Nonprofit Executive Director, Economic Development and Tourism

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM

Job Description

This frontline, leadership position is responsible for the operation and management of the economic development and tourism divisions of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. The ED will report to the President & CEO, direct and administer the operations, programs and projects of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation (“MCEDC”) and Morris County Tourism Bureau (“MCTB”), which is d/b/a for the Morris County Economic Development Alliance (“MCEDA”) a 501c3 organization.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Operations:

· Oversee the day-to-day operation of the MCEDC and MCTB including:

o Develop an annual budget and maintaining a P&L for the divisions including annual goals and monitors expenditures,

o Managing staff and any interns and volunteers,

o Manage the websites updates including data and create and maintain social media presence and posting schedule to promote the county,

o Oversee marketing and promotion of the county’s assets that drive economic activity including business expansion and attraction and tourism that leads to increased visitation and patronization of businesses and hotels

o Manage subscriptions and contracts,

o Oversee content and production of newsletter(s) and mailings,

o Oversee operation of visitor’s center, including hours of operations, and any volunteers,

· With support from the Morris Chamber, plan and oversee fundraising for special and annual “signature” events, fundraising events and any collaborative events including but not limited to:

o the Annual Partners in Economic Development event, industry-specific events, and any tourism-related events.

· Grants

o Apply for an manage the New Jersey Travel and Tourism Grant;

o Apply for and manage the County grant;

o Apply for and manage any additional grants (e.g. foundations grants) to support the operations, mission or special projects of the divisions.

Plans:

o Oversee the development and execution of strategic plans including an economic development strategic plan for the county and a tourism strategic plan including the development of RFPs and management of consultants as necessary. This will be handled in collaboration with the County of Morris.

Meetings:

· Convene the Advisory Boards for the MCEDC and MCTB on a regular basis and secure speakers

· Oversee member activities including:

o all committees,

o municipal council meetings,

o workforce related events,

o quarterly member networking meetings,

o Identify speakers and plan content for signature events,

o Arrange visits or tours of local businesses with elected officials as part of outreach initiative,

o Host site selectors for prospective business location, relocation or expansion,

o Host film scouts for prospective filming opportunities

Relationships:

The ED will represent Morris County in cooperative local, regional and statewide promotional efforts and develop and maintain a positive relationship with:

County and municipal level:

· Communicate regularly with Morris County officials and staff

o develop relationship with administrative staff responsible for key departments including administration, planning, engineering, transportation;

o Attend County Commissioner meetings and subcommittee meetings, as necessary or requested;

o Develop partnership with Workforce Development Board

· Oversee outreach to municipalities including:

o The “Listening to Business Initiative” that consists of surveying employers;

o Preparing municipal marketing profiles;

o Present at municipal EDC meetings, as requested;

o Present at municipal governing board meetings, as requested;

State level:

o Develop and maintain relationships with the New Jersey Travel & Tourism, NJEDA, the state’s Business Action Center (BAC), ChooseNJ, SBDC and other government and non-profit partners;

Industry and non-profit partners:

o Establish relationships with development and commercial real estate firms, banks and lending institutions, utilities, and relocation consultants;

o Develops and maintains relationship with local downtown associations, arts organizations, recreation and parks groups;

o Identify, develop and maintain relationships with other strategic partners as pertinent

Place-based marketing and promotion of the county and events:

Oversee marketing of the county including:

o Attend select trade shows and conventions to promote the county and oversee the digital marketing promotion campaign;

o Engage in business attraction activities including outreach to domestic and international companies and site selectors;

o Coordinate and host prospect tours;

o Oversee property site locator on website;

o Oversee purchase and maintenance of demographic and industry data;

o Create market profiles for municipalities in Morris County;

o Work with the transportation department to market the availability of freight line;

o Oversee annual guides for the county including the relocation guide and visitor’s guide

o Manage the county-wide CRM database;

o Respond to prospect inquiries and prepare responses to RFIs and RFPs, as appropriate;

o Oversee the development, review, purchasing and distribution of advertising, media releases, etc., on tourism-related subjects including attractions, activities, events, facilities, marketing, and public relations;

o Oversees creative content for all print, digital and on-line materials either self-produced or contract design.

Workforce & Talent Development:

o Participate in collaborative workforce development initiatives;

o Serve on the Workforce Development Board as alternate liaison;

o Oversee online database “Connect to Morris” featuring job opportunities of local employers including blogs and collaborations with other organizations.

Additional:

· Identify funding sources for grants to help fund initiatives and, as funding is available, oversee a municipal grant program to encourage economic development initiatives at the local level;

· Oversee the StartUp MoveUp Morris initiative to create a more robust entrepreneurial and small business ecosystem in the county including:

o workshops and related programming,

o peer-to-peer support roundtables,

o the annual youth pitch competition,

o develop and maintain collaborative relationships with partners including the MorrisTech MeetUp and also institutions of higher education

· Maintain knowledge of state incentive programs;

· Maintain knowledge of local real estate market;

· Serve on boards as representative of the MCEDC, as approved by the President, and participate in community events to promote the organization or business community or community at-large.

Other duties as assigned by the President.

The minimal position expectations for the ED include:

1) Plan and coordinate initiatives consistent with the County economic development strategic plan and as outlined above and manage the state grant.

2) Have initiative to propose, evaluate and execute new programs or services as part of MCEDC and MCTB offerings.

3) Commit to maintaining and strengthening industry knowledge by attending courses, conferences, and conventions as budgeted and approved by the President, for continuing education purposes, acquisition of new skills and best practices, establishing professional networks, trade and engagement with site selectors, journalists, travel agents and tour operators.

4) Attend, participate and present at regular Chamber Board of Directors’ meetings and any required staff training and staff meetings.

5) Be able to work flexible and a non-traditional schedule. Attend morning and evening functions, such as networking events, as appropriate, that would increase member engagement or sponsorships.

6) Manage staff including full-time, part-time and contractors, interns and consultants.

7) Work collaboratively with Chamber leadership team and staff and partners of the MCEDC and supporters of the MCTB.

8) Manage and achieve annual MCEDC membership goals through:

· Planning and implementing outreach to new and prospective members;

· Develop programming that creates value for members and the business community;

· Creating member retention strategy;

· Continually improving member satisfaction and engagement at the MCEDC and MCTB.

The successful candidate will always conduct herself/himself in a polite, professional and ethical manner. Misrepresentations, extreme pressure, disrespect to members, prospects, or staff, or misuse of the CRM may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination. Business attire must be worn on all appointments.

Experience, knowledge, skills and abilities: The position requirements, demands and characteristics are representative of the knowledge, skills and or ability required to successfully perform the essential job functions. These include a dynamic and driven candidate that has demonstrable evidence of success, in these areas: self-responsibility, high ambition and drive, positive outlook, high self-awareness, goal setting, supervising/managing, accountability, and collaboration.

At least five (5) years of progressively more responsible experience in the field of economic development and/or tourism;

· Experience managing subordinates and consultants;

· Experience working within a non-profit organization;

· Ability to read, analyze and interpret general budget, financial reports, and government regulations;

· Ability to write reports, memos, business correspondence;

· Proven track record leading economic development and tourism initiatives at local and/or county level;

· Proven track record of retaining and/or attracting businesses to a locale;

· Excellent presentation and speaking skills in both formal and informal settings, and the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from elected officials, businesses and the general public;

· Expertise in the use of data to analyze demographics and industry related information to understand local economic conditions and forecasting;

· Keen analytical and organizational skills are required to direct data gathering and analysis, formulation of reports and presentations including the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and create solutions;

· Competency in or willingness to learn, basic website design and development, social media, database (CRM) management, and MS Office and Adobe projects;

· Familiarity with social media (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram);

· High level of professionalism and diplomacy when interacting 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;

· Strategic thinker with track record of executing and implementing initiatives;

· 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 written communication skills;

· Exhibits a strong attention to detail, high level customer service, problem solving, and project management abilities.

· Ability to work at a fast pace with urgency to produce results and achieve goals;

· Manage multiple projects and activities simultaneously;

· Communicate with confidence, enthusiasm and persuasion;

· Delegate as necessary with follow-up on timeliness and quality;

· Thorough knowledge and understanding of economic development practices and principles.

· Understanding of the needs of business to discern prospect needs and make appropriate decisions including key introductions to be made.

· Works well independently and in a team environment and possess the ability to self-direct duties with minimal supervision.

· Display a positive attitude, be amicable, and even tempered, with community members, prospects, and co-workers.

· Knowledge of Morris County NJ and northcentral New Jersey preferred but not required.

Employment Qualifications & Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in economic development, political science, history, public policy, urban studies, real estate, government administration, land development or master planning, business, tourism or similar field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered when competency is demonstrated.

This position is salaried, full time and not an independent contractor. Bonus(es) may be awarded at the discretion of the Board. Mileage, cell phone (fixed amount) and any entertainment expenses will be reimbursed based on approval of the President. The successful candidate agrees to carry automobile insurance on his/her personal vehicle. The position is primarily in an office setting with occasional remote option but will require mobility during special events and conferences. In this position, it is necessary for the hours and days of the week be flexible. Travel and attendance at local, regional, state and potentially international, conferences and events is required.

Salary Structure: Salary depending on level of experience. Benefits package offered with the potential of annual bonus at discretion of the Board.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status. All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer. Must be able to lift 35 lbs. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to focus. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Local and regional travel is required. Long distance travel may be required including overnight stays. Overseas travel may be required necessitating an up to date and valid passport.

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About the Morris County Economic Development Corporation

The Morris County Economic Development Corporation is a partnership of business, government and private sector businesses and non-profits dedicate to growing the economy of Morris County, NJ through programs and services that result in business attraction, reaction, retention and expansion. Website: www.morriscountyedc.org The MCEDC serves Morris County, NJ, a county consisting of thirty-nine (39) municipalities with more than 500,000 residents. Morris County consistently ranks in the top counties in the country.

About the Morris County Chamber of Commerce

The Morris County Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the business community in Morris County and the premier business association in north central New Jersey that serves more than 700 members and provides more than 200 events, forums and committee meetings on an annual basis. Over the last century, the Chamber has represented many thousands of member companies and their employees.
It is organized to help members grow, improve and protect their businesses. It is dedicated to a pro-business environment and committee to economic vitality through education, networking opportunity, and advocating for businesses in a county having a substantial economic impact on the state and the country with a $70 billion gross regional product, more than 25,000 businesses and home to 800 headquarter locations. Website: www.morrischamber.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Florham Park, NJ 07932: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Florham Park, NJ 07932

Salary : $1,000 - $80,000