Job Description

Summary

The Business Development Specialist supports managers and bankers in driving growth by identifying new business opportunities, strengthening relationships with existing clients, and expanding referral networks. This role combines relationship development, outreach, coordination, and administrative support to help grow deposits and loan production through proactive engagement and community involvement.

Responsibilities

• Assist managers and bankers in growing market deposits and loans by identifying new customers and deepening relationships with existing ones.
• Represent Gulf Coast at civic and professional organization events and meetings.
• Develop and maintain client relationships through calls, follow-ups, cold calls, on-site visits, and networking.
• Handle special projects as assigned.
• Monitor and respond to routine client emails.
• Schedule meetings, follow-ups, and track deadlines; manage calendars.
• Assist with email outreach and follow-ups to referral sources.
• Attend networking events and help prepare for business meetings.
• Plan and coordinate small client events and marketing initiatives.
• Maintain a list of recent account openings and loan closings, client wins, and testimonials.
• Research local businesses, industries, and potential referral partners.
• Conduct cold calls to potential referral networks to increase deposit and loan production.
• May be assigned direct sales goals at discretion of management.

Requirements

Skills/Experience/Education

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required; Undergraduate degree preferred.
• Thorough understanding of business/financial concepts, terminology, & practices necessary.
• Professional presentation, communication and negotiation skills appropriate to one to one and mass audiences.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Software products – Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Ability to sell financial services.
• Must be outgoing, professional, & exercise sound judgment.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Ability to work under stress and meet deadlines.
• Ability to read and interpret a document if required to perform the essential job functions.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer may be required.
• Ability to lift/move/carry approximately 15 pounds if required to perform the essential job functions. If the employee is unable to lift/move/carry this weight and can be accommodated without causing the department/division any “undue hardship” then the employee must be accommodated; hence omitting lifting/moving/carrying as a physical requirement.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and may be revised as business needs evolve.

Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company and its subsidiaries is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are committed to equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, military and veteran status, physical and mental disability, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We believe in attracting, retaining, and promoting quality talent and recognize that our diversity is critical to the success of the company.