Position function: This role coordinates and provides timely outreach to Marshall County and its communities to address their economic and community development needs. Through routine engagement with employers, community leaders, and local stakeholders, the director will assist in overcoming obstacles, implementing innovative solutions, and reversing population decline trends in rural areas. The position also supports agriculture-related developments, including small producer initiatives, large animal production operations, grain cooperative support, farm-to-table opportunities, and further processing from local production. Additionally, the director will collaborate with other Chamber staff as needed.
General responsibilities/tasks:
1. Community and Economic Development Support
a. Develop relationships with local elected officials, community stakeholders, city administrators/clerks, economic development leaders, and school officials in the communities outside of Marshalltown in Marshall County. These communities include Albion, Clemons, Ferguson, Gilman, Haverhill, Laurel, Le Grand, Liscomb, Melbourne, Rhodes, St. Anthony, and State Center. Also included are the following un-incorporated areas: Green Mountain, Bangor, Dunbar, LaMoille, Marietta, and Quarry.
b. Develop an understanding of the needs/issues of each of these communities.
c. Provide timely assistance to these communities related to economic and community development needs.
d. Organize and facilitate quarterly meetings for representatives from each community to report out progress and build stronger collaboration throughout the county.
2. Agricultural Business Development
a. Work closely with local agricultural companies and stakeholders to support new and burgeoning agriculture-related developments.
b. Assist small producers, large animal production operations, and grain cooperatives with their development needs.
c. Promote and support farm-to-table initiatives and other processing activities stemming from local production.
d. Stay informed about trends and developments in the agricultural sector to provide relevant and timely support.
3. Retail/Restaurant Business Development
a. Assist the Chamber team with retail and restaurant recruitment and development efforts throughout Marshall County.
b. Collaborate with local businesses and entrepreneurs to foster a vibrant retail and restaurant scene.
c. Provide support and resources to new and existing businesses to ensure their success and sustainability.
d. Identify and pursue opportunities to attract new businesses to the area.
4. Community Relations
a. Represent the Chamber and Marshalltown community in a positive manner to the public, business stakeholders, and other appropriate audiences.
b. Engage in appropriate community boards and organizations.
c. Participate in local and state economic development organizations as appropriate.
d. Attend City Council and Board of Supervisor meetings as needed.
5. Administrative
a. Provide timely reports on the work of the Marshall County Economic Development program to the President & CEO, staff, boards, and others as deemed necessary.
b. Continually pursue best practices and finds opportunities to augment the economic development efforts for the businesses of Marshall County.
c. Attend committee meetings as assigned.
d. Assist with office administration as necessary; such as answering phones and assisting customers.
e. Develop and implement the plan of work for the Contract for Economic Development Services that can demonstrate outreach and success that can be measured by the Marshall County Board of Supervisors.
f. Provide quarterly written reports, semi-annual presentations, and as requested updated to the Marshall County Board of Supervisors on progress and updates.
Education/Experience Requirements:
· Bachelor’s degree related field preferred.
· Two (2) years’ experience in related field preferred.
· Demonstrated experience in initiating and monitoring several projects at once.
· Exceptional communication skills.
Other Requirements:
· Ability to work nights and weekends as required.
· Ability to lift 25 pounds.
· Valid driver’s license.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, as other programs and activities may be added through action by the President/CEO as needed.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
- Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Preferred)
- Research: 1 year (Preferred)
- Microsoft Word: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Marshalltown, IA 50158 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Marshalltown, IA 50158: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person