Economic Development Director (Consultant) – Ravenna Community

About the Opportunity:

The City of Ravenna and Ravenna Township Trustees are seeking an Economic Development Director (consultant) for the City and Township community.  This position has been developed in a collaborative partnership with the City, Township, and community leaders. This position has been established to put a greater emphasis on the need for business growth and expansion in the Ravenna community.

About the Community:

The Ravenna community is located in Portage County in northeastern Ohio. The area has a well-recognized history in glass manufacturing, rubber, and aerospace, and is a strong home for industrial growth. Today, the community is the County Seat and the home of a major hospital.  It is minutes away from a major university and a medical university.  It has many large and small industrial companies. With a population of approximately 23,000, the community shares a strong public school system, an historic downtown, and many other community amenities.

About the position:

This position stewards the work outlined in the Community’s Economic Development Strategy.  It is responsible for ensuring, facilitating, and promoting economic development to achieve a sustainable local economy for the Ravenna community.  The position guides companies in establishing, relocating, or expanding their businesses within the Community. It advises, recommends, and collaborates with the City of Ravenna and Ravenna Township to advance economic development in the community.

The position reports to the Ravenna Mayor and Township Trustees.  They will work with key stakeholders including business people, elected officials, public sector employees, non-profit leaders, and other members of the community to meet the goals established by the Community’s Economic Development Strategy.

The ideal person will have a thorough knowledge of research and analytic techniques and principles and practices of economic development planning; the ability to perform basic research and analyze data using acceptable research practices, and to formulate alternatives and recommendations; seek and write grants; the ability to assess needs, find resources, and sell the community; ability to prepare written and graphic materials; to compose clear and concise reports; to prepare and make presentations; and to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with various stakeholder groups; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

The ideal person is a results-oriented, self-motivated, proactive, and customer-focused team player who has demonstrated effective leadership for project management. They must demonstrate a proven ability to meet goals. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economic Development, Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree a plus). Contract rate is commensurate with experience.

How to apply:

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter to Peggy DiPaola at peggy.dipaola@gmail.com.  Questions can be directed to Peggy DiPaola at 330-808-0070.