The Birmingham Business Alliance, as the leading economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region, recognizes the importance of leverage data and business intelligence as foundational to economic development strategy. BBA is seeking someone who will launch and build Birmingham's Intelligence Quotient (BHM IQ), the region's dedicated business intelligence center providing strategic insights and actionable data to drive business attraction and retention.
The Director will lead the launch and operation of BHM IQ, reporting to the Chief Economic Development Officer. This role requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex data into competitive advantage, build a new function from the ground up, and directly supervise one research professional.
Responsibilities of the role
Launch & Lead (40%)
• Establish and operationalize BHM IQ, including frameworks, protocols, and stakeholder engagement strategies
• Develop comprehensive business intelligence strategy aligned with Birmingham's economic development priorities
• Build strategic relationships with regional partners, business leaders, and educational institutions
• Serve as thought leader and spokesperson for BHM IQ's insights and findings
• Present findings to leadership, board members, and community stakeholders
Target Industries & Competitive Intelligence (30%)
• Identify and analyze target industries based on Birmingham's competitive advantages, workforce, and market trends
• Conduct competitive analysis comparing Birmingham to peer regions on key metrics (costs, workforce, quality of life, infrastructure, incentives)
• Develop detailed industry profiles showcasing Birmingham's strengths and opportunities
• Monitor emerging sectors and disruptive technologies impacting the region
• Create and maintain robust target company database prioritized by strategic fit
Lead Generation & Value Propositions (20%)
• Identify and qualify high-potential business leads through systematic research of public and private companies
• Conduct executive-level research to identify key decision-makers
• Monitor corporate activities (earnings calls, SEC filings, press releases) to identify expansion triggers
• Develop data-driven value propositions for target industries and companies
• Create customized research packages supporting business recruitment efforts
Team Leadership (10%)
• Supervise one research professional, providing mentorship and professional development
• Build team capabilities in research methodologies and economic development best practices
• Ensure quality control across all research outputs
• Identify and implement research tools and technologies
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience
• Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Public Policy, or related field (Master's strongly preferred)
• 7-10 years progressive experience in economic development, business research, competitive intelligence, or market analysis
• Demonstrated experience leading research initiatives or intelligence functions
• Proven ability to translate complex data into actionable insights
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience
Core Competencies
• Expert-level quantitative and qualitative research and analysis
• Strong understanding of economic development principles and site selection factors
• Proficiency with business research databases (S&P Capital IQ, IBISWorld, ESRI/GIS, Lightcast/EMSI, CB Insights, or similar)
• Advanced Microsoft Office Suite skills (especially Excel and PowerPoint)
• Experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce preferred)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for executive audiences
• Strong project management and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Strategic thinking with entrepreneurial mindset for building new initiatives
What Makes You Stand Out
• Direct economic development experience in Alabama
• Knowledge of Birmingham's economic landscape and competitive positioning
• Established network within Alabama's economic development community
• Experience with business/competitive intelligence functions
• Background in corporate strategy, consulting, or investment analysis
• Professional certifications (e.g., Certified Economic Developer; Data anslyst certifications, etc.)
WHO YOU ARE
You're intellectually curious with a natural drive to dig deeper into complex questions. You see patterns others miss and can synthesize information from multiple sources into coherent strategic narratives. You're comfortable building something new, adapting to changing priorities, and influencing without direct authority.
You thrive at the intersection of data and strategy—turning raw information into competitive advantage. You're equally comfortable diving into SEC filings and presenting insights to C-suite executives. You handle confidential information with discretion and represent your organization with professionalism.
Most importantly, you understand that intelligence gathering isn't academic—it's about giving economic developers the edge they need to win.
POSITION DETAILS
• Full-time exempt position based in Birmingham, AL
• Reports to Vice President of Economic Development
• Some regional travel required
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Professional development opportunities supported
WHY THIS MATTERS
This isn't a typical research role. You'll be building Birmingham's strategic intelligence capability from the ground up—creating the function that makes our region smarter about business attraction. Your work will directly influence which companies we target, how we position Birmingham, and ultimately, which businesses choose to invest here.
You'll have the autonomy to shape this center's direction, the resources to build something meaningful, and the impact of seeing your intelligence translate into jobs, investment, and economic growth.
TO APPLY
Submit the following to Trevor Sutton, Chief Economic Development Officer, tsutton@birminghambusinessalliance.com:
• Cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest
• Current resume/CV
• Three professional references (contact information only)
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