Job Description

The Greater Muskegon Economic Development Board of Directors is seeking a new President to continue the forward momentum provided by retiring President Jim Edmonson. This is an incredible opportunity to work with a great team, supportive Board, engaged and collaborative community stakeholders in a region that has a wide range of unique assets. You will be able to make a significant impact supporting businesses, and driving programs that will provide equitable opportunities for community residents.

About Greater Muskegon Economic Development:

Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED) Economic Development Corporation was founded in 1999 and is the countywide economic development agency dedicated to supporting local business. GMED’s focus is to leverage public and private investment to accelerate business growth and the creation of high-quality employment opportunities in Muskegon County. GMED is uniquely positioned to help local businesses meet their economic objectives and offers the following programs and services:

• Advise as to business expansion assistance
• Assist with site location and planning
• Coordinate economic development incentives and grant opportunities
• Assist with infrastructure development
• Provide project financing assistance
• Offer Brownfield redevelopment support
• Serve as a liaison between business and state and local government
• Assist with access to a number of workforce training programs
• Provide demographic and labor market information
• Develop industry councils and roundtables

The Muskegon region offers an incredible quality of life - Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, you can enjoy incredible sunsets, year round outdoor recreation, high quality cultural amenities including symphony and theater, great schools, state parks, and a vibrant downtown.

Assets of the region include:

• Home to Global Companies and Thriving Entrepreneurs
• Abundant Water and Wastewater Resources
• Food Processing and Agricultural Products Powerhouse
• Natural Deepwater Port
• Close Proximity to Major Metropolitan Hubs
• Customized Education-to-Workforce Pipeline
• Ongoing Renaissance and Construction Boom
• Year-round Tourism Destination

GMED collaborates closely with many key partners, including The Right Place and Lakeshore Advantage. This coalition has helped make West Michigan one of the hottest areas of growth in the country.

To learn more about GMED, please visit:

https://www.developmuskegon.org/about/

About the opportunity:

You will have a significant impact on inclusive growth in the region. You will work collaboratively with a great team of staff and stakeholders to drive economic development opportunities for Muskegon county.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the management of various economic development programs and projects that support business growth and expansion, with a focus on the manufacturing sector.
• Cultivate partnerships with local elected officials, businesses, school administrators, workforce development leaders, regional and state economic development partners.
• In conjunction with a wide range of stakeholders, develop the vision and strategic plan for economic development for the region.
• Support and develop staff
• Develop the budget and ensure adequate fundraising to support the organization
• Meet with Muskegon County companies to support growth and expansion, address business concerns, and connect with the appropriate resources
• In partnership with schools, colleges, businesses and other stakeholders, enhance workforce development initiatives

About you

Qualified candidates for this role may have a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences.

Key qualifications include:

• An ability and passion to help businesses grow
• A leadership style that is engaging, collaborative and results oriented
• A commitment to inclusion and genuine embrace of all - rural and urban, manufacturing and high tech, etc.
• Leadership skills that are broad - you can create and sell a vision for economic development, and also use your project management and relationship building skills to implement the resulting strategic plan.

To apply please provide a resume and cover letter by Sunday, Feb 27.