Director of Business Development - Climate Resilience

The Denver Metro Chamber is seeking a Director of Business Development - Climate Resilience to lead initiatives for developing climate-resilient technologies in the CO-WY region. This role involves team leadership, strategic partnership development, and business innovation support to advance climate resilience efforts. The position emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and aims to reshape the landscape of climate technology and economic development, focusing on inclusive growth and workforce development.
Job Title: Director of Business Development - Climate Resilience

The region of CO-WY is well-positioned to develop innovative solutions for environmental monitoring, measurement, verification, and prediction. These solutions will empower citizens, communities, governments, and industry to build climate-resilient communities.

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation have partnered with the CO-WY on this groundbreaking initiative, which is set to catalyze significant outcomes that will reshape the landscape of climate technology and regional economic development in Colorado and Wyoming. The first important outcome is the development and commercialization of advanced climate-resilient technologies. These technologies - from environmental monitoring to predictive analytics - aim to empower communities, governments, and industries to effectively navigate and adapt to the multifaceted challenges of climate change.

By focusing on innovative solutions in areas like wildfire mitigation, water resource management, sustainable agriculture and adaptation to extreme weather events, the CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine is poised to revolutionize how we understand, predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The CO-WY Climate Resilience Engine is set to have a profound impact on workforce development and community engagement and places a strong emphasis on inclusive growth, ensuring that these economic benefits reach across diverse communities.

In this contract, grant-funded role, we are looking for a high-energy, business-savvy Business Development Director who reports to the Metro Denver EDC's Vice President of Corporate Attraction to help advance this important initiative.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Team Leadership
• Oversees critical work functions of Metro Denver EDC's Engine Team, including direct supervision of the Talent Manager and Grant Coordinator
• Responsible for strategic integration of Engine-related goals with Metro Denver EDC Objectives and Key Results
• Encourages collaboration and alignment with Metro Denver EDC Business Development team and Economic Competitiveness Team

Strategic Partnership Development
• Convenes business, industry, research institutions, and government leaders to identify and advance climate resilience initiatives within the CO-WY Engine region
• Builds and maintains strategic relationships with key stakeholders in climate technology, renewable energy, water conservation, and sustainable infrastructure sectors
• Develops partnerships between research institutions, private sector companies, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of climate-resilient technologies

Business Development & Innovation Support
• Identifies and pursues opportunities for business attraction and expansion in climate resilience sectors
• Supports research-to-market pathways for climate technologies developed within CO-WY Engine-affiliated institutions
• Provides market intelligence and connection to resources for companies developing climate resilience solutions
• Facilitates partnerships between established companies and emerging climate tech startups

Program Management
• Oversees climate resilience initiatives within the CO-WY Engine program, including:
• Formation and management of climate innovation cohorts
• Development of commercialization support programs
• Coordination of climate tech demonstration projects
• Supports Metro Denver EDC's Economic Competitiveness team with climate sector analysis and reporting
• Tracks and reports on key performance indicators related to climate resilience initiatives

Business Attraction & Marketing
• Develop and implement strategies to promote the CO-WY Engine region as a hub for climate innovation
• Provides sector expertise and data to prospective companies considering expansion or relocation
• Supports Metro Denver EDC and partners in attracting climate-focused investments
• Participates in meetings with CEOs, decision-makers, and Site Selection Consultants in local, domestic, and international markets

Ecosystem Development
• Builds and maintains relationships with:
• Research institutions and laboratories
• Climate tech investors and venture capital firms
• Government agencies and regulatory bodies
• Industry associations and advocacy groups
• Identifies funding opportunities through federal grants, private investment, and public-private partnerships
• Coordinates with economic development entities and chamber organizations to ensure alignment of climate resilience strategies

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Experience & Skills
• Bachelor's degree in business, environmental science, engineering, or related field
• 5+ years' experience in business development, preferably in climate tech, cleantech, or related industries
• Demonstrated understanding of climate resilience technologies and markets
• Experience working with research institutions and technology commercialization
• Strong project management and strategic planning capabilities
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Pro-business beliefs that are consistent with the organization's mission and generally the positions of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Experience with stakeholder management and partnership development

Technical Knowledge
• Understanding of climate science and resilience strategies
• Familiarity with technology transfer and commercialization processes
• Knowledge of federal funding mechanisms and grant programs
• Proficiency with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
• Understanding of economic development principles and practices

Preferred Qualifications
• Master's degree in relevant field
• Experience with NSF or other federal grant programs
• Previous experience in research institution or laboratory setting
• Knowledge of CO-WY regional business ecosystem
• Track record of successful public-private partnerships

Personal Qualities
• Strategic thinker with ability to execute
• Self-starter with strong initiative
• Excellent relationship builder
• Adaptable to rapidly changing environment
• Collaborative team player
• Results-oriented with attention to detail

Because of our commitment to fair and equitable pay, we are guided by pay transparency. We set salary ranges based on competitive market data. Our intent is to be up front with all candidates about the salary range for their role so candidates can be confident that they are receiving competitive wages.

The Chamber and its affiliates are dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees. Employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis and without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, status as a parent, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, political affiliation, military service, other non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

FLSA: W-2, exempt, temporary, grant-funded role

Compensation range:$75,000 - $ 90,000

This role will be posted until filled.

DENVER METRO CHAMBER BENEFITS SUMMARY

DMCC has created a workplace culture that allows our team to focus on excellent work. We are proud to offer comprehensive benefits and work continually to identify ways to improve.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision
• Rx Coverage
• Flexible Spending
• 401K and up to 4% match
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Legal Shield
• Generous PTO
• Paid Holidays
• Training and access to competitive programs for professional development