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:
- assists in the development and implementation of the organization’s goals and objectives.
- facilitates, organizes, and reports on workforce and business development initiatives to support economic development throughout Knox County, Indiana.
- implements and manages approved strategies, including business development programs, to achieve economic development goals.
- develops and maintains relationships with businesses, and communicates progress, issues and concerns to the CEO.
- works closely with the organization’s Workforce Development Committee, and Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Task Force.
- promotes and helps market available incentives for business and community growth.
- monitors and completes reporting requirements related to assigned projects and programs.
- assists CEO to sustain positive working relationships with several local, regional, state, and federal agencies and organizations.
- additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:
- successful experience equivalent to more than three (3) years in relevant disciplines, such as business and/or workforce development, public relations, business development, redevelopment, project management, or commercial real estate.
- or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Economic development management experience, preferred.
- demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to manage stakeholder groups; work collaboratively within a team as well as multiple partners, including employers, universities, government entities, decision makers, community based NPOs, and other key stakeholders.
Knowledge:
- thorough understanding of business retention + expansion program principles, practices, methods, and techniques.
- practical knowledge of economic and workforce development, community development, local government principles and practices, and small business challenges + opportunities.
- insight of current economic development, demographic, and market trends in the regional area.
- familiarity with research and analysis methods + techniques; and local business and real estate markets.
Abilities:
- plan, coordinate, and conduct multi-phase projects, manage concurrent projects, and prioritize efforts accordingly.
- communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, on a variety of complex subjects with a diverse variety of groups and individuals.
- deliver effective public presentations, write effective reports and memoranda, and market to businesses.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with business executives, developers, coworkers, local officials, management, departments, and advisory boards.
- respond to shifting priorities and engage in a diverse workload.
Preferred + Desirable Qualifications:
- proficiency in the use of computer software programs (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, CRM database(s), GIS, desktop publishing such as Photoshop or Canva), the internet, and other research tools is preferred.
- graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as economic development, business or public administration, marketing, commercial real estate, international business.
- membership in related professional organizations; and designation as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) are desirable.
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:
- Normal Operating Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday - Friday; other times as necessary.
- Employees receive paid federal + other holidays per year, and may earn up to 3 weeks of paid time off.
- Employee may contribute pre-taxed dollars to a SIMPLE IRA account to supplement their retirement earnings.
- Health, vision, and dental insurance premiums are subsidized by the organization.
- Competitive compensation and benefits package based on education and experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Please submit resume and cover letter to info@knoxcountyindiana.com no later than June 16, 2023.
