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One Harlan County

Executive Director

One Harlan County, Harlan, Kentucky, United States, 40831


One Harlan County

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Harlan County, Kentucky is nestled in the heart of the Cumberland Mountains and is home to roughly 27,000 residents. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Harlan County is accessible via US-119 and US-421 and is a two-hours drive from both the Knoxville, TN metro area and the Lexington, KY metro area.

Historically a coal-dependent community, efforts have been made to diversify the economy over the last decade with strategic investments in infrastructure and land to prepare for new industry. Tourism is rapidly growing in the community, which boasts the more than 7,000 acre Harlan County Off-Road Adventure Area, the Portal 31 Exhibition Coal Mine, Kingdom Come State Park, and the Kentucky Coal Museum. With rich history and unmatched natural beauty, Harlan County offers a high quality of life environment to all.

The Position:

Under the direction of the One Harlan County Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible to develop, plan, coordinate, and execute a comprehensive plan for the economic development of Harlan County by performing and/or coordinating the following duties:

Assist the One Harlan County and the Harlan County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in the development of a comprehensive economic development plan designed to achieve the goals and objectives of One Harlan County and the HCEDA to promote economic growth and stability of Harlan County.

Direct the execution of the economic development plan and provide monthly progress reports to the One Harlan County board and the HCEDA.

Coordinate economic development programs and services with other public or private agencies or groups which aid in expansion and/or retention of the current business community.

Respond to “Requests for Proposals” and “Requests for Information” in a timely and effective manner.

Manage primary employer projects and pipeline activity.

Communicate appropriate information concerning economic development progress to community organizations, business organizations, and governmental organizations to create better understanding of the economic growth of Harlan County.

Develop, prepare, and submit an annual budget to the One Harlan county board for approval and provide a monthly financial statement and review to the board.

Attend all meetings of One Harlan County and the HCEDA and other functions, conferences, and/or trade shows as authorized and directed by the One Harlan County board.

Represent One Harlan County at meetings of organizations like the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce, Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), the Cumberland Valley Area Development District (CVADD), etc. by attending and participating in the regular meetings of such organizations, and report on their progress to the One Harlan County board and the HCEDA.

Research, analyze, and monitor various factors (demographic, financial, technological, etc.) to identify and exploit potential economic development opportunities to further the economic development of Harlan County.

Draft and submit appropriate grant applications to public and/or private agencies.

Direct and coordinate implementation, evaluation, and monitoring of grant funded programs to comply with all grant requirements.

Other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the One Harlan County board.

Ideal Candidate:

Our ideal candidate will be a collaborative, friendly person who enjoys working on a strategic approach to economic development and who understands the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome in rural Appalachia. Their strategy must lead to the diversification of the Harlan County economy over the long term.

Our ideal candidate will be innovative. Someone who is not afraid to bring new ideas to the table and who is well organized in managing a variety of projects simultaneously.

Our ideal candidate will be a relationship builder who provides leadership within our community. They will be seen as someone who is energetic, trustworthy, and has a steady personality.

Our ideal candidate will be the face of economic development for Harlan County and will build a brand within the community via proactive communication among multiple means. They will be a great communicator who can quickly give an “elevator speech” to anyone from a random citizen on the street, to a company CEO, to an elected official of the value our organization and what our community provides to them.

Our ideal candidate will possess a highly professional demeanor and work ethic with a respectful competitive drive. They will be a purpose-driven, self-starter who prefers to win.

Our ideal candidate will have good people skills and be sound in the art of reading a room.

Education Requirements:

Required Education and/or Experience includes a Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) from a four-year college or university; and at least two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations preferred include the completion of the Kentucky Institute for Economic Development, the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute, and maintenance of a valid Kentucky driver’s license.

Additional Requirements:

Common out of state travel by vehicle and/or air and “after hours” are required as well as extended overnight stays for out-of-town events and meetings.

Work includes the ability to sit and/or stand for periods in an office as well as work at a computer for extended periods of time as well as adapt to various work environments.

Compensation:

Salary – Commensurate with experience and education with performance incentives to be included.

Residency:

Residency within Harlan County, KY during the position is required.

References & Background Checks:

The finalists for the position will undergo background checks that may include:

Criminal records

Driving records

Education completion

Personality profile assessments

Drug testing

Credit check

References from prior positions

How to Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume, and references by September 10th, 2024 at 12:00 PM eastern time to apply@oneharlan.com

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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