Director, Downtown Business Development & Real Estate - Greater St. Louis, Inc.

At a glance

Step into an exciting leadership role as the Director of Downtown Business Development & Real Estate with Greater St. Louis, Inc., working on-site in St. Louis, Missouri. You'll play a pivotal part in advancing the mission to drive inclusive economic growth and increase the region’s global competitiveness. From attracting investment, guiding transformative real estate projects, and engaging with everyone from fashion designers to Fortune 500 executives—you'll bring energy and innovation to the heart of the city. As a connector among developers, business leaders, and civic stakeholders, you’ll help lead bold initiatives, including a half-billion-dollar redevelopment effort that’s reshaping the future of Downtown. If you're passionate about rebuilding and reimagining a great American city, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Apply today to learn more!

Description: What you'll be doing

Another Source’s client, Greater St. Louis, Inc., is recruiting a Director of Downtown Business Development and Real Estate to join their team onsite in St. Louis, MO.  

Here is more about Greater St. Louis, Inc and this opportunity:  

Greater St. Louis, Inc. (GSL) brings together business and civic leaders to create jobs, drive inclusive economic growth, and increase the St. Louis metro area’s global competitiveness. The Director of Business Attraction plays a critical role in GSL’s efforts to attract new companies, investment, and jobs to the bi-state metropolitan region. The Business Attraction team at Greater St. Louis, Inc. markets St. Louis to generate new investment leads and provides follow-on services at no charge to the client to position St. Louis’ competitive advantages. Such services may include site location visits, customized market research, financial incentive assistance, and related support. The GSL Business Attraction team works collaboratively with regional economic development partners across the 15-county, bi-state MSA to find the right site solutions to meet clients’ needs. 

To learn more about Greater St. Louis, Inc., visit: https://greaterstlinc.com/  

Or about Desing Downtown STL, visit: https://greaterstlinc.com/sites/default/files/2021-08/Design Downtown STL_web.pdf  

What you will be doing: 

As the Director of Downtown Business Development & Real Estate, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Downtown St. Louis by leading efforts to attract, retain, and expand businesses while driving strategic real estate initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Downtown Officer, you will work closely with business leaders, developers, government agencies, and stakeholders to align resources, secure investments, and execute transformative projects that enhance the economic vitality of the region. 

Impact & Success Measures: 

As an integral part of the Downtown team, you will lead transformative efforts to shape the future of Downtown St. Louis. Key success measures include: 

• Implementing Visionary Plans: Driving the execution of the Design Downtown STL plan and Greater St. Louis, Inc.’s strategic framework, ensuring key recommendations and objectives are realized. 

• Strengthening the Business Landscape: Accelerating new business growth while deploying targeted retention strategies to support and sustain existing enterprises. Conducting market research and feasibility studies to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges impacting business growth and real estate development. 

• Advancing Strategic Real Estate Development: Spearheading high-impact projects focused on adaptive reuse, mixed-use developments, and infill opportunities that enhance Downtown’s built environment. 

• Securing Investment & Growth: Attracting significant private and public investment to fuel business expansion and real estate initiatives. 

• Revitalizing Downtown Spaces: Reducing commercial and residential property vacancies to create a more dynamic, thriving Downtown. 

How You Will Spend Your Time: 

• Strategic Leadership & Execution – Lead and coordinate initiatives that align with Downtown’s revitalization goals, ensuring impactful progress. 

• Business Development & Retention – Engage with business owners, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to foster a thriving economic environment. 

• Real Estate & Urban Development – Identify and advance development opportunities that enhance Downtown’s livability, vibrancy, and long-term sustainability. 

• Investment & Partnership Cultivation – Secure and leverage private and public resources to drive growth and transformation. 

• Community & Stakeholder Engagement – Build relationships with property owners, civic leaders, and organizations to drive collaboration and shared success. Act as a trusted advisor and advocate for stakeholders navigating the development process, addressing challenges and streamlining approvals. 

What you will bring: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Real Estate Development, Urban Planning, Economic Development, or a related field (Advanced degree preferred). 

• Minimum 6 years of experience in business development, real estate, economic development, or related disciplines, with a strong track record of managing high-impact urban projects. 

• Advanced knowledge of financial modeling, budgeting, and incentive structures related to business and real estate development.  

• Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to engaging stakeholders.  

• Deep understanding of business development principles, real estate finance, and incentive structures for urban development. 

• Experience navigating public-private partnerships, zoning, permitting, and regulatory processes. 

• Strong analytical, research, and financial modeling skills to support business attraction and real estate strategies. 

• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and project management tools. 

Physical Effort:  

The position will require a mix of verbal communication, comprehension, and being in a stationary position for long periods working at a computer screen. The position will also require traversing through vacant and under-construction buildings that may have uneven surfaces and may have dirty or dusty environments.  

Salary and Benefits: 

Greater St. Louis, Inc. offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, holidays, and 401(K) with a Company match. 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement of Inclusion   

Greater St. Louis, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer which extends equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all qualified individuals, with regard to all terms and conditions of employment.  

Another Source works with their clients, on a retained project basis.  We are committed to building inclusive candidate pools as we partner with hiring teams. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA , and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. As you read through the job posting and review the list of qualifications (required and/or preferred), please do not self-select out if you feel you do not meet every qualification. No one is 100% qualified. We encourage you to apply and share your story with us.  

#AS1