GEDC NOW HIRING: PRESIDENT/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

GIDDINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
POSITION DESCTRIPTION

PRESIDENT/ CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 Primary Objective: Provide leadership to the Corporation and its constituent organizations in the achievement of community and economic development goals that result in employment and per capita income growth greater than the national average.

Responsibilities

The President plans and supervises all activities of the Giddings Economic Development Corporation under the policy direction of the Board of Directors. Will aid the Board in establishing organizational goals and objectives, oversee financial responsibilities and formulate plans, policies, and programs to attain those goals and objectives.

The ideal candidate will Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities for economic development growth and ensure the viability of the organization.

The new President will be responsible for efforts to attract, expand, enhance, and retain business and commerce in Giddings.

The selected candidate will manage the work of the Economic Development Corporation, with an emphasis on maintaining close relationships with the Board of Directors, private and public stakeholders, as well as existing and potential businesses.

Provide guidance and resources to startup businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Promote a positive organizational and personal image. Be available to the public and media and maintain contacts with individuals important to the organization.

Should possess an understanding of local and regional markets and have prior experience in a leadership role in an economic development organization.

Must be knowledgeable in current and possible future practices, trends, and other information affecting the business sector.

Core Competencies

Advising: Provide professional economic development advice and serve as an advocate for economic development projects, making an effective case for action, and advising on points of procedure.

Analysis: Demonstrates the ability to analyze, interpret and effectively identify and solve problems; makes informed decisions, and successfully addresses complex organizational challenges; provides/implements creative solutions and provides direction by clearly and effectively setting courses of action.

Budgeting:  Draft for consideration and then administer the approved annual budget ensuring adherence to generally accepted accounting principles, and related budget and financial matters; understands and can manage operations within budget constraints.

Business Retention and Expansion: Develops new plans and programs to increase the organization’s ability to enhance job creation and retention. Coordinates annual business expansion, retention and recruitment efforts and responds to opportunities and is accountable for associated metrics.

Character: Exemplifies an authentic and strong character with integrity; sets high expectations; inspires and motivates others; coaches and mentors a high-performing team.

Collaborator: Successfully engages with the Board of Directors, external stakeholders, and civic leaders; maintains positive, productive community partnerships and collaborations; maintains relationships with local, regional and state elected officials and agencies; conducts meetings with prospects and attends economic development forums.

Community Development: Focus on future and sustainable growth in the areas of education, infrastructure, quality of life, industrial site development, technology access and upgrade, and job training reflective of community needs.

Community Engagement: Assume an active role in organizations, institutions, and activities existing within the community, as well as with any newly formed organization, institutions, or activities. Be visible and an accessible personality within the community.

Consensus Builder: manages diverse viewpoints to an effective, positive solution; maximizes collaboration and shares credit and successes among partners and stakeholders.

Decision Making: Demonstrate self-motivation and initiative with the ability to work with the Board of Directors as needed. Make judgments on disputed issues, decisions under time pressures that reflect adequate evaluation and consultation with others, resulting in positive impacts on the community and the welfare of our residents.

Effective Communicator: Strong interpersonal, analytical, written, and verbal communication and presentation skills, managerial, supervisory, and creative problem-solving techniques; handling sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy. Listens attentively to understand the needs, intentions, and values of others.

Evaluating: Assess the feasibility of proposed economic development projects. Monitor progress of projects and check adherence to schedules. Evaluate written reports, numerical data, and project costs; identify problems and suggest new ideas and alternative approaches and solutions to challenges.

Finance: Directs the Giddings EDC finance programs, including writing and or participating in the development of grant applications. Identify opportunities, challenges, and the ability to support organizational growth to ensure the viability of the organization. Knowledge of Type B sales tax laws desired. Familiarity with financial tools

Forward-Thinking: Has patience and perseverance to foster a vision and direction for the EDC; seeks “best practices” and trends for continued growth and relevance; develops short and long-range plans, strategies, priorities, goals, and objectives.

General Administration: Provide necessary leadership to ensure the EDC is managed efficiently and effectively.

Grant Writing: Directs the Giddings EDC finance, including writing and or participating in the development of grant applications.

Leadership – Demonstrates an enthusiastic outlook and creates an environment where ideas are fostered and nurtured. Exhibits engaging and approachable behavior; listens attentively to understand the needs, intentions, and values of others.

Liaison: Cooperate with various local, State, and Federal agencies, workforce providers, educational institutions, and the business community in promoting the City. Coordinate with various businesses, agencies and community organizations to conduct presentations and site tours for the purposes of identifying, attracting and promoting the city to new businesses and industries.

Managing: Delegates appropriately; optimizes resources; pursues achievable goals and works strategically to achieve them.

Marketing: Develop strategic and proactive plans annually that positively present the community. Proactively present the community, location, opportunities, and the area’s economic benefits to existing and prospective business.

Networking: Builds collaborative and productive relationships with others, both inside and outside economic development organizations. Maintains a wide network of contacts that can be leveraged on behalf of the organization goals; maintains contact with existing and prospective employers within and outside the community to aid in their decision-making relative to location, relocation and/or expansion.

Planning: Develop a strategy, define long and short-term goals of the organization, set priorities for resources, anticipate problems, formulate, and adjust policies, and revise planning efforts as necessary.

Political Savvy: Monitors legislation and regulations relating to economic development. Report findings to the appropriate impacted parties. Is aware of the political landscape for change and how collaborative strategies amongst organizations work in the marketplace.

Public Relations: Informs, encourages and engages public and private stakeholders of economic development activities and successes through effective, consistent, and frequent dialogue. Maintains image in the community by representing the Giddings Economic Development Corporation in written and oral presentations, at conventions, conferences, and other events useful in promoting Economic Development efforts.

Research: Analyze the feasibility of proposed projects including financial and economic impact analysis. Research and compile demographic and economic data in response to inquiries from prospective businesses. Working knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research applications, tools and methodologies.

Results-Oriented: Improves and sustains superior business performance; ability to manage competing priorities effectively; pursues goals and works hard/smart to achieve them.

Technically Savvy: Stays abreast of industry best practices, relevant technology applications, and contemporary tools and work methods, and demonstrates a tendency towards exploring and applying new ways of doing business that add value to operations, strong computer skills for word processing, applications, and remote collaboration.

Website: Maintains GEDC web presence. Preparation and maintenance of information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation services, financing tools and incentives.

Other special assignments as designated by the board of directors.

Candidate Evaluation Criteria

Critical to the success of the Giddings EDC is a President who has the relevant educational and career background to meet community and Board expectations.

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent is required.

A degree in economic development, urban planning, economics, marketing, business, or a related discipline is preferred.

Five (5) years experience in economic development, job and investment attraction or substantial experience within business and industry.

Certification as an economic development professional (CEcD) or EDFP is highly desired.

Consideration may be given to candidates with added credentials such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Master Economic Development Practitioner (MEDC), Professional Community & Economic Developer (PCED) and/or other similar certifications though not required.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Employment in a private sector economic development environment.

A record of success in economic development projects.

Must have a high level of proficiency with computer programs including Word, PowerPoint, and current communication technology.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ability to build and sustain relationships with targeted industry executives, site selectors, and industrial real estate professionals.

Political astuteness and knowledge of state and federal economic/ community development agencies and programs.

Salary & Benefits

$95,000 depending on qualifications. There is a generous benefits package to include: Texas Municipal Retirement System, automobile allowance, cell phone, conference attendance, civic club membership, insurance, professional organizational membership, training and/or continuing education, and relocation assistance.

 Work Environment Behavior Requirements

Interaction: The job requires frequent communication and engagement with others.

Versatile: The job requires adapting to various situations with ease

Competitive: The job requires assertiveness and a "will to win" in dealing with highly competitive situations.

Residency

The President will be expected to live within a 30-mile radius of the community to be a participant in the organizations, institutions, and activities available within Giddings.

Application Process

Interested candidates should send cover letter, current resume and at least five work-related references including contact numbers to Susi@JAToday.com

The deadline to submit is Friday, March 11 by 3:00 pm.

Our Mailing Address is Johnson & Associates | 2114 Lenz Street | La Marque, TX 77568

Video

Candidates are asked to submit a 2-minute video demonstrating communication and presentation skills.

Background & References

Finalists will complete a thorough background investigation process that may include verification of:

FICO Score, Criminal Records Check, Driving Records, Education, Certifications, Communication Assessments, Professional References. 

References will not be contacted until mutual interest is established.

Candidates deemed to have the most relevant backgrounds will be invited to take part in a preliminary screening interview with the consultant. Those individuals determined to be best suited will be invited to participate further in a formal assessment process. An appointment is anticipated upon the completion of a comprehensive reference and background checks.