Available Careers

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is committed to creating a stronger, more competitive, and more connected regional economy, and that work starts with talented people. Our team brings together professionals who are driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to moving the Birmingham region forward.

At the BBA, you’ll work alongside business leaders, policymakers, and community partners to advance meaningful initiatives that support growth, attract investment, and strengthen the business ecosystem. We value curiosity, integrity, strategic thinking, and a passion for making an impact.

If you’re looking for a mission-driven role where your work shapes the future of the region, we invite you to explore current opportunities below.

Business Intelligence (BHM IQ) Director

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Reports to: Vice President of Economic Development

ABOUT THE ROLE

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 Vice President of Economic Development. 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 at tsutton@birminghambusinessalliance.com

Cover letter addressing your qualifications and interest
Current resume/CV
Three professional references (contact information only)

Marketing & Communications Manager

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Reports to: VP of Communications and Marketing

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Birmingham Business Alliance’s (BBA) Marketing & Communications Manager plays a pivotal role in telling the story of Birmingham’s growth and momentum while advancing the organization’s mission and visibility across the Greater Birmingham Region. This position leads the day-to-day marketing, public relations, and content initiatives that communicate BBA’s mission of helping businesses start, stay, and succeed in Birmingham. As a core member of the communications team, this role ensures consistent messaging, strong brand alignment and meaningful engagement with key audiences, including investors, members, business leaders, media and community partners. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking, creativity and hands-on execution to elevate the region’s voice and visibility. Reporting directly to the Chief Communications Officer, the Marketing & Communications Manager oversees BBA’s brand, digital platforms, content creation and marketing campaigns. Strong candidates will demonstrate expertise in AP Style writing, digital marketing, content strategy and branding.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that support BBA’s organizational priorities and major initiatives.

Manage the BBA brand to ensure consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms, publications and events.

Translate data, partnerships and project outcomes into compelling stories that demonstrate BBA’s regional impact.

Develop, maintain and oversee content creation for the BBA’s website, weekly newsletters and social media channels with up-to-date content, visuals, and metrics that reflect current initiatives and results.

Edit or add content, blogs and news articles to website and create landing pages to support specific campaigns.

Plan, manage and monitor BBA’s social media platforms to enhance engagement, brand visibility and audience growth.

Support creative concepting and execution for regional marketing initiatives such as BirminghamHasMore.com, showcasing Birmingham’s competitive advantages, industries and quality of place.

Plan and manage digital marketing campaigns including email, paid social media, Google advertising and search engine optimization.

Measure and report on campaign performance, engagement and reach to inform future strategies.

Support proactive media relations by preparing press materials and monitoring community sentiment to identify engagement opportunities and strengthen BBA’s reputation.

Assist with thought leadership and storytelling efforts that position Birmingham as a destination for business and talent.

Collaborate with the Economic Development, Public Policy, and Member Services teams to develop marketing materials that support business recruitment, retention, attraction and engagement efforts and that align with BBA’s organizational goals and regional economic development priorities.

Support the marketing and promotion of major BBA events, announcements and campaigns.

Support internal communication strategies to enhance organizational culture, alignment and information flow.

Perform other related duties as assigned to support the organization’s mission and success.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Strong leadership, organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated mastery of AP Style and audience-specific messaging.

Proven experience in digital marketing, analytics and content management systems.

Creative and strategic mindset with keen attention to detail.

Collaborative and proactive approach to working with internal teams and external partners.

Experience in design and content tools such as Canva and Mailchimp.

Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, social media management platforms, Google Ads for Nonprofits, WordPress and SEMRush.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or related field required.

Minimum of three years of experience; ideal candidate would have 3-6 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism and/or marketing.

Experience in economic development, chamber of commerce, or nonprofit organization a plus.

JOB TYPE:

This is a full-time salaried position; compensation commensurate with experience, with competitive benefits.

Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with one work from home day each week.

Some evening or weekend work may be required due to special events.

This role is based in Birmingham, Ala., and is not eligible for fully remote work.

BENEFITS:

Birmingham’s greatest asset? It’s people. That’s why we believe in putting ours first.

We offer:

BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama health, dental and vision insurance

12 weeks paid family leave for new parents

401k/retirement plan, fully vested on your first day of employment

Dedicated professional development perks and budget for every employee

Life insurance

Health and dependent care accounts

Long- and short-term disability

Flexible paid time off and holidays

At the Birmingham Business Alliance, you’ll join a collaborative, fast-paced team passionate about shaping Birmingham’s economic future. We value creativity, accountability and a spirit of partnership.

ABOUT THE BBA:

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is the economic development agency and chamber of commerce for the Greater Birmingham Region. Our mission is to help businesses start, stay and succeed in Birmingham. To learn more, visit www.birminghambusinessalliance.com.

Available Careers

Business Intelligence (BHM IQ) Director

Marketing & Communications Manager

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