Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Position Available In Coffee, Tennessee

Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation Executive Director 2.3 2.3 out of 5 stars Tullahoma, TN 37388

Department:

TAEDC Reports to:

TAEDC Board of Directors Classification :

Full Time – Grade 10

Effective Date :

June 2025 SUMMARY The Economic Development Director reports to the Board of Directors of the Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation (TAEDC) under an Agreement between the TAEDC and the City of Tullahoma. The Director is a member of the City’s senior leadership team and must take initiative to work independently with minimal direct oversight while supervising the recruitment, retention and growth of all of the diverse economic sectors within the City. The Executive Director is a full-time position which performs a variety of administrative, technical and professional functions in implementing the plans and programs of the Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation. The Executive Director works in partnership with the Industrial Board of Coffee County (IBCC) on industry recruitment.

EXAMPLES OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Pro-actively directs and pursues economic development initiatives to achieve the goals and objectives outlined by the Tullahoma Area Economic Development Corporation and its long-term Economic Development Plan. Assists in developing and implementing the TAEDC Economic Development Plan.
• Acts as a City economic development strategist and provides assistance in the development of short and long-term economic and community development plans.

Maintains or develops information and studies, reports or recommendations to achieve such goals and to respond to requests for such information as utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools and incentives. The Director will coordinate with other departments and agencies as needed.

• Provide customer driven problem solving, professional economic development advice, facilitate the planning, zoning, application and permitting process for existing and prospective business clients, and serve as an advocate for economic development.
• Develop effective marketing and promotional materials, including website and social media; and provide marketing assistance as needed to the IBCC. Recommend and implement business attraction and growth strategies for TAEDC using effective marketing and promotion techniques.
• Identifies target industries and companies and recruits target businesses to locate or expand in Tullahoma. Promote development of innovation and entrepreneur systems and facilities.
• Maintain an inventory of available buildings, retail sites, and development sites (residential and commercial) within Tullahoma.
• Act as liaison with various local, state and federal agencies in economic and community development, as well as the Tri-County Railroad Association.
• Make presentations and/or provide progress reports to the TAEDC, Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen, County Commission, civic groups, and businesses as needed.
• Coordinates completion of grant applications, provides administration and monitoring of grant contract requirements, including community development block grants. Assists in the formation of community development operations and grant opportunities to enhance infrastructure for existing and prospective new businesses and housing units.
• Assist TAEDC with the negotiations and management of professional service contracts, real property sales or acquisition and economic development negotiations as assigned.
• Coordinates the development and processing of economic development financing tools and incentive plans, including tax increment financing (TIF) projects. Serves as the primary contact for prospective business clients and the TAEDC attorney. Coordinates with IBCC when necessary to gain County Commission approval.
• Directs Business Retention and Expansion with existing industry and Arnold Engineering Development. Align workforce development activity with stakeholder organizations.
• Serves on the City of Tullahoma’s Small Business Loan Committee.
• Serves as a member liaison of economic development groups or task forces that promote economic, and community development as deemed necessary and appropriate, including the Coffee County and Franklin County Joint Economic Development Boards, the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce, Tullahoma Airport Authority, Industrial Board of Coffee County and the Tullahoma Planning Commission.
• Monitors and reports on local, state and federal legislation and regulations relating to economic development.
• Maintains strong and effective working relationships with the City Administrator, the TAEDC Board, Tullahoma Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce, Tullahoma Airport Authority, Industrial Board of Coffee County, Tullahoma Planning Commission, Tullahoma City Schools, Motlow State Community College, University of Tennessee Space Institute and the Tullahoma Utilities Authority.

• Maintains a visible personality to the local media and broader community, and be a liaison with the general public, area businesses, media, civic organizations, and others.
• Provides additional support to City Administrator as requested by the City Administrator.
• Attend professional development workshops and conferences to keep current on trends and developments in the field of economic development and to represent the TADEC on all matters related to economic development.
• Travel to retail and target industry trade shows.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Experience in the site location process, including participation in recruiting activities, responding to proposals, and working with industrial prospects or their consultants.
• Comprehensive knowledge of business development, factors affecting business and community vitality and community and economic development.
• Working knowledge of municipal zoning, real estate, infrastructure and planning programs and processes.
• Must be a team player and work closely with City staff, yet able to independently prioritize and manage day-to-day work plans and schedule to satisfy the agenda and goals set forth by the TAEDC Board.
• Ability to write and manage grants.
• Ability to communicate effectively with groups and individuals, state and federal agency representatives and legislative bodies, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees and the general public.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with all necessary parties.
• Must have professional working knowledge of business software, including, but not limited to, word processing, presentation and spreadsheet software. Experience with the use of social media for marketing and business purposes.
• Ability to prepare professional progress and data reports.
• Ability to demonstrate understanding, consideration, in respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and colleagues
• Must maintain a valid Tennessee driver’s license and good driving record.
• Must have the ability to obtain a Passport, and travel routinely on various means of transportation.

Travel approximately twenty-four times annually with about half the travel requiring overnight stays of more than one night.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university; preferably with economic development training and recognition as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or Tennessee Certified Economic Developer.
• Proven experience in economic and community development, including administrative responsibilities. Minimum of five years of experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Membership in appropriate economic development professional associations preferred.
• Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Physical Requirements – Physical demand requirements are at levels for those of sedentary work and at times active work. Occasional performance of heavier tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces; bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching above shoulder level and working in confined spaces; lifting or carrying weights of twenty to fifty pounds; may require the dexterity to operate machinery or equipment. May involve extended periods of sitting at a keyboard. Sensory Requirements – Tasks require visual perception and discrimination including color and depth. Tasks require perception and discrimination of odor and sound.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$90,919.00 – $98,414.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to

Friday Work Location:

In person