Norton City/County Economic Development Executive Director

Overview

Norton City/County Economic Development Executive Director
Maintain and Improve the Quality of Life for the Citizens of Norton County

Norton County, a progressive community in Northwest Kansas, is seeking a director for their collaborative countywide economic development organization. Great work environment with many exciting projects underway.

 

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning or a related field preferred, 3-years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development, grant writing, business or public sector management, including 1-year administrative experience, or equivalent work experience; excellent communication skills and outstanding organizational skills.

Job Summary: Responsible for planning, directing, managing, and overseeing economic development activities for Norton County that will promote economic growth, including attracting quality employment opportunities, revitalizing downtown areas, with a focus on improving housing options. You will lead the local Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEC), spearhead county-wide lobbying efforts to the State, effectively strategize with the Board of Directors, and apply for State and Federal grants as they open.

 

Benefits include paid vacation and sick leave, KPERS, single health insurance plan, vision and dental insurance. Pay commensurate with experience.

The successful candidate should be a resident of Norton County within 60 days of hire.

 

Interested candidates may send their resume and letter of interest to nortoned@nortoncountyks.gov or by mail to the address below. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Norton County is an equal opportunity employer. Norton City/County Economic Development

205 S State Street Norton, KS 67654

(785) 874-4816

JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for planning, directing, managing and overseeing economic development activities for Norton County that will promote economic growth, including attracting quality employment opportunities, revitalizing downtown areas, and improving housing options.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
–          Develop and implement strategies and programs to promote Norton County to businesses and families and to encourage former students to move back to Norton County.

–          Develop promotional campaigns to create a positive image of Norton County, i.e. website maintenance, video, etc.

–          Survey and maintain inventory of industrial sites and available buildings and property.

–          Work with existing businesses in terms of improvement and expansion opportunities.

–          Develop and manage programs to assist new and expanding businesses in obtaining financing and incentives.

–          Research available state programs, federal funding, loans, grants, etc., as may be available in attracting new industry and supporting existing businesses and municipalities.

–          Plan for housing improvements and/or construction to support and attract new industry, coordinating with municipalities and/or private investors.

–          Provide information, advice, advocacy, and other assistance required by businesses to expedite government processes and procedures.

–          Monitor recent developments, current literature, and other relevant sources of economic development information.

–          Work with the cities of Norton County to redefine and improve their respective “downtowns.”

–          Meet with each member City Council annually and County Board of Commissioners monthly.

–          Attend Board meetings and execute short and long-term economic development goals identified by the Board.

–          Coordinate economic development activities with the Board and outside agencies.

–          Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board, government officials, community groups, media representatives, and the public.

–          Serve as spokesperson for Norton County in matters relating to economic development and articulate the importance of these activities to all sectors of the community.

–          Analyze problems, provide alternatives, and identify solutions in support of established goals; anticipate consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations.

–          Conduct effective research and prepare accurate reports.

–          Maintain and exhibit integrity and discretion in the handling of confidential data.

–          Develop grant proposals and budgets to support economic development projects.

–          Lead the local Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge.

–          Perform related duties and fulfill other responsibilities as required.

 

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning or a related field; 3-years of increasingly responsible professional experience in Economic Development, Grant Writing, Business or Public Sector Management, including 1-year administrative experience; excellent communication skills; outstanding organizational skills.

 

HOURS
The Norton City/County Economic Development Director position is a salaried position that is subject to the Norton County employee rules and regulations. The successful candidate must work a minimum of 40 hours per week. Travel and some evening work are required. Salary based upon experience.