Chief Strategic Growth Officer

Position Responsibilities

• Create and present a multi-year strategic plan for job creation and community/economic development in Genesee County.
• Annually refine and revise adopted community and economic development priorities with the full Board of Commissioners.
• Identify and evaluate potential partnership opportunities.
• Maintain and nurture collaborative relationships with local units of government, public agencies, private sector partners, philanthropic agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Afford assistance in negotiating partnership agreements and contracts.
• Develop, support, and execute economic development strategies aligned with Board of Commissioners' priorities and its partners.
• Manage community and economic development projects from conception through completion.
• Secure and manage grants and funding for community and economic development initiatives for both the county and for local units of government.
• Develop and publish an annual report on economic development projects in the county to include reflections, forecasting, and comparative yearly metrics.
• Plan and facilitate a bi-annual economic development conference to engage local municipalities throughout Genesee County and to provide professional development and networking opportunities for elected officials and local economic development staff.
• Represent the county at public meetings, business forums, and regional events.
• Stay abreast of current community and economic development trends and opportunities through state, national, and international educational forums and conferences.
• Attend all meetings of the full Board of Commissioners and the Community and Economic Development Committee.
• Provide regular updates (both in writing and in-person) to the full Board of Commissioners and the Community and Economic Development Committee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, public administration, business, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of successful professional experience in community and economic development and planning.
• Fluency with local, state, and federal economic development programs and various sources of funding and financing for community and economic development projects.
• Familiarity with Genesee County government and its priorities preferred.
• Familiarity and/or relationships with local municipalities within Genesee County preferred.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities (SKA)

• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and respectfully in a complex, politically diverse, and multicultural work and community environment that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills; ability to unite diverse stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of local barriers to community and economic development.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently and remain self-motivated.
• Demonstrated knowledge of real estate development and construction processes.
• Knowledge of public/private funding and leveraging strategies.
• Knowledge of economic development tools such as Retail Lease Trac, GIS software, etc., preferred.
• Community engagement facilitation skills preferred.
• Strong time-management skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines without compromising quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.