VWAEDC seeking development director

Submitted information

The Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation Board of Trustees has released a job description for a county development director’s position and is currently seeking candidates for the position. The director would be responsible for retaining and expanding current efforts to attract new business and investment in this community poised for growth.

Van Wert County offers a wide range of opportunities for companies that are seeking a community to grow their current business or start a new one. The development director must work with a high degree of independence and initiative in order to coordinate community activities that interact with economic development.

The individual sought requires excellent people skills to facilitate the current entities involved.

Van Wert County offers numerous sites for business location, along with a 1,600-acre industrial megasite, one of only two in Ohio that is “build ready”. The low cost of living, along with a diverse workforce and a rural environment in a safe and friendly community, makes this an attractive area in which to live.

The county features outstanding school systems, including Vantage Career Center for traditional and non-traditional students. Additionally, it offers a state-of-the-art regional performing arts center, along with numerous cultural activities throughout the year.

Position Summary

The economic development director reports to the VWAEDC’s Board of Trustees and is responsible for retaining, expanding, and attracting businesses and investments to the area by exercising a high degree of independence, initiative, ethics, and professional expertise, while coordinating economic and community development activities with government agencies, the Executive Committee, and the Board of Trustees.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support current and future programs, projects, community branding and website development.
• Develop, execute and manage marketing efforts through public and media relations to attract local, regional, national, and international businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Promote existing and new real estate development.
• Professional, positive communication with all customers to promote programs, goals and objectives.
• Research, market and facilitate programs to enhance development and job growth within the area.
• Obtain grants to further the efforts of the VWAEDC.
• Serve as a liaison to develop and strengthen partnerships and attends meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in short- and long-range strategic collaborations with organizations.
• Develop or create tracking metrics to provide updates and reports of progress.
• Provide direct leadership and management of staff.
• Prepare budget, process legal documents as approved and negotiate agreements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, public relations, or related field.
• Five years’ relatable experience, with two years administrative and management experience.
• Completion of Basic Economic Development and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Highly ethical, professional, and self-motivated.
• Resides or willing to relocate to Van Wert County. The economic development director is an exempt salary position that requires a diverse and varied work schedule. Salary and benefits will be based on experience and education.

Interested candidates whose education and experience match the qualifications should email a cover letter and resume to: vanwertedc@gmail.com or mail to: P.O. Box 143, Van Wert, OH 45891.