Director, Marion County Development
- Full-Time
- Posted: March 21, 2025
- Closes: April 4, 2025 at 4:30 pm
- Status: Exempt
- Hours: Monday - Friday; 8 am - 4:30 pm
Job Summary
The Director of Marion County Development is responsible for the successful implementation of the MCD Strategic and Marketing Plan. This plan is focused on economic development programs that facilitate business growth, transform assets, promote talent attraction, and tourism throughout Marion County, Iowa. The Director is an active highly visible leader in our county, collaborating among various partners to drive economic progress in Marion County.
Salary will be determined on candidate's qualifications.
Job Duties
Project Management:
• Lead the implementation of strategies that enable MCD to meet its mission, objectives, and strategic goals.
• Oversee economic development projects from initiation to completion, including managing timelines and
budgets.
• Conduct countywide planning initiatives within economic development areas.
Business Development:
• Manage relationships with existing businesses to address their needs, encourage retention and expansion.
• Identify and contact potential businesses to locate or expand in Marion County which enhance existing
businesses and/or provide diversification of jobs into new sectors.
• Assist communities with business recruitment, expansion and retention.
• Inspire and educate startups and entrepreneurs.Infrastructure:
• Assist communities with industrial/commercial site development.
• Participate in efforts to enhance Marion County’s infrastructure.
Talent:
• Connect stakeholders to collaborate in talent attraction, retention and upskilling.
• Provide leadership training and promotion of local talent.
Market Analysis and Research:
• Conduct market research to identify industry, business & community trends.
• Analyze and communicate demographic data to understand the county's economic landscape.
• Develop economic development strategies based on research findings and business input.
• Connect businesses to economic impact data and research during expansion or relocation.
Promotion:
• Implement a marketing plan and encourage tourism amenity development to grow traveler expenditures to Marion County
• Oversee strategic marketing tactics to promote the area to new residents, businesses and travelers.
Engagement & Collaboration:
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the MCD and advocate on issues of economic development
• Communicating economic development opportunities to residents, leaders, and businesses.
• Coordinating with various local and state stakeholders such as government agencies, utilities, education, and community organizations.
• Serve as Marion County’s representative to various regional and statewide organizations and conferences
Operations:
• Preparing reports and presentations for the MCD Commission Board and county officials.
• Managing the economic development budget and writing grant applications.
• Maintaining accurate records and databases related to economic development activities.
• Coordinate MCD Commission meetings and planning.
• Lead MCD staff and encourage a positive work culture.
• Ensure compliance with MCD bylaws, state & local laws.
Job Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• Four (4) or more years of progressive professional experience in economic development, community
development, planning, business development, marketing, or related field.
• Effective team player with internal drive, strong problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills
• Excellent communications and marketing skills.
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Understanding of economic development principles including workforce development, tourism, industry, and real estate development
• Proven track record in building and maintaining professional relationships and consensus among diverse
stakeholders.
• Ability to think strategically while open to new perspectives
• Proficiency in data analysis and market research.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s license with driving privileges.
OTHER PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
• Certification from a nationally recognized economic development organization such as the International
Economic Development Council (IEDC), National Development Council (NDC) or US Chamber of Commerce.
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.)
• Knowledge of grant writing and familiarity with state programs related to economic development.
