Economic Development Director

Southwest Michigan First is seeking a highly motivated Economic Development Director to serve as a key leader on our Economic Development Team that focuses primarily on our business retention, expansion, and attraction programs and services. The ideal candidate will be dedicated to enhancing business vitality, creating jobs, and encouraging investment. Key responsibilities include managing business relationships, facilitating expansion initiatives, and executing strategies that bolster the region.The primary responsibilities of this job:Lead and manage business retention and expansion efforts by identifying and addressing the needs of existing businesses.Lead and manage company growth projects, ensuring effective management and successful implementation.Collaborate with the Economic Development Team to develop and execute economic development strategies and plans for the region.Manage and coordinate business incentives, grants, and other business assistance programs.Assist companies and developers in navigating state and local government processes and structures.Attend public meetings, deliver presentations, and represent businesses and developers effectively.Aid in leveraging state and federal funding for economic development, including researching and preparing grant applications.Coordinate local community stakeholders (elected officials, city/township officials, local partners and representatives, college officials) to address opportunities identified by a project and local economic opportunities.Maintain familiarity with state and federal resources available to support business growth and expansion.Monitor and maintain current information on available commercial, business, and residential properties within the community, including both public and private sites.Attend and actively participate in board, committee, and community meetings as assigned.Oversee and coordinate new projects initiated by Southwest Michigan First, ensuring successful planning, execution, and completion.Collaborate with businesses to provide insights and responses regarding data and trends related to the regional economy.Respond to Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and other inquiries as needed.Perform other duties as required to support the Economic Development Team and further regional economic development goals.Qualifications and Skills:Bachelor's degree in economic development, construction management, urban planning, public or business administration, or a related field also is required.Have at least three to five years of related business retention and economic development experience.Possess knowledge of tax increment financing, brownfield redevelopment and community development tools.Knowledge of the development process including Zoning Ordinances, Building Codes, and City Codes related to development and have the ability to interpret planning and zoning programs to the general public.Knowledge of workforce development and related resources.Highly developed skills in communications and customer relations; negotiating and facilitating; public speaking and community involvement.Knowledge of newly emerging perspectives and trends related to the environmental and economic impact of urban planning.Ability to identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of interests in the development of land use policy.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and elected officials.Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.Ability to work independently and demonstrate sounds judgement with a track record of project management.Take direction and redirection in a positive manner.Proficient in CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.Able to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.Reliable transportation is a must.Commit to putting excellence into all work.Interested?

Apply now! All applications require:Cover LetterResumeAbout Southwest Michigan FirstSouthwest Michigan First is an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who act as the catalyst for economic success in Southwest Michigan. Founded in 1999 on the principle that the greatest force for change is a job, the organization works across all industries throughout the seven counties making up the Southwest Michigan region.Job Type: Full-timeBenefits:401(k)401(k) matchingDental insuranceHealth insuranceHealth savings accountLife insurancePaid time offParental leaveRetirement planSchedule:8 hour shiftExperience:Economic Development: 3 years (Preferred)Ability to Commute:Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (Required)Ability to Relocate:Kalamazoo, MI 49007: Relocate before starting work (Required)Work Location: In person

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