster regional economic prosperity. The successful candidate will also assist in coordinating member-service events, collaborate with internal teams to enhance member value and satisfaction, and occasionally represent the Chamber externally at meetings, forums, and events.

Key Responsibilities: 

Member Recruitment & Retention:

• Identify, prospect, and recruit new Chamber members and sponsors from key industries, particularly targeting growth-oriented businesses and those that align with organizational goals
• Engage members to participate in Chamber events, programs, and campaigns through sponsorship and advertising sales
• Respond to member inquiries and connect members with Chamber and/or B2B resources, leading to increased customer satisfaction, member investments, and retention
• Advise and assist in coordinating dedicated member-service events, and attend and/or assist with other Chamber events as needed
• Work closely with communications personnel to update and/or create compelling membership materials and campaigns
• Communicate on a timely basis with members with outstanding dues
• Maintain an accurate leads list and sales funnel within the Chamber’s CRM; produce accurate and timely membership and communication reports; work closely with administrative personnel for record-keeping and billing purposes
• Oversee Ambassador Committee to effectively engage new and existing members; liaise with other committees upon request
• On occasion, represent the Chamber at external events and gatherings such as resource fairs/trade shows, fundraisers, and coalition meetings

Member Advocacy & Economic Development: 

• Regularly engage with members to understand their priorities, informing and collaborating with Chamber leadership to ensure effective advocacy strategies and alignment with economic development initiatives and members’ interests.
• Promote Chamber initiatives aimed at fostering economic development and regional growth, including the Regional Innovation Center, Entrepreneur Academy, and other programs
• Work closely with Chamber leadership to develop and support incentives or initiatives which can enhance the value of membership
• Respond to inquiries from businesses considering locating or expanding in the area, providing knowledgeable insights about the regional economy, business environment, and available resources.
• Foster mutually beneficial relationships with trade associations, economic development organizations, and other aligned entities to support regional economic development and strategically engage both current and prospective members
• On occasion, attend public forums or legislative meetings to represent Chamber members’ interests.
• Other duties as assigned by the President or Vice President

Qualifications: 

• Associate's degree or equivalent professional experience
• 4+ years of experience in business development, outside sales, customer service, or related roles; experience with membership sales, sponsorship sales, or economic development is a plus
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; personable, outgoing, and highly self-motivated, willing to take initiative
• Time management skills; Ability to work efficiently on multiple projects or tasks, both independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams), and familiarity with CRM software
• First-hand knowledge of eastern Connecticut region strongly preferred

Schedule & Working Conditions: 
40 hours per week. Hybrid location – part office, part remote, with local travel expected. Adaptable to a flexible schedule, including evening (~5-8pm), morning (~7am) and weekend (time varies) event attendance/support, generally with advance notice. Driver’s license with personal vehicle is strongly preferred.

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