Executive Director ($165,000 – $185,000)

About the County

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Talladega County spans 740 square miles of picturesque landscapes, including lakes, forests, and rolling hills that offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Established in 1832 and named after a Creek Indian term meaning “town of rocks,” the county has a rich history tied to Native American heritage, the Civil War, and industrial innovation. It is home to the legendary Talladega Superspeedway, a NASCAR icon that draws global attention. Today, it strikes a balance between rural charm and urban accessibility, and a median age of 42.2, which fosters a welcoming environment for professionals at all life stages. The county’s strategic position supports robust logistics and manufacturing, with incentives like tax abatements and site certifications to attract investment.

 

The Community

Talladega County offers a welcoming, family-oriented lifestyle that combines the advantages of small-town living with easy access to larger metropolitan areas. Housing remains highly affordable, with median home values significantly below the national average and a wide range of options from historic neighborhoods to new construction.

Residents enjoy abundant outdoor recreation, including boating and fishing on Logan Martin Lake and Lay Lake, hiking and camping in Talladega National Forest, and year-round activities at Cheaha State Park, home to Alabama’s highest point. Cultural and entertainment options include live performances at the Ritz Theatre, community theater productions, seasonal festivals, downtown farmers’ markets, and First Friday events in Talladega and Sylacauga.

The county maintains lower-than-average crime rates and a strong sense of community involvement. With Birmingham just 45 minutes west and Atlanta less than two hours east via I-20, residents have quick access to major airports, professional sports, world-class dining, shopping, and cultural attractions while returning home to a quieter, more affordable setting each evening.

 

Major Employers

Talladega County is powered by a robust economy anchored in advanced manufacturing and distribution, employing over 36,000 in the labor force. Key industries include automotive, wood products, calcium carbonate mining, and rail-served logistics, supported by world-class infrastructure.

• Honda of Alabama

• New South Express

• Alabama Institute for Deaf & Blind

• Talladega County Board of Education

• Nemak – Alabama

• Kasai North America, Inc.

• Legacy Cabinets

• Coosa Valley Medical Center

• Blue Bell Creameries

• Wal-Mart – Sylacauga

 

Workforce

Talladega County delivers a skilled, reliable, and cost-competitive workforce deeply rooted in advanced manufacturing and logistics, backed by Alabama’s top-ranked training ecosystem and exceptional regional labor draw. More than 65% of Honda Manufacturing of Alabama’s 4,500 associates commute into the county daily, proving the area’s ability to attract talent from a broad labor shed. As a right-to-work state with low unionization and a strong work ethic, the county is particularly strong in automotive assembly, metal fabrication, plastics injection molding, welding, industrial maintenance, and CDL operations.

Training & Development Programs

• AIDT, Alabama’s top-ranked workforce training program, delivers comprehensive recruitment, screening, and fully customized pre- and post-employment training.
• Alabama’s Apprenticeship Programs offer structured career pathways that build long-term, job-ready talent.
• The Alabama Technology Network provides specialized training in Lean, Quality, IT, HR, Safety, Industrial Maintenance, and other essential skill areas.
• The East Alabama Rural Innovation & Training Hub (EARTH) drives workforce and community development through multidisciplinary training and innovation initiatives and is currently under construction.
• Strong partnerships with Central Alabama Community College, Gadsden State, and the East AlabamaWorks! region supports technical certificates, Ready-to-Work programs, and continuous upskilling opportunities.

 

The Organization

Founded to promote sustainable growth, the Talladega County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) serves as the county’s lead agency for business attraction and expansion. Our mission is to create a prosperous environment through strategic site development, incentive programs, and partnerships that leverage our ample land, natural resources, and transportation network. With a dedicated team and a board of local leaders, TCEDA has facilitated major investments, including Honda’s location and expansion, as well as the development of rail-served industrial parks. As Executive Director, you’ll inherit a legacy of success and the tools to propel Talladega County into its next era of innovation. Join us in building a brighter future!

 

The Position

The Executive Director serves as CEO of the Talladega County Economic Development Authority, reporting to an independent Board of Directors. The Executive Director leads all new-industry recruitment, existing-industry retention and expansion, strategic planning, talent and fiscal management, policy development, and process improvement while maintaining close, confidential relationships with the Board, private-sector partners, community leaders, and local, state, and federal stakeholders.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Development of industrial development goals, objectives, strategies, and annual work programs; obtain Board approval and aggressively implement.
• Preparation of relevant budgets and financial reports, as well as maintenance of all organizational records.
• Staff administration, training, supervision, and performance evaluation of Administrative and Research Analyst staff.
• Initiation and oversight of research activities, including compilation and regular updating of demographic statistics, labor force data, targeted industry identification, and product/resource linkages.
• Implementation of targeted marketing activities, including preparation of sales literature, advertising, publicity, direct mail, digital/social media, trade show participation, conducting prospecting trips, making sales calls, delivering follow-up presentations, and coordinating prospect visits and familiarization tours.
• Development and management of existing industry assistance and retention/expansion programs through regular visitation and issue resolution.
• Initiation of formal mechanisms to involve local governments, utilities, educational institutions, chambers, and other appropriate parties in the industrial development program and coordination of their pertinent activities.
• Oversight of industrial site development, speculative building projects, and site-readiness programs.
• Packaging and negotiation of incentive agreements and performance contracts.
• Serving as primary spokesperson and representing TCEDA before the Board, community groups, media, state agencies, and at regional/national events.
• Other responsibilities as determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economic development, business/public administration, marketing, planning, economic geography, urban studies, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of full-time professional economic/industrial development experience preferred.
• At least 5 years in senior leadership/management roles within an economic development organization.
• Ongoing professional development in the field.
• CEcD or Certified Industrial Developer strongly preferred (or commitment to obtain within 2 years).

 

Required Knowledge & Skills

• Proven ability to deliver persuasive verbal and written presentations to boards, prospects, site consultants, elected officials, and media.
• Deep expertise in prospect development, targeted marketing, project packaging, incentive negotiation, labor analysis, site readiness, transportation/logistics, and tax analysis.
• Working knowledge of laws governing Alabama economic development authorities and 501(c)(6) organizations.
• Proficiency with site-selection databases, GIS tools, and economic data platforms.
• Established relationships within Alabama’s economic development ecosystem are highly desirable.

 

Other Requirements

• Frequent non-reimbursed overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Frequent in-state and out-of-state travel (including multi-day trips) for marketing missions, trade shows, and prospect visits.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

 

Compensation

The salary range for the Executive Director position will be $165,000 – $185,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus competitive benefits that include health insurance, a retirement plan, a vehicle allowance, and relocation assistance (if applicable).

 

Residency 

Residency in the Talladega County area is required within the first 90 days.

 

References & Background Checks

The finalists for the position will undergo background and credit checks that may include:

• Criminal Records
• Driving Records
• Education Completion
• Personality Profile Assessments

 

Submit your resume electronically by 5PM CST, Friday, January 30, 2026