The Vice President, Economic Development is in direct support of the Economic Development Division of a fast paced, non-profit Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Organization (Chamber / EDC) located the Fox Cities Region of Wisconsin. This position is responsible for the management of prospect activity including recruitment and expansion of new and existing primary employers for the region. The Vice President, Economic Development actively engages with site selectors, company executives, business owners, brokers and public officials to encourage companies to locate or expand in the region.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

• Actively participate in the Chamber / EDC’s targeted marketing and recruitment initiatives to attract new primary employers to the region including advancement of the team goals and objectives identified in the strategic plan.
• Manage prospect inquiries and projects from initiation to completion including extensive documentation of activity and data management.
• Design and prepare business proposals and responses to prospect inquiries, Requests for Information and Requests for Proposals.
• Coordinate and host prospect visits including all preparations through the execution of the visit.
• Provide incentive analysis and follow on coordination of incentives with local and state agencies on behalf of the prospect.
• Provide regular reports to the CEO for presentation to the Board and other stakeholder groups on attraction and related program activities.
• Participate in targeted trade shows and headquarter visits as part of outbound marketing recruitment and business retention efforts.
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

• Maintain an in-depth working knowledge of local and state incentive programs.
• Maintain a strong working knowledge of the local commercial real estate market.
• Manage prospect referral opportunities with Chamber / EDC members.
• Maintain an active awareness and knowledge of community issues and engage in community boards and activities (approved by the CEO) that advance and/or affect the business climate.
• Represent the Chamber / EDC, its mission, and activities to members, elected officials, community leaders, business leaders and the public to include formal presentations. Maintain and nurture relationships with Chamber / EDC members and partner organizations.
• Fundraising to support the Chamber’s mission to include encouragement of membership and investment in the organization.
• Participate in community events to represent or promote the Chamber / EDC, the business community, and/or the community at-large.
• Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• High level of professionalism to interact with C-level executives, company representatives, elected officials, peers and the public.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion and judgement in dealing with sensitive and confidential information, as well as possess the ability to perform well under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Highly motivated self-starter that possesses strong organizational, analytical and time management skills to be able to handle multiple projects and priorities, anticipate the needs of prospects and exhibits good follow-through skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as exhibits a strong attention to detail, high level customer service, problem solving, and project management abilities.
• Strong presentation skills and a thorough knowledge and understanding of economic development practices and principles.
• Excellent understanding of the needs of business and deal making skills to discern prospect needs and make appropriate decisions regarding information submitted, key introductions to be made, etc.
• Work exceptionally well independently and in a team environment and possess the ability to self-direct duties with minimal supervision.
• Display a positive attitude and be amicable, even tempered, cheerful and upbeat with community members, prospects, and co-workers.
• Proficient computer experience with Microsoft Office suite programs and other applications and/or software programs.

Education or Formal Training:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, marketing or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
• Experience:
• A minimum of five years’ experience in economic development is required. Consideration may be given for a proven track record in the attraction, retention and expansion of jobs.
• Physical Demands:
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds; frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Work Environment: Typical office environment for daily operations.
• Required residency within the region served by the Fox Cities Chamber / EDC.

Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position. This job description does not constitute a contract for employment.