SSG Searching for Vice President of Economic Development Council Bluffs Iowa
Vice President of Economic Development
Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce
Please email your resume to csmith@smartsolutionsgroup.net
Job Scope
The Vice President of Economic Development shall be a full time, paid staff position with the
Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. The Vice President is hired and supervised by the
President of the Chamber with approval from the Chamber Board of Directors.
Job Summary
To conduct and supervise the day-to-day responsibilities associated with industrial and commercial development activity in Council Bluffs including application, supervision, and monitoring of available state & federal grants and the effective implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Vice President is responsible for the daily maintenance and handling of new business prospects and development activity, small business and entrepreneurial development, workforce development issues, and the supervision of the Director of Business Development as their tasks relate to the overall economic development efforts.
The position requires the ability, skills, and leadership necessary to conduct a variety of development activities which are consistent with the goals of the Pottawattamie County Growth Alliance, the Pottawattamie County Development Corporation, the Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation, the Chamber, and the City of Council Bluffs.
Responsibilities may include other duties as assigned from time to time.
Reporting
The Vice President shall report to the President and submit periodic written reports for the Chamber and the Alliance Board at the President’s request.
The Vice President shall submit quarterly written reports to the President who shall then submit such reports to the Mayor, the City Council, the County Board of Supervisors and all contributors to the Alliance.
Principal Areas of Responsibility
Supervise the Director of Business Development in the day to day implementation of the Economic Development Strategic Plan as it relates to Business Retention & Expansion, Land and Building Development, Transportation, and special projects as assigned.
Plan, direct and implement the new business marketing and recruitment programs and activities as guided by the Growth Alliance and as approved by the Chamber Board. Conduct day to day responsibilities associated with new business marketing and recruitment including the Greater Council Bluffs Regional Economic Development Marketing Partnership.
Respond and work with relocation requests from outside companies and develop marketing programs and incentives to increase the number of new, quality Jobs in Council Bluffs.
Oversees the development of small business and entrepreneurial programs including a revolving loan fund. Identifies potential funding sources from both public, non-profit and private sectors. Manages the fund including marketing and solicitation of borrowers and coordination of loan review committee and servicing of the loans.
Work with area workforce entities to develop a comprehensive workforce development strategy for the region.
Work with the Director of Business Development and the Director of Communications and Marketing to coordinate all publications, advertising and WEB based marketing for the Alliance.
Maintain accurate and complete records of all grants and funding from state, federal and private sources.
Coordinate the Board of Directors of the Pottawattamie County Growth Alliance and other economic development groups as approved by the President and the Board.
Qualifications
BA/BS Degree plus 5-10 years experience in economic development. Masters or CED designation preferred.
Knowledge of and experience in non-profit management of economic development organizations and economic
development programs.
Graduate of an accredited economic development program preferred.
Proven track record of working and winning new business locations and assisting existing businesses.
Strong analytical, organizational, financial, and motivational skills.
Ability to prepare and present concise and effective written reports, interpret and administer policy, and
design and implement an annual business plan.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of those under supervision and of volunteer boards and
committees.
Valid driver’s license, and ability to insure.
Ability to work with community and governmental leaders effectively.
Knowledge of trends, developments, and techniques in the field of economic development and non-profit
administration.
Ability to take initiative, work independently, and juggle multiple tasks.
Ability to appropriately handle confidential information.
Ability to deal with problems and make sound decisions.
Technical Skills
1. A working knowledge of appropriate computer software.
2. Working knowledge of general office equipment i.e. Copiers, Faxing, E-mail.
3. Willingness to be trained and implement skills learned.
General
Strive to develop a better public understanding of the purpose and functions of the organization.
Represent the organization and the City of Council Bluffs in an ethical manner at all times.