Website Forward Devils Lake Economic Development

Forward Devils Lake Corp. is seeking a full time Executive Director responsible for promoting and maintaining Devils Lake, Ramsey County and the Devils Lake Region’s economic vitality. This position supports business development, expansion and retention within Ramsey County and the City of Devils Lake. The Executive Director should be a highly motivated individual with knowledge of running a non-profit entity and working with a Board of Directors.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Planning, Marketing, Finance or other related field.
  • Strong Relationship building skills
  • Good Verbal/writing/computer skills
  • Strong communication and interaction skills
  • Management/organization/supervisory skills
  • Economic Development Understanding

 

Previous experience or knowledge with Business Development, Entrepreneurship, and Lending. Applicant will also be working closely with the Devils Lake City Commission and Ramsey County Commission. A combination of education and previous work experience will be considered for all applicants.

To apply email resume and cover letter to Board President Chace Austvold chace@cojacksnacks.com

For a more detailed job description/information go to www.forwarddevilslakend.com. This position is open until filled.

 

ORGANIZATION

Forward Devils Lake Corporation (FDL) is a private non-profit 501(c)(6) organization which has been in existence since 1995.

The mission of FDL is: “To foster and develop existing and new business and industry in the Lake Region”.

The Lake Region served by FDL consists primarily of Devils Lake and Ramsey County, North Dakota. The region’s economy is primarily supported by agriculture, tourism, manufacturing. Devils Lake is a regional retail/service center as well as a regional healthcare center.

 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Executive Director of FDL is the chief executive and administrative staff of the corporation.

The Executive Director is appointed by the FDL Board of Directors and serves at their will in the development and implementation of the corporation’s economic development strategy for the City of Devils, Lake and Ramsey County, North Dakota. The Forward Devils Lake organization serves as the recommending body to the City of Devils Lake Job Development Authority for the use of the City Sales tax Growth Fund.

The executive director provides strategic oversight in developing and implementing strategies and initiatives that further the mission of the organization. The Executive Director must be an individual with an enthusiasm to strive for goal-oriented results. This individual must possess an ability to develop trust and respect amongst the FDL Board of Directors, City and County officials, regional businesses, partner organizations, community stakeholders, and the public.

The ability to provide leadership that motivates action amongst people over which they have no authoritative position is a characteristic the Executive Director should possess. The Executive Director will be an individual who will help lead Devils Lake and Ramsey County to a more diversified and vibrant economy, which will have long-term benefits to the region.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manage all operations of FDL. Review, develop, and implement policies and procedures that provide effective and efficient administration of FDL’s programs and operations.
  • Provide strategic policy/program review, development, and implementation.
  • Develops and maintains trusting relationships with FDL’s public and private investors.
  • Develops and maintains trusting relationships with partner organizations, stakeholders and the people of Devils Lake and Ramsey County.
  • Oversee the development and delivery of all aspects of business development marketing plans and materials. This includes, but is not limited to, website, brochures, special events, industry trade events, etc.
  • Promote and market the FDL service area as a location to recruit prospective businesses and individuals, to retain existing businesses and to encourage new business start-ups.
  • Works with the regional education partners, LRSC, Devils Lake Schools, and other regional town schools to help align graduating students with local business and industry to help meet regional workforce needs.
  • Communicate a broad array of business development location and finance program services to existing, new and prospective businesses located or considering location in the FDL service area
  • Prepares and maintains up-to-date information on local, regional, state, and federal program resources available to support business development and finance.
  • Serve as the spokesperson for FDL (when appropriate) through various print and broadcast media channels, as well as social media networks.
  • Perform budgetary responsibilities and fiscal management relative to implementing FDL program strategies within budget parameters. This includes monitoring and tracking all revenues and expenditures of the organization.
  • Provide program development, delivery and reporting services for City of Devils Lake and/or Ramsey County incentive programs, as directed by the FDL Board of Directors.
  • Oversee the development and delivery of all aspects of the FDL Board of Directors meetings, committees, and member relations efforts.
  • Oversee the design and production of FDL communications, published reports and other documents intended for internal and external audiences.
  • Other duties as assigned by the FDL Board of Directors.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job duties described in this job description.

 

ESSENTIAL COMPETENCIES

  • Must recognize the importance and value of performing al duties at the highest level of integrity and ethics. Al direct and indirect communications with people must be done in away of conveying respect for other peoples’ ideas, interests, and capabilities. Fair and equitable treatment of others is imperative.
  • Must operate FDL programs and manage FDL resources with a focus of accountability to assure the organizations public and private resources are managed appropriately.
  • Must have interpersonal skills that will allow for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with FDL Board of Directors, City of Devils Lake officials, Ramsey County officials, private investors, partner organizations, stakeholders, private businesses, state agencies, federal agencies, and local residents etc.
  • Exceptional networking skills (using all communications mediums and methods) are a necessity. Seeking out and developing new relationships to broaden a network of people that understand and speak positively about Devils Lake and Ramsey County will be essential for success.
  • Interpersonal skills that can motivate support and action by others through cooperative relationships will be essential. Must operate with a sense of diplomacy and trust when working with investors, partners, stakeholders, businesses, etc.
  • Must have the capacity to work closely with the FDL Board and its partners to fully understand the mission of FDL and ensure the organizations programs and initiatives are developed and implemented in alignment with that vision.
  • Must have the ability to be a good problem-solver. Having capabilities to assess a situation, evaluating outcome scenarios, and involving appropriate support decision makers when necessary, etc. are vital to project success and maintaining trusting relationships.
  • Must be capable of interacting at a professional level that connects with top business executives to enhance opportunities for new and expanding business development in the region.
  • Must be capable of gathering information, interpreting policies, evaluating local/state/federal laws and utilizing other information to formulate strategies and programs.
  • Must have a general knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, business investment, and program planning and evaluation.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

The following requirements are essential to performing the duties of the executive director.

  • Education – A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Planning, Finance or other related field. Bachelors degree requirement may be waved in lieu of experience.
  • Experience – Three years of similar or related business experience preferred.
  • Time Management – Experience working in a multi-tasking environment, which requires prioritizing and managing multiple projects and tasks at the same time.
  • Computer Skills -Proven experience utilizing software systems for word processing, spreadsheets, visual presentations, newsletters, email, social media networks, database, etc. Proficiency in Microsoft suite of programs preferred.
  • Public Speaking – Experience in speaking in public settings, through media channels, and communicating effectively in making presentations (to large and small groups).
  • Hours – Must be willing and capable of working extra or irregular hours as program delivery demands requires.
  • Travel – Must be in possession of a valid drivers license and be able to travel as required (including air travel).

 

WORKPLACE PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may require the ability to:

  • Sit frequently at a workstation, sometimes in a car, and approximately 20% – 30% of the time in travel by land and/or air
  • Walk, stand, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, use hands, reach with hands and arms.
  • Ability to lift to 50 pounds.

Work location is City Hall – Devils Lake, North Dakota. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job duties described in this job description.

 

COMPENSATION / BENEFITS

  • Competitive Starting Salary Range – $65-85k based on experience and qualifications
  • Eligible for an annual Cost of living increase January 1st of each year that matches the City of Devils Lake increase.
  • A merit increase upon successful review would also occur on July 1st of each year.
  • Health Insurance allowance – to be determined.
  • Cellphone Allowance of $75.00 per month
  • Retirement plan Contribution – to be determined
  • Vacation accrual of 1.0 days per month – 12 days per year
  • All City Holidays will be recognized by FDL. Currently 10.5 holidays per year (See City of Devils Lake Calendar)
  • Sick leave will accrue at 1 day per month with no limit on carryover. Sick leave will be paid out at 50% upon leaving job.
  • Must maintain your residence in Devils Lake

 

This posting is Open until filled

To apply email resume and cover letter to Forward Devils Lake Board President Chace Austvold chace@cojacksnacks.com

To apply for this job email your details to chace@cojacksnacks.com