Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer (EDD)

Position Title: Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer
Organization: Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC)
To apply or learn more, please click here.

SUMMARY:  Under administrative direction of the Chief Mobility & Infrastructure Officer and Senior Director of Programming, the Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer is responsible for directing and developing agency economic development and strategic infrastructure programming, leads Central Ohio’s innovation ecosystem, and performs related duties as required.  The Economic Development Director & Regional Innovation Officer is a director-level leadership position which manages other supporting employees, with regular reporting to senior agency leadership and the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee designation, formation, compliance, and implementation of the soon-to-be USEDA designated Columbus Region Economic Development District (CREDD).
• Lead the implementation, reporting, and future updates of the Columbus Region Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
• Lead the Columbus region’s innovation ecosystem by creating a comprehensive innovation agenda that enhances the region’s ability to increase its scale and make it easier for public and private partners to collaborate.
• Manage and lead a clear and effective governance for the Columbus Region’s consortium dedicated to forming a Regional Technology Hub with the United States Economic Development Administration (USEDA).
• Oversee implementation and compliance related to the USEDA grants to MORPC for economic recovery and other activities.
• Lead and enhance economic development partnership efforts with the Ohio University Voinovich School for Leadership & Public Service, including the focus on the USEDA University Centers.
• Oversee implementation and compliance related to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) grant to MORPC for brownfield assessment related to redevelopment.
• Lead bi-annual update of the Competitive Advantage Projects (CAP) program, and provide ongoing technical assistance, including project strategy development and strategic funding assistance.
• Maintain working relationships with relevant economic development stakeholders, including Jobs Ohio, One Columbus, USEDA, USEPA, the Ohio Department of Development, the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange, economic development officers in cities and counties within MORPC region, COTA, workforce development entities, and others related to economic development.
• Support other agency planning projects with economic development components.
• Facilitate strategic funding for major transportation and infrastructure projects outlined in regional planning documents, including the Metropolitan Transportation Plan and CORPO Transportation Plan.
• Provide technical assistance related to strategic infrastructure funding sources (e.g. projects pursuing funding via ODOT TRAC and U.S. DOT RAISE & INFRA programs).
• Support other agency infrastructure and drive investment initiatives as appropriate (e.g. attributable funding, OPWC, transportation improvement districts).
• Develop other tools and initiatives to support MORPC local government members with economic development planning and funding, identifying and pursuing funding and financial tools, and helping connect them to relevant data and tools.
• Assist as assigned with any other agency initiatives.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and best practices of public administration, economic development and planning.
• A strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software
• Ability to communicate effectively with MORPC members, state agencies, federal agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in City and Regional Planning, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Business, or related and five (5) years’ experience.
• Economic development certification from the International Economic Development Council (CEcD); Ohio Economic Development Association (OhioCED); or National Development Council (EDFP) is recommended.
• Management and/or leadership experience is recommended.
• Experience as a past applicant or recipient of federal funds is recommended.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record and maintain liability insurance coverage as required by MORPC.

POTENTIAL HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Note:  In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered light work.

In cases of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.

Employee has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); has contact with potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons or vicious animals or life threatening situations; works in conditions requiring long periods of sitting and computer work that may cause problems and/or irritate back, neck, and wrists; occasionally lifts objects 25 pounds or less; occasionally carries objects 25 pounds or less; occasionally pushes objects 25 pounds or less; occasionally pulls objects 25 pounds or less.