Mackinac County, Michigan
Application deadline: December 15, 2019
POSITION DETAILS
Mackinac Economic Alliance is searching for a visionary, dynamic and skilled Economic Development Director to support the economic development needs of the rural communities in Mackinac County, Michigan, and to lead efforts to elevate the economy by creating more year-round employment opportunities, and a better educated workforce. The ideal candidate will have an appreciation for the rural characteristics of Mackinac County and the Upper Peninsula, which are rich in natural beauty and recreational opportunities, yet face economic and community development challenges due to its rural nature and sparsely populated communities. The Mackinac Economic Alliance hopes to find someone who seeks innovative responses to those challenges, and believes that all people deserve the opportunity to improve their lives through education and better employment, or by starting a business if they choose to. In that vein, the ideal candidate will work to create an environment in Mackinac County where entrepreneurship can flourish.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Help rural communities develop a structure and plan to implement economic development activities
Link rural communities with critical information and resources to help them implement their economic development goals
Help rural community leadership understand the value and benefit of economic development efforts
Meet with people interested in starting a business or enterprise to provide resources, support, and referrals to other organizations that assist with business start-up and development
Serve as a representative for Mackinac County on various regional and state organizations as approved by the board
Be able to lead efforts to raise funds for the MEA to bolster its operating budget to provide more services to the community, including grant-writing and fundraising events
Leverage partnerships and assistance from similar organizations within Mackinac County and the region, such as chambers of commerce, downtown development authorities, township government, and economic development organizations
QUALIFICATIONS
The qualities listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform this job successfully.
Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited four-year college or university
Proven track record in the field of economic development, community development or planning, or a related field.
Knowledge of economic development techniques and methods, as well as the ability to manage and maintain dynamic business, community, and political relationships
Ability to manage staff, volunteers, and work with the Mackinac Economic Alliance Board to accomplish community economic development goals
Comfortable with travel across the county, and the ability to communicate across a large geographic region when travel is not possible
ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS
Ability to multi-task and organize relevant data, while adhering to multiple timelines
Ability to build and maintain relationships, as well as organize and host regular meetings with various stakeholder groups including business, community organizations, regional municipalities/counties, and economic development partners
Self-guided and able to work independently when necessary, while directing support staff and the MEA Board in tasks where help is needed
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS
Excellent oral and written skills to communicate information and ideas
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex information
Proficiency in writing reports and business correspondence, including contributions to a quarterly newsletter
Ability to effectively present information in a customized format and respond to questions from groups, individuals, clients, investors, media, and the general public both orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate ideas across a wide range of ages, education and experience levels
Ability to communicate with and report to a diverse board of business owners, community leaders, public servants, and workers
REASONING ABILITY AND ANALYTICS
Capable of recognizing, defining, and solving problems
Aptitude for collecting data, establishing facts, and drawing valid conclusions
Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint, or other word processing and office management software
Knowledge of website and social media platforms and ability to effectively utilize them to communicate MEA news, events, and programs to the public
Ability to delegate tasks to staff and volunteers
COMPENSATION
Yearly contract with competitive wage, based on experience; plus monthly travel stipend
TO APPLY
Please send your cover letter, resume, and references by e-mail to the following contact and address by December 15, 2019 to: mackinaceconomicalliance@gmail.com, Attention: Executive Director
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