Director, Economic Development – Wayne Economic Development Council

Job Description – Director, Economic Development

The Wayne Economic Development Council (WEDC) is a business-led public-private partnership dedicated to economic development and strategic business and job growth in Wayne County and Northeast Ohio.

General Purpose – Vibrant communities have healthy economies with diverse economic activity related to job growth, business growth and attraction with sustainable infrastructures.  WEDC’s business attraction and expansion efforts are an economic development strategy that connects with potential and existing businesses to foster sustainable growth and create/retain jobs in Wayne County.

Primary Responsibilities – Serve as an advocate for economic development in Wayne County through developing, directing and executing business attraction and expansion opportunities and supporting WEDC’s economic development initiatives and activities.

Reporting – The Director, Economic Development reports to the WEDC President.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Development and management of economic development plans to attract new business and foster existing business retention and growth in Wayne County through prospect analysis, contact strategies, outreach and marketing efforts.
• Manage site selection inquiries, proposal process and request for information pertaining to available land and properties within Wayne County.
• Maintain a database of available properties and work with developers, realtors and area landowners, researching properties and businesses, and facilitating prospect tours.
• Effectively collaborate with economic development partner organizations and state/local government officials.
• Coordinate and facilitate economic development tools including Enterprise Zone agreements and Community Reinvestment Areas.
• Provide support to the Wayne County Community Improvement Corporation and Wayne County Transportation Improvement District.
• Assist with the development of marketing materials, community profiles and WEDC Toolkits.
• Support the work of the Board of Directors, Advisory Council and other internal/external committees as assigned.
• Represent the WEDC at select external events as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications – Graduate of an accredited four-year college or university with a minimum of three years of experience in economic development, city planning, business management, site selection management, or community development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities –

• Background in business development, community and economic development, site selection, or marketing.
• Knowledge of economic development programs, grants, loans and services available at the state and local level.
• Experience and knowledge of opportunities and challenges with business development and manufacturing.
• Experience representing organizations in a professional manner.
• Ability to create, develop, execute and manage projects and programs.
• Ability to collaborate, work effectively, and network within a variety of groups, teams, and public/private organizations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to track, analyze and report on key statistical data and metrics.
• Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, presentation development and database management.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate periodic after-hours and weekend requirements, as needed.
• Commitment and passion for economic development and strategic business growth of Wayne County.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Please submit letter of interest and resume to careers@waynecountyedc.com by end of business day on April 20, 2023 or mail to 542 East Liberty St. Wooster, OH 44691.