Executive Director

Job Description
OCEA is an economic development nonprofit serving Gaylord and Otsego County, MI. Founded in 2001, the OCEA works to foster sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life across the region through strategic public-private collaborations. The Executive Director reports to a volunteer Board of Directors and has various areas of responsibility.

Organization
• Present positive professional respectful behavior, develop programs that create high quality development and manage economic growth.
• Develop and manage an annual budget and plan of work while executing on goals annually as set by organization.
• Lead organizational fund-raising efforts and maintain a broad base of support in area served.
• Develop a working relationship with business and industry leaders in Otsego County.
• Coordinate public relations activities, meet with the media and promote organizations brand.
• Be a resident of Otsego County which is the core service area in which OCEA operates
• Hire, coach and manage staff by building a fun collaborative work culture, maintain personnel files and all organization records in proper order.
• Fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement through staff, board and community partners
• Prepare monthly activity reports highlighting community development activities, business retention and expansion activities, jobs retained, business start-up and attraction activities, and new jobs.
• Compile an annual report detailing the activities and accomplishments of the organization, including but not limited to the data, statistics and kpi impact to the community. This information would be routinely shared in public      capacity to stakeholders, partners, businesses and the community.
• Operate the business operations of OCEA with in-office presence during stated business hours as established by the Board of Directors. This is not a Remote Position.
  Business Development
• Work closely with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the Michigan Small Business Development Center, and others to support the start up, retention, and expansion of existing businesses and location of new    companies to Gaylord and Otsego County.
• Serve as an information resource for local site availability and local permit procedures while engaging local professionals when applicable.
• Lead and execute marketing and strategic initiatives to attract or assist expansions of businesses in Otsego County
• Serve as a resource link between business, industry, government, education facilities and community
• Serve on appropriate boards, committees and commissions as approved by the OCEA Board of Directors
• Promote a diversity of businesses in all sectors of the economy with an emphasis on high value products and wages.
  Community Development
• Champion economic growth as a path to a more prosperous Otsego County and surrounding area
• Create community development programs that promote high quality development, manage economic growth, maintain the region’s unique quality of life.
• Provide assistance to communities with infrastructure development and revitalization efforts.
• Provide technical assistance with community revitalization, business attractions, economic analysis, business park development, industrial park development, historic preservation, economic planning and goal setting.
• Lead and facilitate conversations with any and all stakeholders in OCEA coverage area about the best policies and practices that drive prosperity through economic development and growth.
• Provide leadership and develop partnerships to leverage resources to achieve community goals.

Necessary Skills
• Ability to complete projects with minimal supervision, work within deadlines, manage multiple projects, and demonstrate critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work with large and small groups, provide leadership, solve problems, and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to build trust and respect in all interactions
• Ability to use current technology, creative writing, proposal preparation, and presentation skills.
• Exhibit strong business ethics and provide excellent customer service. Ability to learn from accepting open honest feedback, act with empathy and understand others opinions.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and present various types of information and data
• Effective communicator, both verbal and non-verbal in all interactions. Ability to speak fluently about organization, relevant facts and accuracy with all communications.
• Ability to manage a staff effectively and in a manner with appreciation, respect, and professionalism.
• Ability to promote mission of organization while growing support, including but not limited to financial support, organizational support, convening various parties to accomplish a task whether as a leader or contributor
  Education and Experience
• Master’s Degree preferred with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree
• Economic Development Institute and/or National Development Council training preferred
• Preferred experience in any of the following: economic and community development, business/finance, public administration, civil or municipal engineering or grant administration.
• Partnership, packaging and management of projects utilizing Community Development Block Grants, MDOT Transportation Alternatives, EDA, MEDC, Brownfield, EGLE, DNR and/or USDA programs
• Experience with localized programs, services and departments with DDA, City, Townships and County
• Strives for continuous learning opportunities relevant to job role, programming or partnership development


How to Apply
• Qualified candidates shall submit a letter of interest, resume and references to the Otsego County Economic Alliance, Attn: Nick Florian, Chairman via e-mail tov Delivery by USPS can also be made to Nick Florian, OCEA Chairman, 100 E Main St, Gaylord, MI 49735
• Salary Range $80,000 – $105,000
• Employment Salaried, Full Time
• Benefits Medical, Dental, Vision, Life
• Retirement Benefits Qualified Plan
• Paid Time Off Yes
• Personal/Sick Time Yes