FloridaWest Econ Dev Alliance – CEO ($165,000 – $200,000)

About The Position 

The CEO functions as the chief administrative/executive officer of the Community Economic Development Association, Inc. (dba “FloridaWest EDA”) and serves as the public face and voice of the corporation by playing a leading role in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with business and community leaders. The CEO is responsible for leading the organization and overseeing all financial, operational, and planning functions for all services relative to the goals and objectives of FloridaWest’s Board and Mission.<span data-ccp-props="

This position manages all economic development efforts for FloridaWest, to include the ability to attract and recruit new businesses and demonstrated skill with existing business retention and expansion, workforce development, entrepreneurship, site development, and project management. The CEO is directly responsible to the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors for all actions involving FloridaWest. Assigned work is performed independently and the individual must exercise initiative and judgment in the performance of duties. This employee is responsible for determining the urgency and priority of workload. This is a salaried, exempt position. Long work hours exceeding normal business hours are required on most days and without extra compensation. 

The CEO is Responsible for… 

• Formulating, planning, organizing, and administering objectives and policies for achieving major area goals.
• Assuring the critical success factors of the organization are constantly highlighted and addressed.
• Assuring FloridaWest’s effective and profitable operation through optimum use of human resources, financial resources, equipment, technology, and processes in order to fulfill the goals of FloridaWest.
• Assuring sound business practices are in place and used by all staff.
• The finances of the organization, including: the planning of the budget, presentation to the Board of Directors, and control and audit of the approved budget.
• Approving disbursements, co-signing checks with the officers, and maintaining general control of expenditures.
• Establishing and maintaining a satisfactory working relationship with community leaders, public officials, and private and public agencies.
•  Approving disbursements, co-signing checks with the officers, and maintaining general control of expenditures.
• Establishing and maintaining a satisfactory working relationship with community leaders, public officials, and private and public agencies.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

•  Serving as a spokesperson for FloridaWest and the Pensacola Escambia County Economic Development Commission.
• Presenting to various organizations – professional and civic groups – in areas concerning FloridaWest, its activities, and purpose.
• Serving as advisor to the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors regarding FloridaWest’s policy and the drafting of President and Board-directed policy statements.
• Interacting with the organization’s Board of Directors and committees, as directed.
• Serving as a non-voting member of the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and all other committees and task forces.
• Supervising all employees, including hiring, establishing salary levels, and termination, within limits of the budget and policies adopted by the Board of Directors.
• Delegating responsibilities to appropriate staff members.
•  Making final decisions as to the selection or termination of all direct reports.
• Preparing and maintaining statements regarding all FloridaWest policies set forth by the Board of Directors, and formulating plans whereby the Board may re-examine, reaffirm, and/or rescind such policies, when necessary.
• The location, design, and upkeep of facilities and equipment, in concurrence with the Board, which provide for efficient operation and an attractive first impression to the community.
• Serving as a point of reference and information for all of FloridaWest’s activities.
• Working directly with companies that lead to increases in job growth at those companies.
• Developing and managing product development efforts to assist companies in the creation of new jobs.
• Managing Economic Development Department staff in areas including: technology, entrepreneurship, existing business, business recruitment, project management, and workforce development.
• Meeting with key partners in the community to assist in economic development activities, including business recruitment and retention, product development, and entrepreneurial efforts.
• Creating partnerships regionally, nationally, and globally with business leaders, investors, site selection consultants, state and national economic development professionals, and private sector clients, focused on economic development programs and opportunities.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict other tasks that may be assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. 

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

The successful candidate will… 

•  Be familiar with the goals and objectives of FloridaWest and its role in the community.
• Possess a sound understanding of budget and accounting principles.
• Be able to read, analyze, and interpret complex documents.
• Be able to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Be able to write and make presentations respectfully and effectively to staff, public groups, board members, and local officials.
• Possess general personnel management aptitude.
• Be able to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Be able to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Be able to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Will possess the following computer skills: Knowledge of Windows XP (at a minimum); all aspects of the Microsoft Office Suite, version 2010 preferred; ability to conduct database operations; and the ability to navigate the Internet.

The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform this job successfully. 

Our Ideal Candidate  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies: 

•  Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs workflows and procedures.
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
•  Delegation – Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Managing People – Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates’ activities; Makes self available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates’ skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
•  Visionary Leadership – Displays passion and optimism; Inspires respect and trust; mobilizes others to fulfill the vision; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates.
• Business Acumen – Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.
•  Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Contributes to profits and revenue; Conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity – Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
• Strategic Thinking – Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization’s strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

Education/Experience Requirements 

A bachelor’s degree is required, master’s degree preferred, Certification encouraged. Five (5) years of related experience working in an executive position with significant personnel, financial, and strategic responsibility and/or training in economic development; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Significant supervisory experience preferred. 

How to Apply 

Submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references by 5 PM CT on Friday August 16th, 2024. 

To express your interest, visit jobs.thenextmovegroup.com/floridawest, or email floridawest@nextmovegroup.com.