Executive Director

Executive Director Job Description

EXCITING LEADERSHIP POSITION IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE IN WESTERN WISCONSIN FOR

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL

La Crosse, Wisconsin, located on the Mississippi River, is a vibrant, family friendly and growing area and the center for the region’s healthcare, higher education and government. The La Crosse Area Development Corporation (LADCO) is currently seeking an energetic, enthusiastic, motivated, organized and results focused leader qualified to fill LADCO’s open Executive Director position.

LADCO and its Mission

LADCO is a not-for-profit entity which has been operating since 1971 as an economic development agency for the greater La Crosse area. The purpose of LADCO is to actively facilitate and promote economic development and business retention in the La Crosse Area. This shall be accomplished by focusing on the “triad of development”: the retention of businesses and industry, the attraction of businesses and industry, and the development of the area workforce. LADCO is also one of three partners of the La Crosse Industrial Park Corporation (LIPCO) which facilitates real estate projects with mezzanine financing.

LADCO Executive Director Responsibilities

Under the direction of the LADCO Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads LADCO in planning, organizing and implementing economic development functions from conception to completion, including business retention, business attraction and incentive programs. The Executive Director also implements LADCO’s economic development goals and objectives for the region and this individual will work closely with local government, business leaders, developers, and community organizations to foster a collaborative environment that drives economic development within La Crosse County.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Economic Development Strategy:

• Leads the development and execution of LADCO’s vision and strategic plan.
• Lead the implementation of strategies to promote economic growth in the County, including expanding the property tax base, attracting new businesses, and retaining and expanding existing businesses. Leads the development and execution of LADCO’s vision and strategic plan.
• Provides expertise in all aspects of funding for economic development projects including local, state and federal entities and programs.
• Leads efforts in the communities to make available and market prepared industrial land for development.

2. Business Retention & Expansion:

• Identify opportunities for local businesses to grow and expand, working with business owners to address their needs and provide the necessary support.
• Implement retention programs to keep existing businesses in the County and ensure their success.
• Links both local and relocating businesses with a wide range of economic development resources.

3. New Business Attraction:

• Market the County as an attractive location for new businesses, leveraging research and networking opportunities.
• Work with local, regional, and state agencies to incentivize businesses to relocate to or expand within the County.
• Engage in outreach efforts to attract a diverse range of businesses and industries to enhance the County’s economic base.

4. Housing Development:

• Collaborate with developers and local government officials to encourage and facilitate the creation of new housing units to meet the needs of growing businesses and workforce populations.
• Support zoning and land-use planning efforts to encourage sustainable and attractive housing developments.

5. Workforce Development:

• Partner with educational institutions, workforce training programs, and employers to align workforce skills with the needs of local businesses.

6. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Foster relationships with local government officials, community organizations, business leaders, and other stakeholders to promote economic development initiatives.
• Represent the corporation at public meetings, conferences, and events, ensuring the organization's goals are communicated and supported within the community.
• Serves as a resource for the public, including the development community, property owners, businesses, community organizations, and the general public.
• Interacts with all relevant community organizations and local legislative bodies as well as area utilities and regional plan commissions to advance economic development.

7. Leadership and Administration:

• Lead, inspire, and manage a team of staff and volunteers to ensure the effective execution of the organization’s programs and initiatives.
• Prepares an annual budget recommendation and, when approved by the LADCO Board, manages the operations and expenses of LADCO consistent with that approved Budget
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors, providing updates on strategic initiatives, business development activities, and performance against key goals.
• Collects, analyzes and compiles economic, market and demographic data for dissemination.
• Cooperates with the staff of local, state and federal organizations and agencies to avoid duplication, improve working relationships and to utilize their expertise and programs for the mutual benefit of all concerned.
• Acts as the Executive Director of LIPCO and performs its daily management functions.
• Adheres to all provisions of the LADCO rules and policies set forth by the LADCO Board and generally accepted professional practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public/business administration, urban planning, economics, marketing, finance or related field. Master's Degree desirable.
• Multiple years of experience in economic development, community development or redevelopment activities in the public or private sector or equivalent business experience.
• Possession of or actively working towards the Certified Economic Developer (CeCD) certification and/or the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification.
• Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services and activities of an economic development program.
• Experience with management methods and techniques to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
• Capability to work with budgets, financial projections, managing bank services and conduct marketing analysis and development
• Knowledge of basic business law contract development
• Experience with public administration and local government operations as well as pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Ability to oversee and manage the LADCO staff (currently 2 FTEs) and operations to achieve LADCO’s goals to provide its services, actively participate in the community, and provide full-time accessibility at its office.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Commute:

• La Crosse, WI 54601 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• La Crosse, WI 54601: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person