Economic and Workforce Development Deputy Director – Fairfield County

Help shape the growth of one of the fastest growing counties in the Midwest. As part of the booming Columbus region, Fairfield County has a bright future. We’re looking for a Deputy Director of Economic and Workforce Development to help bring new businesses to Fairfield County, help current businesses thrive and expand, and develop our workforce.

Our office is located at the Fairfield County Workforce Center, which is less than 30 minutes from downtown Columbus.

This role will be involved with many innovative programs that have gained national recognition, such as the Fairfield County Workforce Center and the Career Readiness Program. This is a great opportunity to be a part of a growing department and gain experience in both economic and workforce development.

Duties

Work with Economic and Workforce Development Director to identify developable properties and assist in making properties shovel ready. Review leads from regional and state partners to match properties to interested developers or businesses. Serve as secretary for the Fairfield County Port Authority and assists in developing incentive packages for new businesses.

Oversee daily operations of the Workforce Center. This includes ensuring there is a safe environment for students and staff, communicating with stakeholders, overseeing all scheduling, preparing building for meetings and events, and answering questions and solving problems of staff, students, and partners. Promotes Workforce Center by managing website, using social media, and directing marketing agency on initiatives to increase clients. Manages Workforce Clerical Specialist to help in these responsibilities.

Oversee the Career Readiness program. This includes managing career navigators and working with local school districts to ensure needs are being met for career readiness of their students. Monitors success of program and adapts as necessary. Works with local business partners to help promote local career opportunities to students.

Assists Economic and Workforce Development Director in day-to-day responsibilities of the department. This includes making presentations to advance the mission of the county, attend meetings in the director’s stead, and manage administrative responsibilities of the department as needed, such as completing grant paperwork.

Manage special projects for the department in areas that further smart growth throughout the county. This includes areas such as broadband, alternative energies, and housing other officials.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Economic Development, Public Administration, or other related field required.

Minimum of three years of experience in economic development or workforce development preferred.

Leadership position in public administration or business a plus.

Supplemental Information

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Ability to build consensus among various stakeholders. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of elected officials, managers, clients, partners, regional and state entities, and the general public. Must be able to maintain confidentiality with clients.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Financial background in public and private financing projects. Interpret financial statements for revolving loan fund applicants. Ability to understand financial incentives for businesses looking to develop in Fairfield County. Ability to review budgets and financial forecasts.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, develop strategic plans, prioritize those plans, and manage multiple projects to achieve goals.

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: Ability to use Microsoft Office software; mapping programs to review and illustrate properties for development, CRM software, and financial reporting software.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Must have a driver’s license to travel to businesses and meetings. Must be able to lift 30 pounds.