The purpose of the LIDEA "Career Opportunities" service is to assist member executives in locating new career opportunities and help Louisiana economic, industrial and community development organizations obtain qualified personnel. To request that a job opportunity be posted on this page, please send the posting in the body of the email to: LIDEA at
lidea@tatmangroup.com. Please limit your request to 100 words. No fee will be charged for this service.
Central Louisiana Economic Development AllianceThe Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance (CLEDA) is seeking a Business Retention and Expansion Manager.
Experience/QualificationsCandidates for the Business Retention and Expansion Manager position must show:
1. Experience working with and/or within private companies;
2. Capability to understand and solve company issues and concerns relative to ?retention and expansion:
3. Possess strong problem solving, critical thinking, sales and communication ?skills;
4. Hold an undergraduate degree in business or a related field, or equivalent ?business experience;
5. A knowledge of local, State and federal public sector business resources is ?preferred; and,
6. Three years of progressively responsible business development and/or ?economic development experience is preferred.
About CLEDAThe Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is a regional economic development organization operating primarily in the parishes of Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn. CLEDA’s overall goal is to increase incomes and build wealth for the people of the Central Louisiana region. To do that, CLEDA seeks to attract and grow more high quality jobs in the region. Successful business attraction works in concert with other programs that focus on regional development/capacity and business growth. These programs include retention and expansion, our Business Acceleration System (BAS) program, which focuses on growing Cenla-based businesses and efforts to assist startup companies. CLEDA will also be active in the area of workforce development, as a skilled workforce is essential to attracting, retaining, and growing companies.
Position ResponsibilitiesOur Business Retention and Expansion Manager will perform and implement a variety of strategies and programs to facilitate the growth of existing businesses in the ten parish CLEDA Region, including, but not limited to, the following:
1. A comprehensive business outreach program with an emphasis on the manufacturing industry utilizing the Synchronist software system;
2. The identification of, and providing assistance to, companies with significant growth potential;
3. Facilitate and coordinate meetings of the Manufacturers’ Council of Central Louisiana;
4. Provide any other additional resources and/or educational opportunities designed to facilitate the growth of existing regional businesses;
5. Recognize opportunities for which other CLEDA services, such as BAS, may be helpful to existing companies.
This full-time position offers a competitive benefits package.
To apply for this position, you must email your application package to include the following:
1. A cover letter indicating why you are applying for this position and how the position meets your career goals;
2. A current résumé that highlights your experience related to the position ?requirements; and,
3. A specific salary expectation.
Email your application materials to: jclinton@cenla.org no later than March 28, 2012. The Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance is an equal opportunity employer located at 1118 Third St., Alexandria, LA, 71301. No phone inquiries.
Economic Development Director
Job Post Start date: April 1, 2012
Position: Economic Development Director
Organization: North Webster Parish Industrial District (NWPID)
Cities and Towns: Springhill, Cotton Valley, Cullen, Sarepta, Shongaloo
Parish (County): Webster
State: Louisiana
Position Description: The North Webster Parish Industrial District (NWPID) is accepting resumes and cover letters for the position of Economic Development Director. The NWPID is seeking an experienced, qualified, dynamic, high-energy, strategically-focused, driven professional who possesses strong sales and marketing expertise. Responsibilities of this position include identification and prospect development, with the ultimate purpose of creating jobs in North Webster Parish, Louisiana to promote a stronger and more diverse economic base. The individual will be the chief marketer and sales person for economic development in North Webster Parish. This role will be the “face” of the NWPID’s economic development efforts. This professional will be responsible for marketing the NWPID in the attraction of new industries/businesses, creation of primary jobs and retention and expansion of existing businesses within the district.
The ideal candidate should have a proven track record of attracting major manufacturers. Knowledge of the local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding economic development programs is essential.
Primary duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:· Lead and coordinate all efforts in developing and recruiting economic development prospects and monitoring the ongoing needs of the business community, including contacting and marketing the district to outside agencies.
· Plan organize, direct and supervise the programs, projects, operations and personnel of the district.
· Establish the district’s economic development goals, objectives, strategies, and priorities as well as the development of a strategic five (5) year plan.
· Cultivate and maintain working relationships with key public and private partners and state agencies that may provide economic development assistance.
· Meet with prospective clients who are considering locating to the district.
· Perform other duties as assigned or required.
Position Requirements:Education and Experience:
· Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) status.
· Professional and Community Development (PCED) is a preferred certification but not mandatory.
· Bachelor’s Degree in public administration, business, economics, marketing or related field from an accredited college or university and five years of increasingly responsible professional experience in economic development and related activities.
· Must be a results oriented individual with a can-do attitude and a track record of success.
· Proven track record in economic development with documented results.
· Successful candidate must possess skills in office procedures including budget preparation and computer technology (Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite).
Other:
· Must have valid driver’s license prior to employment.
· Must pass post offer drug tests, criminal background and credit history checks.
· Must live within 30 miles of the district’s industrial park.
· Fluent in Spanish language is preferred but not mandatory.
· Will be required to provide an annual review to NWPID Board of Commissioners of goals accomplished and measurable marks of progress.
· Proven track record of success in planning, structuring, and directing economic development initiatives.
· Excellent organizational and strategic planning skills.
· Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentations skills are essential with strong leadership abilities while placing a high priority on customer relations.
· Successful candidate will work with prospects of various types and sizes, aggressively pursuing regional, national and international business recruitment and retention efforts.
· Must be able to travel extensively, work in a motivated high paced environment and manage a multitude of projects of varying complexity and duration.
Salary: Negotiable, dependent upon qualifications and experience. We offer a very competitive salary and benefits.
For consideration, please forward additional inquiries and confidential resume with cover letter and current salary to:
John D. Herrington
Search Committee Chairman
North Webster Parish Industrial District
PO Box 176
Springhill, LA 71075
websterboard@centurytel.net Email
318-994-2753 fax
318-539-5058 office
318-578-1612 cell
Interviews will be conducted in Springhill, Louisiana from April 1 to May 31, 2012.
Zachary Chamber of Commerce
Position Description
POSITION:
Executive Director / Economic Development
REPORTS TO: Economic Development Council and Chamber Board of Directors
PURPOSE: Promote and enhance the business and economic climate of Zachary by maintaining and expanding Zachary’s existing economic development program
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Implement directives outlined in Zachary’s Economic Development Strategic Plan and the City of Zachary’s Master Plan
• Review and propose short-term goals and action items on an annual basis
• Review and revise long-term goals and action items every 3 to 5 years; amend strategic plan to align objectives
• Develop and enhance Zachary’s target sector recruitment; generate and develop leads for targeted growth industries
• Identify “high-impact” opportunities for the Zachary area; develop working knowledge of opportunities and market drivers and trends impacting their feasibility
• Establish working relationships with key industry leaders, regional leaders and alliances, community stakeholders, site selectors, real estate attorneys, developers and executives to gain a competitive advantage in the recruitment of commercial and industrial projects of all sizes
• Develop working relationships with the Mayor of Zachary, City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission and key staff
• Develop working relationships with Zachary Community School Board Superintendent, board and key staff
• Develop working relationships with key executives for Louisiana Economic Development, Baton Rouge Area Chamber, the North Capital Region Alliance and others leading economic development efforts in the Capital Region
• Develop working relationships with regional elected officials (State Senators, Representatives, Mayors, Police Juries, etc.) or their key support personnel
• Proactively participate in business retention and expansion efforts for existing industry and commercial businesses
• Participate in economic development and industry associations; attend conferences and seminars to stay abreast of latest trends affecting economic efforts of the region
• Attend local and regional governmental meetings and stakeholder events on a regular basis
• Meet with and assist Chamber Board committees as board members pursue improvements to the community’s business environment
• Serve as the Economic Development Liaison on Zachary’s Site Plan Review Committee
• Assist the City and business applicants through the development review process
• Plan, manage and execute the Chamber’s annual leadership program in conjunction with LSU’s AgCenter; including recruitment of individuals for classes, interviewing and scheduling speakers for sessions and amending program based on needs for the region
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of incentives available through federal, state and local agencies and other real estate market programs or financing vehicles
• Manage financial and budgetary components of Zachary’s economic development program; identify inefficiencies and methods of raising additional revenue and sources
• Over-see chamber staff to ensure day-to-day operations and activities are executed in an efficient and effective manner; willingness to take constructive criticism and direction from staff a must
• Report leads, activities and progress to the Zachary Economic Development Council, Zachary Chamber Board and Zachary City Council
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Demonstrate and maintain high ethical standards in all dealings regarding the position
• Maintain a professional reputation; Be recognized for excellence in building one-on-one and team working relationships
• Be results oriented, self motivated and proactive
• Possess proven sales, marketing and project management skills
• Possess effective written, verbal and presentation skills
• Maintain an effective network of business contacts and relationships with economic development allies
• Able to travel regionally and nationally for conferences and recruitment missions
• Be willing and able to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, ambiguity and rapid change
• Able to quickly analyze and vet the feasibility of development prospects
• Possess a positive attitude
• Be a team player
• Be proficient in software programs: MS Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat and competent in others; Ability to work with both PC and Mac operating systems a plus
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Economic Development, Marketing, Finance, Business Management, Landscape Architecture/ Urban Design or related field. MBA and/or post graduate degree in Community or Economic Development a plus
• Proven experience in sales, marketing, land planning, real estate, economic development or related fields
Please submit your resume to:
Randy Olson – rolson@lanermc.com
Jason St. Romain - docstromain@bellsouth.net
Chip Mills – cmills@zacharychamber.com
