ECONOMIC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER at Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County in Jefferson, OH

Job Description

ABOUT THE GROWTH PARTNERSHIP:  The Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that serves as the lead economic development entity for Ashtabula County, Ohio, which is an eclectic county located on northeast Ohio with nearly 98,000 residents.  The county has strong manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tourism sectors with additional opportunities for growth.  To learn more visit our website at www.ashtabulagrowth.com.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:  The Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County is seeking a highly responsible and organized person to join our economic development team.  We are looking for an enthusiastic individual that wants to assist in making Ashtabula County a great place to live and do business, while growing their own career.

Under the supervision of the Executive Director, this position provides a variety of functions related to identifying resources and deploying programs to assist business owners looking to invest in Ashtabula County.  Responsibilities of the Economic & Workforce Development Manager will include, but not be limited to, coordinating, directing, and implementing programs and projects that support industrial and commercial development; managing workforce development initiatives, programs, and partnerships; organizing and leading meetings with existing businesses to identify opportunities to support their success; assist with the attraction of domestic and international businesses; respond to site selection requests for information; assist with marketing and promotion of the Growth Partnership; representing Growth Partnership at community meetings and events; development of public facilities and infrastructure; small business development initiatives; collecting and maintaining economic and demographic data; and/or other economic development, redevelopment, or capital improvement programs or projects.

This is  hand-on position that will work in cooperation with a variety of partners in local and state government, education, public utilities, and regional and statewide economic development.  The candidate must have the ability to multi-task, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.  Our team members must maintain regular in-office attendance, but some remote work is possible.

SALARY:  $45,000-$52,000, depending on experience.

OUR BENEFITS INCLUDE:  Paid personal, vacation, holidays, and sick days; Retirement Savings Plan – we match 100% of your contributions up to 3% of your salary; Medical/dental insurance reimbursement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  BUSINESS RETENTION, EXPANSION & ATTRACTION (BRE+A)-Build and maintain a strong, collaborative working relationships with business leaders, property owners, local and regional economic development partners, and stakeholders.  Work closely with external partners such as Team NEO, JobsOhio, Eastgate and YWRC among others.  Connects with existing and new businesses about County procedures, plans, location opportunities, and other business resources.

Assist in the development and administration of financial incentive programs; plan and implement various projects related to economic development.  Demonstrate the ability to interpret and communicate applicable regulations and policies.

Collect relevant data and respond to site consultant RFIs.  Collect data about available commercial real estate in the county and maintain Growth Partnership’s database of available properties.

Coordinate and participate in meetings with local businesses.  Assess and document the short and long-term needs of local businesses; collect and analyze business and industry data; identify resources and develop concise thoughtful strategies to address key business challenges and opportunities; provide timely and effective follow-up.

Attend meetings, make presentations, coordinate and facilitate discussions, provide reliable information on economic development issues, prepare and present activity updates, and provide a positive and collaborative impression of the county.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT-Build and maintain collaborative relationships with workforce and education institutions and partners, staffing agencies, industry groups, economic development agencies, and other relevant groups and organizations.  This includes the local school districts, career and technical schools, and regional institutions of higher education and specialized training.

Lead, coordinate and/or broker solutions to Ashtabula County workforce challenges with relevant partners.   Assist with the creation and implementation of new and innovative workforce-related programs and services to meet business needs.

Provide information and make presentations on workforce development issues, programs, services, and plans.

Managing Growth Partnership’s workforce programs and initiatives, including the CCMEP Job Shadowing and Internship Program, and maintaining the Jobs Board.

Represent the Growth Partnership in public forums on workforce development, by making public presentations and communicating with stakeholders on issues.

Be familiar with the existing inventory of available workforce, education, and  training programs and services and human resource assets, including assembling, maintaining, and promoting information on workforce resources, grants, and projects.

Manage Growth Partnership’s Jobs Board, which includes adding and maintaining company profiles, entering and updating company job descriptions, and general oversight and management of the website.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS:  Collaborate in the development of Growth Partnerships marketing strategies, programs, materials, graphics, and content.  This incudes traditional marketing approaches using print and other media as well as social media.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  A successful candidate will have the ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, business representatives, partner entities, and the public during challenging situations, have excellent communication skills, be well organized, and bring creative ideas to the team.  The county has a wide variety of industrial and commercial development with great opportunities for expansion of existing businesses and new business investment.  General knowledge of business, small business, economic development, and workforce development are required.

Knowledge of business practices, laws, and trends.

Knowledge of finance or underwriting practices.

Knowledge of economic and workforce development practices, systems, and program design; knowledge of training systems.

Demonstrated computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet research.

Ability to carry out routine administrative and supervisory details independently.

Ability to maintain records and to prepare accurate reports and tabulations from such records.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with fellow employees, outside agency personnel, and the public.

Ability to  provide a wide variety of duties and responsibilities  with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Must possess and maintain in good standing a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT:  The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment-Office environment; travel from site; work with computer and office equipment; work closely with others.

Physical-Sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment; sit or stand for prolonged periods of time; operate motorized vehicles.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:  The Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County is committed to the full utilization of all human resources and to a policy of equal employment opportunity.  Our agency will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment of any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to race, age, color, religion, sex, national origin, covered disabilities, or handicaps and veteran status.