POSITION SUMMARY

The Vice President, Economic Development works with the President & CEO to lead Bay Future's economic development team and initiatives supporting business retention and expansion, attraction, workforce development and site development throughout Bay County. The Vice President provides leadership and direction to economic development staff, manages projects from inquiry through implementation, builds relationships with businesses and community partners, connects businesses with resources and incentives, and advances Bay Future, Inc.'s strategic priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.

Work with the President & CEO to implement Bay Future's strategic priorities, establish goals and work plans, and evaluate progress and results. 2. Lead Bay Future's business retention and expansion program, including regular outreach to identify needs, challenges, expansion opportunities and potential barriers to growth. 3. Assist businesses with expansion and investment projects, including incentives, financing, site selection, permitting and connections to appropriate resources. 4. Manage business attraction projects and inquiries, including responses to requests for information, site selector requests, prospect visits and community tours. 5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with: businesses, municipalities, developers, investors, property owners, utilities, & local, regional and state economic development partners. 6. Provide leadership, supervision and performance management of staff, including setting priorities, supporting professional development and evaluating performance. 7. Support the Board of Directors and committees by preparing reports, updates and other materials and presenting on economic development activities. 8. Maintain database of available buildings, sites and strategic properties throughout Bay County and assist businesses and site selectors in identifying appropriate locations. 9. Serve as a liaison among local governments, businesses, industries and community partners to support business retention, expansion and attraction opportunities. 10. Work with municipalities, owners, utilities and other partners to advance strategic sites, infrastructure improvements, brownfield redevelopment and other site-readiness initiatives. 11. Research economic, industry and workforce trends to identify opportunities for business growth, attraction and economic diversification. 12. Develop and maintain knowledge of local, state and federal incentives, financing programs, workforce resources and other tools available to support business investment. 13. Coordinate with state and other economic development partners on business development projects, attraction efforts and investment opportunities. 14. Represent Bay Future at appropriate business and community meetings to provide presentations regarding Bay Future and economic development activities. 15. Track activity and ensure accurate and timely reporting of business visits, projects, capital investment, jobs created and retained, development activity and other organizational performance measures. 16. Support investor relations and funding efforts, including investor engagement, presentations and demonstrating organizational impact. 17. Maintain confidentiality and high professional standards when working with businesses, prospects, investors, elected officials, partners and other stakeholders. 18. Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of Bay Future, Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS

Strong knowledge of economic development principles, programs and practices. Knowledge of economic development incentives, financing, site selection, workforce development and redevelopment tools. Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with business leaders, government officials, developers and community partners. Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and time-sensitive projects. Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations. Ability to analyze economic, workforce, project and financial information and apply it to economic development strategies. Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality. Collaborative, results-oriented approach with the ability to work independently and as a team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in economic development, business, finance, public administration, planning, economics or a related field preferred. Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, community development or a related field preferred. Experience managing projects involving public and private partners preferred. Economic development certification or related professional development is a plus.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel throughout Bay County, region, and occasional travel outside the area. This position requires attendance at occasional meetings and events outside of normal business hours and the ability to visit businesses, development properties, industrial facilities, and construction sites.

ABOUT BAY FUTURE, INC.

Incorporated in 2004, Bay Future is Bay County's leading economic development organization, working to support business retention and expansion, attract new investment and industries, and create quality employment opportunities throughout Bay County. Bay Future has helped facilitate more than $2.6 billion in capital investment and supported the creation or retention of more than 4,600 jobs. Through strong partnerships with businesses, municipalities and local, regional and state partners, Bay Future works to advance development opportunities, strengthen strategic sites and infrastructure, and position Bay County for long-term economic growth. Learn more at www.bayfuture.com.

TO APPLY

Submit resume and cover letter to magen@baycityarea.com. Position will remain open until filled.

Pay:

$100,000.00 - $125,000.00 per year

Work Location:

In person