The Manager, Economic Development will facilitate implementation and coordination of economic development programs and projects focused on the promotion of the economic growth of Kokomo and Howard County. Interact with President/CEO, staff, and volunteer board and council members to plan and develop efforts focused on the attraction of capital investment, job creation, entrepreneurial development, expanded tax base, and resulting ancillary improvement in overall quality of life through the expansion of existing, and the attraction of new, employers. Engage in efforts to increase the prosperity of the community through an increase in employment and population and the resulting gain in economic and demographic metrics. Direct, coordinate, and supervise the preparation of proposals to win economic development opportunities. Manage activities intended to create a framework for encouraging and facilitating entrepreneurial based business development and existing employer growth by coordinating access to local, regional and state resources.

The position reports directly to the President/CEO.

Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience

Location: Kokomo, IN

Type: Full Time – Minimum 3-year experience and/or equivalent educational experience

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in economic development, urban planning, public or business administration, or closely related field; and experience in real estate negotiation, economic development, redevelopment, or business assistance, including experience in program implementation, marketing, and public outreach.
• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of an economic development program
• Knowledge of organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs
• Understanding of modern principles and practices of program development and administration
• Knowledge of economic development marketing theory, principles and practices
• Ability to effectively prepare and present reports
• Knowledge of research methods and sources of information regarding economic development
• Skill in interpreting statistical data
• Ability to organize and conduct complex planning and research studies and to formulate relevant recommendations based on such research
• Ability to direct, supervise, and coordinate several major projects concurrently
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Self-motivated work ethic
• The ability to work both individually and as a part of a team
• Ability to strategize, plan, implement/execute, and follow-up on all projects
• An interdisciplinary approach working with multiple organizations, companies, directors and managers to create ownership of projects and shared successes
• Highly developed (and demonstrated) written, proofreading, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to produce innovative ideas, high-quality work under tight deadlines, communicates complex information to diverse audiences.
• Solid judgment with high standards of accuracy, responsiveness, integrity, and discretion.
• Exceptionally detail-oriented with strong project, organization, and time-management skills.

Areas of Responsibility: Manager, Economic Development

Duties to include, but not exclusive to the following:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy designed to enhance the community’s economic prosperity with a focus on employment and population growth.
• Manage the development of responses to economic development project inquiries.
• Research, analyze, and monitor technological, demographic, and financial factors to capitalize on market opportunities and adjust strategy to meet changing market and competitive conditions.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the Economic Development Council work plan.
• Develop and implement programs to encourage entrepreneurial development related to the Inventrek facility and throughout the community.
• Interact and communicate with local government officials and staff to ensure strategic and initiative alignment.
• Work with President/CEO to develop a priority of projects with timelines and a budget to effectively carry out stated objectives.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Serve as staff liaison to the Alliance Economic Development Council
• Serve as staff liaison to the Alliance Inventrek Council
• Help serve as the Alliance representative on related local committees and other community task forces.
• Act as a liaison to the community and the Alliance supporters.
• Other tasks as assigned by the President/CEO.

Expectations:

• Howard County residence upon job acceptance preferred
• Availability to attend meetings outside of normal 8-5 office hours
• Work in a team environment in carrying out the mission of the Alliance
• Have an understanding and respect for the confidentiality of certain information

Review of candidates is expected to begin in June 2014 and continue until the position is filled. To apply submit a letter of interest and a resume outlining your appropriate work experience to: Michelle Reed at mreed@greaterkokomo.com

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Director of Workforce + Business Development builds positive, long-term relationships with local business and industry leaders, supporting relationships to address workforce needs, and assist with talent supply and demand. The director will provide leadership and supervision to industry sector partnerships, and lead in creating workforce solutions for business and industry.

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

Knowledge:

Abilities:

Preferred + Desirable Qualifications:

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

This position requires routine travel, primarily in and around Knox County, the Southwest Indiana region, and occasionally other parts of the state. Domestic travel, typically for professional or business development, could include trips of up to one week in length. The nature of the position requires the employee to participate in some evening events.

OF NOTE:

The duties listed above are intended as general illustrations of the variety of work that may be performed. Specific statements of duties and responsibilities not included do not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Job descriptions are subject to change by the organization as the needs of the mission and requirements of the job evolve.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Please submit resume and cover letter to info@knoxcountyindiana.com no later than June 16, 2023.

Overview

The Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership (NEI) is actively seeking a Manager of Business Development (“Manager”) to help execute wide-ranging business attraction strategies in line with NEI’s mission to drive business investment and strengthen the region’s global competitiveness and economic resiliency.

Who We Are Looking For

This individual is passionate about economic development and loves working projects through the project pipeline. They love to sell and have a passion for their community. They build relationships and establish a reputation as someone who can deliver. They are driven by achieving goals, both individually and within the team. They have a solid degree of emotional intelligence, are humble and desire to learn from others, and are hungry to achieve results and deliver on their responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Assist w/ planning & executing NEI’s business attraction strategy, including:

• Exercise project management skills across the business development project pipeline in collaboration with team members; serve as project lead on assigned projects
• Consistently track and document activities in the CRM tool
• Host clients and handle prospect management, coordination of visits and site tours
• Develop and present strong business cases and customized solutions that meet client’ unique needs and timetables
• Support sale mission, trade show and conference pre-trip outreach activities, including setting up appointments and meetings, and post-trip follow up activities
• Collaborate across teams to plan and execute digital campaigns in targeted markets and targeted sectors
• Participate in business attraction-related travel to conduct sales meetings

Requirements, Qualifications and Desired Traits:

• 2+ years’ experience in economic development required
• 3+ years’ experience sales, business development or related role desired
• Proficiency with Microsoft products and CRM platforms
• Ability to travel 10% of the time, including overnight
• Effective communicator: Confident and articulate, even in unfamiliar surroundings
• Customer service oriented: Senses and addresses underlying needs of customers
• Critical Thinker & Problem-Solver: Ideintifies best possible solutions to problems/obstacles
• Agile: Adapts tactics/approaches to situation
• Entrepreneurial: Explores new ways to solve problems
• Professionally confident: Driven, focused work ethic and strong accountability
• Achiever: Sets and meets challenging goals and seeks long-term improvement

• Planner & Organizer: Plans workload for one’s self; assesses and reasses priorities as required and resolves competing priorities

Application Information

Salary range is dependent on experience & offers a full range of benefits. Qualified candidates should respond by sending a cover letter and resume via email to Vanessa Hurtig, Vice President of Administration, at Vanessa@neindiana.com. Both a cover letter and resume are required for application.

About NEI

NEI’s mission is to drive business investment and strengthen the region’s global competitiveness and economic resiliency. Founded in 2006, the private-public partnership strives to be the location of choice for all businesses and people committed to being tomorrow’s market leaders. Serving as Northeast Indiana’s primary point of contact for regional economic development, Northeast Indiana’s 11 counties are made up of Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wabash, Wells and Whitley counties. For more information, visit www.neindiana.com.

The Board of Directors of the Grant County Economic Growth Council is seeking its next Executive Director to move the organization and the community forward. The Growth Council’s mission is to promote a vibrant, sustainable economy that attracts and empowers business growth and innovation in Grant County. The organization and its Executive Director lead the charge in making Grant County one of the best places to live, learn, work, and retire in Indiana. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to guide the strategy and execution of economic development efforts for the Grant County community.

Following this job description, please find additional information about Grant County.

Please submit resumes and related documents to director@grantcounty.com by May 26, 2023.

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