Director of Economic Development and Planning  – Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Posted July 2, 2024

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners seeks a dynamic and innovative Director to lead the Franklin County Economic Development and Planning agency. 

This position will provide visionary leadership of Franklin County’s economic development planning landscape, guiding the development and execution of strategic plans to advance the mission and objectives of the Board of Commissioners. The Director position serves as subject matter expert on behalf of the Board of Commissioners and County Administration in all matters pertaining to economic development and planning. The position reports to and collaborates with County Administration to set strategic goals, establish policies and programs, and effectively allocate resources. The position provides advanced leadership skills to direct agency staff and cultivate a healthy and productive culture and climate consistent with the priorities of the Board of Commissioners, including their commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Other job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective community partners and stakeholders. 
  • Develop initiatives to attract new partnerships to enhance the value proposition of the County. 
  • Lead and convene internal and external stakeholders to move implementation of strategic planning utilizing data-driven insights and projections. 
  • Represent the interests of the Board of Commissioners to local, regional, state, and federal government entities, advocating of policies and initiatives that support the mission and objectives of the Board of Commissioners. 
  • Serve as a spokesperson on operational, legislative and regulatory issues, including participating in forums, committees, community events, and in media interviews.
  • Coordinate economic and community development partnerships between Franklin County and local municipalities, prospective developers, businesses, and community stakeholders.
  • Promote and facilitate business, workforce development, and community development to Franklin County through a lens of diversity, equity, & inclusion.
  • Promote and facilitate development tools and incentive programs to support strategic planning.
  • Promote and facilitate travel and entertainment spending in Franklin County.
  • Cultivate a diverse local economy.
  • Develop and implement effective public relations and communication strategies to engage stakeholders, promote initiatives, and enhance the organization’s visibility and reputation, including preparation of speaking points for the Board of Commissioners and County Administration. 
  • Direct and oversee the budget, organizational structure, and agency staffing. 
  • Manage financial resources responsibly, including financial and compliance reporting, monitoring, and fiscal controls. 
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities, sponsorships, and partnership to support Board of Commissioners’ programs and initiatives.

A successful candidate will have the following knowledge and experience:

  • Any equivalent combination of relevant training and experience, including but not limited to a Master’s degree in business, public administration, public policy, planning, economics, architecture, or related field with seven (7) years of development, planning, land use, or other related experience.
  • In-depth knowledge and operational ability to provide effective oversight of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements and national directives. 
  • In-depth experience in local, state, and federal grantmaking, monitoring, compliance, reporting and establishing protocols to support overall agency compliance.
  • Experience with bond fund programs and requirements.
  • Working knowledge of lending, buying, underwriting and lien release processes. 

Franklin County Board of Commissioners provides a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees. Our benefits package includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance as well as options for supplemental insurance coverages, tuition reimbursement, eleven (11) paid holidays per year, paid family leave as well as vacation and sick leave, voluntary deferred compensation programs and more. The position is part of the Ohio Public Employee’s Retirement System (OPERS) and Franklin County contributes an amount equal to 14% of the employee’s salary to OPERS.

More information available.

How to Apply:

Apply online

Click Here For More Information – EDP Director AD – Commissioners