Economic Development Director

Economic Development Director

Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Accountability: Chamber President/CEO

Job Summary:

The focus of the Economic Development Director will be centered on efforts to retain and support expansion of our existing businesses;  improve the access to a qualified workforce; to enhance quality of life in Mason County; and to ensure that we are prepared with the necessary information (data) to respond to new business opportunities.

To that end, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

1. Implement the Board approved economic development strategic plan for the County, including reasonable and measurable, time oriented goals.
2. Coordinate with Cities, Townships & County to provide proposals and other information to businesses interested in locating, and/or relocating, to Mason County.
3. Coordinate and arrange tours for businesses interested in locating or relocating to Mason County.
4. Work with local business community to identify core employability skills and develop and implement strategies in concert with local school districts to ensure that students recognize and develop these core skills
5. Support efforts by the Mason County Manufacturers Association (MCMA) and West Shore Community College to establish and implement internship and apprenticeship programs.
6. Provide administrative assistance to MCMA when necessary.
7. Conduct regular face-to-face meetings with local businesses.
8. Work collaboratively with West Shore Community College to support efforts to foster entrepreneurship training for those seeking to start or expand a business
9. Establish and keep current a community profile and inventory to include; available industrial and commercial sites, labor markets, available financing (including economic development programs and grants), utilities, educational opportunities, and other community resources and activities which may be of interest and applicable both to existing and prospective businesses in the County; to keep these available in hard copy as well as on a website and in electronic format. Develop the capacity for securing and analyzing key economic data. Establish baseline information and a dashboard for making such information readily available.
10. Maintain partnerships and affiliations with the local community development director, commercial realtors, utilities, the MEDC, Michigan Works!, WSCC, WMSRDC as well as State and Federal programs, regional and national organizations, etc.
11. Keep abreast of Federal, State and local legislation affecting businesses throughout the County and maintain relationships with State and Federal legislative offices, keeping them informed of conditions in Mason County.
12. Provide support and assistance to local governmental agencies in researching sources for grants and in preparing strong grant applications.
13. Support local units of government and others to insure the community infrastructure is supportive of business expansion and a vibrant quality of life. Assist in streamlining the development review and permitting processes to insure that communities are development and redevelopment ready.
14. Strive to attend at least one meeting in each of the 15 townships, 2 cities and 3 villages each year (including DDA and Main Street meetings). Attend at least one County Commissioners meeting.
15. Assist companies in the preparation of the documents needed for OPRA and  Industrial Tax Abatement applications and represent the company during IFT hearings, municipal hearings, and public hearings regarding the establishment of Industrial Development Districts.
16. Be aware of existing Master Plans in the county and how they relate to economic development.
17. Provide quarterly reports to the Chamber Board.
18. Prepare an annual report for the Chamber Board, to be presented in the month of January.  The annual report will include:
    1. Highlights from the previous year
    2. A comparison of previous year’s accomplishments versus the goals set by the Board and Advisory Council
    3. Budget versus actual expenditures for the previous year
    4. Suggested goals and a preliminary proposed budget for the next calendar year.
19. Perform any and all other work as required by the Chamber President/CEO

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, procedures and strategies of economic development in a government environment, demographic economic trends, and forecasting.
• Public and private financing options, grant accounting and related business issues.
• Political, social and economic implications of economic development.
• Marketing and research methods, principles and procedures.
• Project management / administration.
• Customer service principles.
• Computer software and applications related to database development and maintenance.

Skills required: 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with business owners, executives and representatives, government officials, contractors, community leaders and organizations, department heads and employees of the City of Ludington, City of Scottville, and County of Mason.
• Proficiency in G Suite preferred. Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Planning, organizing, preparing, and presenting reports and studies.
• Writing, editing, designing and coordinating marketing content for websites, social media, blogs, newsletters, email campaigns, brochures and briefing materials.
• Problem solving and decision making.
• Research, analysis, and the preparation of recommendations to management.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms, including consensus building.

Ability to: 

• Build consensus with a variety of stakeholders.
• Follow through and with proven ability to complete projects and tasks.
• Relate to individuals within a variety of industries and levels.
• Exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
• Handle situations and customer interactions with discretion and tact.
• Analyze situations accurately and make correct recommendations independently.
• Work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Work independently or in a team environment as needed.

Desirable Education and Experience: 

The Economic Development Director position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in urban planning, economic development, marketing, public or business administration, finance, or a related field. Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, marketing, business attraction and/or development research, community development planning, or a related field. Experience in marketing, graphic design, social media, brand development, and promotional material creation.

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of Chamber management.

Work Environment 

The Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce offers an office setting, with flexible remote working. The role of the Economic Development Director requires site visitations which may include office, factory, store, agriculture, hospitality and construction environments. This position requires regular driving of automotive vehicles and non-traditional hours such as evenings.

It is preferred that the incumbent lives in, or willing to relocate to Mason County. Residency in a neighboring county – Manistee, Lake or Oceana – is required.

Physical Demand 

This role may require significant walking and/or standing and accessing sites that are unleveled. This position may require lifting up to 20 pounds. Driving and long periods of sitting. Manual dexterity and skillful use of a computer keyboard. Physical exertion may include bending, pushing, standing and walking.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send their resume by email Brandy Miller at Brandyh@ludington.org. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.