Director of Economic Development

Job Description

This Role

The Director of Economic Development oversees the Chamber’s economic and workforce development efforts by assessing and seeking to solve immediate and long-term concerns of area business and industry; you will demonstrate appreciation for the community’s firms and their economic contributions; and assist area businesses with respect to creation, expansion, growth and workforce recruitment and development. This role serves as a convener and fosters connections between industry, education, and upskilling/reskilling organizations. The

Director of Economic Development also manages all workforce development programs including Kindergarten to Job and Job Fairs.

The Director of Economic Development serves as a liaison between the Cities of Rogers and Lowell and the business community, and regularly reports local and regional economic data to the Rogers City Council. This role maintains and oversees Small Business Development programs including management of the Chamber’s Small Business Council and their functions, refers current and future businesses to partner organizations, and foster’s a positive business climate to encourage small business startups.

Key Responsibilities

  • Market the area to interested parties including new, expanding, or relocating companies and respond to requests for proposals, as submitted through industries or partner organizations; includes developing and maintaining marketing materials and website.
  • Maintain relationships and outreach with area businesses through personal contact and conducting annual employer retention and expansion surveys.
  • Works with Community Development department and other appropriate entitiesto make recommendations for Rogers and Lowell developments in accordance with the overall strategic plan
  • Research and maintain accurate demographic information.
  • Manage Workforce Council and host meetings on a quarterly basis
  • Conduct personal calls and host meetings as needed within the business community regarding partnership opportunities for workforce recruitment and development.
  • Partner with local education facilities, upskilling/reskilling organizations, and businesses to foster relationships and develop workforce development programs
  • Serves as the point of contact on new business inquiries and development projects in the Rogers-Lowell area.
  • Coordinate multiple departments to create quarterly reports for the Rogers City Council about economic development activity.
  • Work in co-operation with the NWA Council and the overall regional strategic plan.
  • Provide community partners and chamber members with assistance in their recruitment efforts through referrals to careersnwa.com, member staffing agencies, and education institutions for employment, apprenticeship, and internship opportunities.
  • Represent the Rogers Lowell Chamber at community functions.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with area Human Resource Professionals
  • Manage the Chamber’s Small Business Development activities including the Small Business Council.
  • Manage the Chamber’s “Spotlight Series” program.
  • Conduct media interviews as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills And Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university; or five to six years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to research and analyze complex data for reporting and strategic plan development purposes.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
  • Ability to foster connections and grow a referral network.
  • Ability to solve complex problems with realistic solutions.
  • Effective communication in explaining the “why” behind programs and initiatives.
  • Sales skills to effectively market Rogers, Lowell, and NWA region to potential businesses and workforce.
  • Ability to create partnerships and bring others around the table to develop solutions to existing and new problems related to economic and workforce development.
  • Skill in examining operations and procedures, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
  • Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
  • Ability to develop, plan, and implement short-and long-range goals.
  • Organizational skills

Job Details

Type: Full-Time

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Location: Downtown Rogers

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • 401(k) with Match Retirement plan