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  Job Description 

Job Title: Executive Director, Clay County Economic Development Council

  Reports to:  Board of Directors

Company Overview: 

Clay County Economic Development Council is a non-profit organization committed to maximizing economic well-being and opportunity throughout Clay County.  Our members and partners work together to enhance local quality of life and promote business opportunities.  Through the partnership of private and public sectors, we’ve created and retained thousands of Clay County jobs and billions of dollars in new capital investment since our founding in 1967. Our affiliate organizations provide several services, including capital for small businesses through the 504 debenture and revolving loan programs.

Job Summary: 

The Executive Director fosters relationships with business owners, leaders, federal, state, city, county officials, civic organizations, and Clay County Residents. The role identifies and prioritizes special projects and enhances transportation and infrastructure that will continue to improve the community’s competitiveness. The Director also educates the business community about our SBA-504 and various Midwest Small Business Loan opportunities through our Clay/Platte Development Corporation. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director advocates for workforce development and economic interests at all government levels. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Partnering, networking, and supporting business organizations and industry in the county and the region will promote economic growth and stability.
• Cultivate and maintain effective relationships with Clay County's current and prospective businesses. Work with local county and city officials to retain and expand existing businesses and recruit new businesses.
• Participate in communities, large and small, and their activities to develop opportunities, ascertain needs, serve investors, and promote Council goals through special initiatives.
• Oversight, ownership, and leadership regarding 504 SBA (Small Business Administration) loans; time allotted to building relationships with banks and businesses, and oversight of team members’ weekly goals and progress.

• Prepare and make presentations to the community, government, and business organizations to increase understanding among these groups.

• Respond to inquiries from city staff, developers, prospective businesses, and the public; determine the focus/needs of inquiries and respond as precisely as possible; make appropriate referrals and/or introductions.
• Create and manage marketing materials highlighting the community's economic strengths, available sites, and quality of life to attract businesses and investors. 
• Handle all media relations, manage and approve press releases as appropriate.
• Prepare the annual budget to allocate funds, control costs, and maintain operations consistently. Manage all the organization's financial aspects, including income generation, expense allocation, funds management, budget preparations, and financial reporting. Oversee and approve all accounting activities, including payroll.
•  Work with various board members and committees to accomplish goals and objectives supporting the strategic plan.
• As a representative of the EDC, the representative participates in community and civic activities and represents the council at other economic development and governmental units.
• Ensure the execution of all in-house or off-site activities and events of the organization.
• Organize, lead, manage, and coordinate the Clay County Economic Development Council's office operations. This includes supervising staff, payroll, correspondence, filing, and all other clerical functions. 
• Responsible for overseeing the CRM system's input, updates, and accuracy used to track businesses and members.

Key Skills:

• Strategic planning and implementation
• Leadership and team management
• Budget planning and financial oversight
• Public speaking and communication skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of economic and business trends
• Ability to uphold and demonstrate the highest level of integrity in all situations and recognize standards required by a 501 (c) (4) organization.
• Organizational and time management skills
• Advanced computer skills, aptitude to learn new systems and procedures.
• Must present a well-groomed appearance.
• Consideration of an employment contract.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Public Administration, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Proven experience in economic development, business administration, or a related leadership role, preferably at a local government level
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of economic development strategies, market trends, and community planning.
• Can lead diverse teams and collaborate with stakeholders effectively.

Salary, Benefits, and Incentives:

• Base Salary - $75,000.00 - $85,000.00/year + Benefits.
• Operational incentives may include bonuses for growth of the SBA loan and EDC membership portfolios.

Application Process:

• Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to clayedcHR@clayedc.com by April 30^th.
• Questions should be directed to clayedcHR@clayedc.com.
• Clay County EDC in c/o: Cramer Capital Management LLC, 100 N Mill St., Smithville, MO 64089.

Disclaimer:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to reflect the current job accurately, the executive board reserves the right to revise it or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technical developments).