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Executive Director – Job Description
NATURE OF WORK
The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation (GLEDC) and reports to the Board of Directors of the Corporation. The Executive Director is responsible for the development and implementation of economic development plans, programs and services for large commercial and industrial businesses in the greater La Porte, Indiana area. This includes, but is not limited to, monitoring present business activity and supporting a business retention plan, as well as focusing on attracting new businesses to the City and surrounding area. The Executive Director is authorized to make the requisite expenditures and take whatever actions necessary to carry out the Board approved Work Plan within the defined budget.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director will be responsible for the following specific duties and any other appropriate duties that will enhance and promote the economic development efforts of the GLEDC and the City of La Porte:
1. Financial Analysis
- Analyze and evaluate effectively the financial implications of opportunities and proposals
2. Planning and Marketing
- Develop both short and long term plans and programs to enhance economic development activity in the City and surrounding area
- In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Greater La Porte and the La Porte County Economic Development Alliance, develop a plan to retain existing industries and encourage their growth by providing a continuing program of assistance which will include technical advice, financing assistance, grants and any other type of assistance as needed
- Coordinate a marketing plan and associated materials which will assist in promoting the area
3. Prospect Development
- Develop a comprehensive information data base of pertinent information for business prospects, which will include costs of doing business, utilities, demographics, zoning, transportation, taxes, community services, comparisons, labor market trends, wage comparisons, education and training providers and financing tools
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of all available buildings and sites in the area
- Coordinate a “One Stop” source for existing business and new prospects by bringing together all of the local, regional and State entities and their respective resources.
4. Fund Development
- Actively participate, and provide leadership, in the creation and implementation of fund development efforts of the corporation.
- Develop and maintain a data base of potential funding sources
5. Communications
- Respond quickly to prospect inquiries and maintain continued contact with prospects, through correspondence, telephone, e-mail and personal contact as appropriate until the prospect makes a final decision
- Serve as the spokesman for the organization to inform the public about its activities
- Provide regular updates of the Corporation’s activities to the Board
6. Networking, Team and Relationship Building
- Work closely and partner with the La Porte Chamber of Commerce and the City of La Porte in the overall goal to create a healthy business climate in the City
- Create partnerships and actively participate with regional and State economic development organizations as well as with NIPSCO, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, NWI Forum and American Electric Power
- Build mutually supportive relationships with City and County government at all levels as well as with leaders of the business and financial community.
7. Negotiating and Brokerage
- Demonstrate effectiveness in achieving consensus or agreement in transactions while maintaining positive business and interpersonal relationships with others.
8. Administrative Management
- Responsible for the daily operations of the La Porte Economic Development Corporation, including staff supervision, training and compensation
- Prepare an annual work plan and budget for recommendation to the Board of Directors
- Maintain appropriate financial accountability
9. Other
- Monitor local, State and Federal legislation and regulations relating to economic development and maintain knowledge of proposed or new legislation affecting economic development
- Pursue continuing training and education on economic development related activities
- Represent GLEDC as needed in key local, area and regional organizations.
KNOWLEDGE AND CHARACTER TRAITS
The Executive Director will have the experience, general knowledge and responsible character traits as the prime representative of the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation. As such, the Executive Director must exhibit professionalism in the execution of the duties and responsibilities. The Executive Director is expected to have the following skills: leadership, oral and communication, financial, customer service, consensus building, negotiating, innovative, planning, marketing and operations. In addition, the Executive Director must possess the following character traits: honesty, reliability, impartiality, persistence, patience, respect, decisiveness and morality.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, public administration, community organizing or a related field, Master’s Degree preferred. Minimum two years economic development experience, three to five preferred. Certification in Economic Development (CEcD) preferred.
SALARY
*Dependent on education and experience
CONTACT
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(Mayor Kathy Chroback)
Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to the following:
RE: GLEDC Director Opening
Mail:
GLEDC
Attn: Liz Sanchez
809 Washington St
La Porte, IN 46350
**RESUMES DUE BY AUGUST 12, 2011 @ 12:00 p.m. (Central Time) **
