CCEDC Executive Director position opening

JOB DESCRIPTION
CARBON COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (CCEDC)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Carbon County, Wyoming located in south-central Wyoming, with a population of 15,000 +/- and consisting of 7,896 square miles with ten communities. Rawlins, WY (pop. 9,227) is the county seat. The county is the hub to the state’s largest wind energy projects, including the largest wind energy project in North America. The county is also known for their gas, oil, and uranium production with a large refinery located in the County. The Carbon County Economic Development Corporation is searching for a vibrant economic development executive to lead their organization into the future. Carbon County is home to some of the best outdoor hunting, fishing, and recreational activities in the United States, with the Sierra Madres and Snowy Range to the south to the plains and high desert in the north.

Using key strategic plan components and economic development best practices, the Executive Director will be responsible for building economic resiliency and vitality in the region. This includes identifying factors necessary to attract new economic development interests into Carbon County, as well as coordinating and facilitating a robust business retention, expansion, and recruitment program.

Experienced professionals with backgrounds in grant writing, local government public relations or administration, infrastructure finance, planning and/or economic development, GIS, rural advocacy, and other related fields are encouraged to apply. The position works with considerable independence and initiative under the general direction of the Board of Directors.

Position highlights:

• Responsible in overseeing the development and implementation of all programs associated with economic development on behalf of Carbon County EDC. Advises relevant state and local organizations, directors, and committees on economic development matters.
• Develop partnerships with communities by regularly visiting with communities, businesses, state and local leaders and citizens to advance Carbon County economic development policies and programs.

• Monitor and assist with state activities in the region to develop a focused economic development strategy based upon the region’s strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for economic development and diversification.

• Develop and package business and infrastructure projects to leverage the use of funding programs, grants, and loans offered by other funding agencies.

• Provide technical assistance and coaching to investors, businesses, and small rural communities in identifying economic opportunities and developing an entrepreneurial culture:
o Building and coaching local leadership as well as entrepreneurial and economic development networks: provide technical and consultative services such as identifying resources and funding opportunities: identifying and overcoming infrastructure challenges/issues: scoping projects: completing applications and meeting funding requirements and timelines.
• Promote Carbon County’s ED mission through oral and written presentations on programs to investors, local business leaders and economic groups, training events, chambers of commerce, trade shows, and other state/regional/local organizations.

• Key role in improving internal and external communications, program information/marketing efforts, public education and outreach campaigns, and rural community advocacy.

Essential Functions:
• Implement CCEDC 2020 strategic plan: key functions include programs to attract/retain workforce and residents, provide entrepreneurial support and programs, and attract business capital to Carbon County using various methods and tools designed to overcome rural-based challenges such as a declining population, geographic considerations, infrastructure needs, and housing inventory obstacles.
• Work closely with all communities in the county, the local Chamber of Commerce(s), the Carbon County Visitor Council, Rawlins DDA/Main Street, the Wyoming Economic Development Association, the Wyoming Wind Coalition and the Wyoming Business Council. Facilitates the development of external network of economic development partners, such as state and local universities and colleges, workforce development organizations, and other relevant organizations.
• Maintain and grow EDC investor membership using Moving Forward Together program and perform required program functions.
• Maintain necessary communication with potential and existing funding sources and/ or regulatory agencies; participate in rural development networks and associations and attend relevant trade shows as required.
• Provides technical support to authorities and commissions, including preparation of reports, policies, and position papers, and informs them of current legislation relating to economic development functions.
• Proactively monitor and support wind energy growth environment including attendance at and response to legislative activities effecting the market sector.
• Update and maintain state and local site and building databases.
• Maintain all office website pages.
• Prepare a quarterly newsletter to send out to all public and private investors.
• Manages all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Carbon County EDC, including annual budget development and reporting as well as attending and managing monthly Committee and Board of Directors meetings, financial requirements such as banking, bill payments, and work with Treasurer or designated board member to reconcile banks statements monthly. Prepares a yearly budget, annual funding requests, and reviews work relating to the budget.
• Prepare board packets for all board meetings consisting of agendas, minutes, financials, executive director’s report and other items for the meeting.
• Represent Carbon County and CCEDC at various local, regional, and state meetings and at various private enterprise and public agencies events.
• Occasionally attend city or town council meetings, county commission meetings or other committee meetings.
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Required Knowledge: Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
• Economic development principles, practices and techniques.
• Laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of various government agencies as they affect the business community and economic development efforts.
• Principles, techniques, and objectives of public relations and information.
• Principles and techniques of marketing and promotion.
• Research methods and techniques.
• Grant writing and program administration.
• Play a liaison and expeditor role between various government agencies and private business and development representatives.
• Obtain funding to support program activities.
• Work cooperatively with business, government executives and representatives.
• Communicate and present ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with various size groups and individuals.
• Prepare clear, concise, complete and accurate reports using proper business grammar, punctuation, and sentence construction.
• Knowledge of GIS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, QuickBooks and website development.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors is helpful.

Working Conditions:
• Office environment; exposure to computer screens
• Some business travel which could require some occasional overnight stays
• Travel to meetings around the county and state and needs to have a valid driver’s license.

Acceptable Experience and Training:
Five years of professional level experience in economic development, public administration, planning, site selection, commercial real estate/leasing, banking, or relevant industry experience, or other non-profit work. Experience in program implementation, marketing, and public information efforts. Bachelors Degree in Public or Business Administration, Economic Development, Urban Planning, or a closely related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

TO APPLY please visit www.Wyomingatwork.com