Economic Development Director

The Charter Township of Oscoda (population 6,997), Iosco County, Michigan is seeking an experienced and progressive Economic Development Director. This will be a fulltime position as a Township employee which pays a salary range of $60,000 to $75,000 plus benefits.

SUMMARY: Plans, organizes and implements economic development functions from conception to completion, including business retention, business attraction and incentive programs, research and planning and organizational capacity and facility development; performs a variety of responsible administrative, professional and technical tasks. Implements economic development goals and objectives for the Township, interfaces and coordinates with the development community, local businesses and various Township departments and staff.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Assume management responsibilities for all services and activities of economic development including attracting increased capital investments and expanding and diversifying employment opportunities; establishes and maintains a private/public partnership for positive long-term economic change and implementation of Oscoda Townships core strategies:

  • Support Entrepreneurship Development
  • Workforce Development
  • Downtown Development
  • Business Retention and Expansion
  • Business Recruitment and Marketing.
  • Knowledge of and Ability to Implement RRC
  1. Development of short and long term economic and community development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports and recommendations to achieve such goals.

 

  1. Analyzes existing economic situations relative to business attraction and expansion. Help local businesses in the process of applying and receiving grants. Seek out grants at all levels and apply for grants for economic growth.

 

3.Integrates effective marketing and outreach programs and activities with business development; communicates with local businesses to identify business needs and issues facing local enterprises, including barriers to growth; identifies and implement services

 

  1. Assists with web site development and updates. Be responsible for the creation and distribution of electronic marketing campaigns designed to support business development, business retention and negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

 

  1. Monitor program performance and provide reports to the Economic Improvement Committee, the Township Superintendent and the Oscoda Township Board of Trustees.

 

  1. Becomes familiar with the existing inventory of available buildings and businesses in the Township. This will include both public and private building and land areas.

 

  1. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of various economic development programs and efforts.

 

  1. Manage the development and implementation of economic change through retention, expansion, attraction of commerce and industry and the creation of incentive zones/programs.

 

  1. Develop infrastructure (industrial parks, shell buildings, utilities, transportation, housing both long term and short term. etc.) to support business growth and expansion.

 

  1. Represents the Township at appropriate civic, cultural, charitable, business and community activities as well as serves on boards, commissions, committees and organizations related to the areas that are critical to the Townships goals and interest.

 

  1. Prepares and presents annual budget for approval by the Board of Trustees

 

  1. Maintains a liaison with various local, state and federal agencies, coordinating projects with agencies such as MEDC as deemed necessary and appropriate.

 

  1. Provides information and makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public on economic development issues, programs, services and plans.

 

  1. Identifies workforce skill needs of the business community and coordinates action with educational and training institutions to develop and provide the appropriate training and educational programs.

 

  1. Provides project management direction and oversight.

 

  1. Other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum and Preferred Entrance Qualifications Education and Experience 

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, economic development, marketing, urban planning or a related field.
  • At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, marketing, business attraction, community development, planning or a related field. Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities
  • Direct experience developing close working relationships with governmental groups at the local, state and federal level, and constituents/stakeholders which might include elected officials, board of directors, employees and other business and community support organizations.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of economic and community development issues, principles and techniques, including state and federal policies and programs, capital improvements programming, applicable regulations and regulatory devices, associated data sources and information systems
  • PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Licenses or Certifications  Possession of (or ability to obtain within 1 month of hire) a standard driver license
  • OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS Regular state travel is required to attend trade shows, generate leads, and business prospecting. Irregular hours are required to support evening and weekend programs and events.
  • Successful grant writing experience

Skill in:

  • Writing, speaking and listening
  • Public speaking
  • Relationship building, interpersonal skills
  • Problem solving and decision making
  • Research, data and trend analysis related to economic development
  • Social media and digital advertising; knowledge of methods, trends and industry standards
  • Event management experience working with high level government officials
  • Ability to: Provide group facilitation
  • Communicate effectively with a wide array of constituent groups
  • Design marketing materials
  • Produce completed staff work using
  • Adobe Creative Suite, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook at an intermediate skill level
  • Meet schedules and deadlines of the work

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in predominantly an office environment. Mobility to visit/tour construction sites, facilities, businesses, etc. required. Frequent travel (both local and out of the area) required

  • Building a healthy rapport with coworkers and customers
  • Remaining calm in hectic situations
  • Communicating well with different audiences
  • Working in a team-fostered environment
  • Dealing with difficult people with tact and diplomacy
  • Leadership
  • Receiving criticism in a positive manner
  • Good assertiveness skills
  • Facilitating group work
  • Understanding people and situations
  • Showing patience
  • Carefully listening to the concerns of staff and customers
  • Showing empathy where necessary
  • Proactively persuading the needs and requirements of others