Website Forge ECI
Forge ECI exists to market the assets of the nine-county region on behalf of the member counties for business and talent attraction. The President and CEO is responsible for the effective and efficient execution of the strategic direction set forth by the Board of Directors. The President and CEO create a platform for public-private collaboration on regional economic development strategy, implement programs, convene key regional stakeholders, and externally market the region.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform the functions listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Collaboration & Engagement Management:
- Develop and cultivate relationships and trusted leadership throughout the region and the state.
- Facilitate the necessary dialogue on issues related to the regional business climate.
- Coordinate efforts with the Local Economic Development Organizations and stakeholders with similar interests.
- Develop and cultivate relationships with key funders and is responsible for fundraising annually to support the organization’s budget.
Communications/Public Affairs:
- Provide information to local media outlets to increase awareness and ensure they receive information on important topics and key events.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson, articulating the attributes of the region.
- Develop and implement ideas to promote regional approaches to solving problems.
- Inform regional stakeholders of the efforts, activities, and accomplishments of Forge ECI.
Management & Operations:
- Lead and carry out an overall strategic plan focused on business and talent attraction for the East Central Indiana Region.
- Assure development of, and execution against, the budget and strategies approved by the Board.
- Board Governance—manage board member communications, including new appointments, documentation, and orientation; ensure that Forge ECI bylaws and policies are enforced and proper reporting occurs.
- Develop dynamic organization and staff structures to meet Forge ECI’s evolving economic development roles and responsibilities, including grant and program management.
- Maintain an environment of teamwork that supports and rewards efforts and results.
- Ensure that the Forge ECI maintains an ethical and professional reputation for the work done.
Business & Talent Recruitment:
- Lead the development and execution of targeted marketing and business recruitment strategies with tactical plans to identify and generate leads, contacts, and projects to attract high-quality jobs and business investment into the Region.
- Conduct business development, travel, and activities to expand the region’s visibility and presence. Must travel in the region during work, approximately 5% overnight travel.
- Build long-term, positive, and sustainable relationships with business relocation experts, site selectors, real estate brokers, and consultants.
- Coordinate and host site selectors, brokers, and prospects visiting the region as needed.
- Serve as the primary economic development point of contact for the region and lead business attraction activities.
- Create and execute regional marketing strategies that aid in talent recruitment efforts and promote a positive image for the region.
Other Qualifications:
- A demonstrated ability to develop and maintain working relationships, interacting effectively with individuals and organizations to achieve results.
- Knowledge about the issues, models, and methods for successful economic development.
- Exceptional organizational and management skills with a proven track record of consensus-building are desired.
- Knowledge and understanding of budget and accounting principles.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with multiple stakeholders.
- Ability to make independent decisions and accept responsibility.
- Demonstrated ability to attract, retain, and develop excellent staff.
- Working knowledge of Indiana and its competitors.
- Ability to travel and represent Forge ECI on a regional, state, national, and international level.
- Forward and creative thinking, with the ability to analyze the big picture for Forge ECI.
- Commitment to Forge ECI’s Mission and Vision.
- Analytical skills and good judgment, with the ability to gather and digest information quickly and work in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong computer skills in the operation and function of all programs used by the organization, including Microsoft Office, Constant Contact, and social media platforms.
- Preserve strict confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
- Seek and accept opportunities for professional growth.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex regional initiatives like Indiana READI, including strategy development, project selection, stakeholder alignment, fund management, audit compliance, and program promotion.
Education / Experience Requirements:
- A BA/BS degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of work experience is required, ideally with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Economic development experience and/or CEcD certification are desirable.
- A proven record of increasing responsibility and accountability.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands below are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the employee assigned to this job. All employees must comply with the Company’s policies and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of personnel may vary. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Ability to sit for extended periods of time and to move intermittently throughout the workday.
- A valid driver’s license and vehicle are required.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Will be a part of the community and understand the local economic development players.
- Will be a consensus builder who provides leadership within our community. He or she will be able to work with many different organizations involved in economic development in the region.
- Will be someone who can both honor the winning tradition we have built, all while not being afraid to bring new ideas to the table. He or she will form good relationships with site consultants.
- Will be aggressive and focused on business development.
- Will focus on growing Forge ECI and will be an excellent fundraiser.
- Will be results-oriented and have a respectful, competitive drive. He or she will be a resilient self-starter who will seek out and land opportunities.
Compensation:
The salary will range from $130,000 to $160,000 and will be commensurate with experience, plus competitive benefits.
Residency:
Residency within the East Central Indiana Region during the position is preferred and highly encouraged.
References & Background Checks:
The finalists for the position will undergo background checks and credit checks that may include:
- Criminal records
- Driving records
- Education completion
- Personality profile assessments