Executive Director

Summary
The Executive Director of the West Central Economic Development Alliance (the
Economic Alliance) is the organization's sole employee and is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and the long-range strategic planning and visioning for the organization. This position performs various administrative, technical, and professional work in preparing and implementing economic and community development plans, programs, and services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Assume full management responsibility for all Economic Alliance services and activities, including community vitality efforts to expand the local economy; plan, organize, direct, and coordinate Wadena County-wide economic development activities.

Oversee the implementation of the Strategic Plan, including the priorities of Business Start-Up, Retention, and Expansion; Community Capacity Building; and Organizational Sustainability and Growth.

Provide organizational management and oversight, including:

• Provide direction, leadership, supervision, and guidance to the Board of Directors
• Manage yearly sponsorship fundraising campaign
• Maintain regular communication with sponsors, business, and community members through press releases, social media, paid advertisements, email newsletters and updates, and other communication outlets as appropriate
• Review the Strategic Plan and update, with the Board of Directors’ input, as necessary
• Oversee the development and maintenance of organizational and project budgets

Implement the Pillars of the organization as follows:

EDUCATION

• Develop training programs for entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members in Wadena

County

• Promote and share economic and community development resources
• Regularly communicate with sponsors and the community at large about the programs and services offered by the Economic Alliance
• Plan and implement community projects that advance the mission and vision of the organization and improve the economic well-being of Wadena County
• Provide information and make presentations to boards, commissions, civic groups, businesses, individuals, and the public on economic development issues, programs, services and plans
• Develop programs and services that promote business start-up, retention, and expansion

NETWORKING

• Host professional networking events for entrepreneurs, business owners, and community members in Wadena County
• Connect business owners with regional, state, and federal economic development agencies and resources
• Oversee the Wadena County Small Business Welcome Wagon
• Maintain a liaison with various local, state, and federal agencies and organizations and coordinate projects with agencies as deemed necessary and appropriate
• Act as a catalyst to introduce new business to Wadena County
• Serve as a contact person for new and existing businesses in Wadena County

ADVOCACY

• Represent the economic development interests of Wadena County by communicating proactively and positively with elected officials
• Provide opportunities for business owners and community leaders to connect with state and federal elected officials to share their needs and concerns
• Oversee the Wadena County is Calling resident recruitment program and develop other community marketing plans as appropriate
• Find, create, submit, and manage grant incentive opportunities and decisions for projects throughout Wadena County
• Coordinate the marketing of industrial and commercial sites and liaise with development professionals, City and County professionals, and industrial executives

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive County-wide economic development program
• Principles and practices of program development and administration

Methods of fundraising and donor relations

• Principles and practices of negotiation of sensitive issues related to economic development
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
• State and Federal economic development programs and incentives

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently and self-start
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new programs and technical assistance methods, and offerings
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Operate a computer, applicable software, and other office equipment
• Develop graphic presentations
• Develop and maintain social media pages and marketing campaigns
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports and projections
• Travel to various meetings throughout the region
• Maintain positive relationships with sponsors and stakeholders

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related field
• Master’s degree in a related field preferred
• A proven track record in economic development is preferred
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C Driver’s License

Working Conditions
This position works in office conditions (office environment; exposure to computer screens), and the noise level is usually quiet. Occasional driving is required to attend meetings throughout Wadena County. This position has frequent public contact on the phone and in person. The employee will have the ability to work from home as desired.

Compensation
The targeted compensation range is $60,000-$70,000

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Self-determined schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sebeka, MN 56477

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000