Executive Director for Lake Economic Area Development - Lake County

The Lake Economic Area Development Partnership (LEAD) works in close coordination with Lake County government, area chambers of commerce, and municipal partners to attract, retain, and grow businesses across Lake County's 14 cities and unincorporated communities. Located in the heart of Central Florida — bordered by Orange, Sumter, Marion, Volusia, and Polk counties and within an hour of Orlando — Lake County offers a distinctive mix of natural beauty (the Harris Chain of Lakes, rolling hills, and citrus groves), a growing manufacturing and logistics base, and a rapidly expanding population. The Partnership's mission is to build a diverse, resilient, and inclusive local economy that creates high-wage job opportunities for residents.

About the role

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of the Partnership and the county's lead advocate for business attraction, retention, and expansion. This individual will set strategic direction, manage a small professional staff, oversee the organization's budget, and serve as the primary liaison between the private sector, the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, municipal governments, workforce and education partners, and regional economic development allies across Central Florida.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive economic development strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and regional priorities.
  • Identify regional supply-chain gaps and target industries that complement and strengthen existing employers.
  • Lead efforts to attract new businesses, retain existing companies, and support entrepreneurial development.
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities including grants, partnerships, and member investment growth.
  • Monitor and analyze economic trends to guide strategic initiatives and regional competitiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Regional Collaboration
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization with business, government, community, and media audiences.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with municipal partners, legislators, education leaders, employers, and economic development stakeholders.
  • Use Board member networks strategically to strengthen partnerships, advance priority projects, and expand regional opportunities.
  • Establish consistent communication with regional partners to maintain alignment, coordination, and shared accountability.
• Membership Development & Investor Engagement
  • Attract, retain, and engage member investors who support the organization’s mission and initiatives.
  • Cultivate relationships with key employers and industry leaders throughout the region.
  • Demonstrate strong sales and outreach capability to promote the region and expand investment support.
• Organizational Leadership & Operations
  • Lead and support a small professional team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and results.
  • Modernize internal processes and systems to ensure the organization remains responsive, efficient, and forward-thinking.
  • Oversee daily operations including budgeting, program development, performance measurement, and reporting.
  • Manage partnerships with outsourced financial and administrative service providers to maintain operational efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with all legal, financial, and ethical standards.
  • Provide regular reports to the Board of Directors on strategy execution, financial health, and organizational performance.
• Marketing, Communications & Regional Promotion
  • Develop and lead a unified regional marketing strategy in partnership with municipalities and regional partners.
  • Promote the region to prospective employers, investors, and stakeholders through clear, compelling, and data-informed messaging.
  • Use storytelling, market data, and digital tools to elevate the region’s visibility, competitiveness, and business recruitment efforts.

Requirements

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Economics, Urban Planning, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, business development, public administration, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated success in business recruitment, partnership development, or regional economic growth initiatives.
  • Proven experience working with boards, public-sector partners, and private-sector stakeholders.
  • CEcD preferred.
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strategic and visionary leadership with strong execution capabilities.
  • Exceptional communication and storytelling ability.
  • Strong political awareness and ability to navigate public-private partnerships.
  • Proven relationship-building skills across business, government, and community leaders.
  • Sales and marketing mindset with comfort promoting and pitching regional opportunities.
  • Ability to manage complex initiatives and lead a small, high-performing team.
  • Capacity to modernize systems and processes while maintaining organizational stability.

Pay

Recommended base salary range: $175,000–$200,000, commensurate with experience, qualifications, and market competitiveness. Performance-based incentive opportunity may be considered based on Board-approved goals and measurable organizational outcomes.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package to include health coverage, retirement support, paid time off, and professional development resources.