Role Description
Position Title : Director of Economic Development
Reports To : Senior Vice President
Organization : Cornerstone Alliance
Location : Benton Harbor, MI
FLSA Status : Full Time, Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
Cornerstone Alliance, a non-profit economic development organization, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Director of Economic Development to join our team. The Director of Economic Development will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with local businesses, identifying opportunities for growth, and ensuring the long-term economic vitality of Berrien County. This role will develop and implement strategic initiatives aimed at retaining existing businesses, facilitating expansion, and attracting new investment. The ideal candidate will work closely with stakeholders, including business leaders, local government, and community organizations, to drive sustainable economic development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Planning
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for business retention, expansion, and growth (BRE) that aligns with Cornerstone Alliance’s economic development goals.
Stakeholder & Partnership Engagement
Establish and maintain strong relationships with local businesses, partners, and municipalities through regular visits and communications, serving as a liaison between the business community and local government.Coordinate meetings with primary employers to gather insights on their operational health and challenges while facilitating access to resources that support their ongoing economic development.Forge partnerships with local, regional, and state organizations to leverage resources and create programs that support business growth.Business Support & Expansion
Identify opportunities for business expansion, assist in navigating regulatory processes, and support businesses in accessing resources, including incentives and financing.Work with the economic development team to implement attraction projects that have been secured for site location in Berrien County, ensuring timely and efficient execution.Prepare and manage tax abatement applications (PA-198) for businesses planning to establish or expand operations within Berrien County.Stay informed about local, regional, and state incentive programs to provide businesses with comprehensive growth support.Monitor emerging incentives and ensure businesses are promptly updated on new opportunities for expansion and development.Data Management & Analysis
Gather and analyze data to monitor the health of the local business community, assess business needs, and identify trends to inform proactive initiatives.Input business intelligence data gathered through BRE visits into the CRM system and maintain its accuracy to ensure effective tracking of business engagement and outcomes.Keep a pulse on the inventory of sites and buildings available in the region, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information.Workforce & Talent Development
Establish and strengthen connections between local employers, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies to ensure access to training programs and incentives that support workforce upskilling and meet evolving business needs.Advocacy & Community Engagement
Serve as an advocate for the local business community, representing their needs in policy discussions and assisting in resolving issues that may impact their operations.Participate in community outreach activities to promote the importance of business retention and growth for the local economy.Monitoring & Reporting
Track progress on retention and expansion efforts, providing regular reports to leadership and stakeholders on key metrics, successes, and areas for improvement.Entrepreneurial Support
Collaborate with Cornerstone Alliance’s Women’s Business Center and other entrepreneurial support organizations to assist in scaling up small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economic Development, or a related field.Master’s degree in Public Administration and / or CEcD designation (Certified Economic Developer) is preferred, but not required.At least 5-7 years of experience in business development, economic development, or related fields, with a focus on business retention and expansion.Proven success in leading and managing economic development projects, including working with businesses of all sizes.Strong understanding of economic development tools, resources, and incentive programs.Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.Ability to analyze data, trends, and economic indicators to inform strategy.COMPENSATION
Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references to CFrank@CStoneAlliance.org by February 7, 2025.
