Economic Development Director

*The position: Come join us! *The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking an *Economic Development Director* for a full-time position in Manistee, Michigan on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan.
This position is key in advancing the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission, programming, and initiatives.
*About us:* We aim to assist local businesses in furthering their interests and to build a healthier economy.
Our primary function is to convene, communicate, and connect.
We have four main priorities: Legislative Advocacy, Economic Development, Leadership/Professional Development, and the Downtown Development Authority.
To learn more about us, you can go to our website at: https://www.
manisteechamber.
com/ *About the area:* There are no big cities or suburban sprawl, but we have quick access to larger cities such as Grand Rapids and it is an easy & cost-effective jump over the Lake to Chicago via our own Manistee County Blacker airport.
Enjoy our 25 miles of sandy Lake Michigan shoreline, three Lake Michigan harbors, inland lakes, 270 miles of rivers, and four-season fisheries.
Outdoor sports are a focal point of the Manistee area including hiking, bicycle paths, x-country skiing, snowshoeing, ATV and snowmobile riding, boating, kayaking, and canoeing.
Manistee is the perfect area for someone who loves nature and appreciates a small-town feel.
To learn more about Manistee, you can visit the Manistee County Tourism Authority at: https://www.
visitmanisteecounty.
com *About the job:* Though it is impossible to include all the aspects of this role in a job posting, we will summarize some of the key duties for you.
The primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing strategies to attract new businesses, retain and strengthen existing enterprises, and foster overall economic growth in Manistee County.
The Director must possess strategic thinking, robust leadership, and organizational skills, an understanding of economic and business development principles, and the capability to collaborate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
The Director will influence and build relationships with prospects, consultants, company decision-makers, and media information sources.
They will establish and strengthen relationships with local businesses and assist with real estate development and reuse by working with developers to connect with community processes and committees, consultants, and others to make doing business and projects easier and more efficient.
*About you: *The ideal candidate would be someone who wants to make a difference.
That is interested in being part of a small but mighty staff that works hard to support the community.
This candidate should enjoy small-town living and all the outdoor activities the area provides to enjoy.
Required for this role is a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, economic development, public or business administration, finance, or a related field.
Additionally, the right candidate should be able to show three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business attraction, development research, and/or community development planning.
This job requires significant interactions with a variety of stakeholders so the ideal candidate must be comfortable communicating both in-person and electronically, speaking in front of crowds, and networking at events.
The role also requires that the person can juggle several priorities at one time, work independently, and have strong computer skills.
*Compensation and benefits:* In addition to a competitive salary based on experience, we offer healthcare benefits paid at 100%.
An insurance stipend of $2000 is available to cover the cost of dental, vision, and dependent care.
Life insurance is provided along with a 3% match to a SIMPLE IRA.
There are paid holidays and vacation time offered along with a monthly phone allowance.
*How to apply: *if you think this role fits your skill set, passion, and career goals, please apply either through Indeed or by sending a cover letter and resume to maccedc.
hr@gmail.
com.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: $65,000.
00 - $75,000.
00 per year Benefits: * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan Schedule: * 8 hour shift Ability to Relocate: * Manistee, MI 49660: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person