President

The Greater Columbus (Indiana) Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is one of the state’s longest-running independent, non-profit economic development organizations, originally founded 50 years ago in 1976 as the “Columbus Economic Development Board.” Today, the EDC serves Columbus, Edinburgh, and all Bartholomew County, Indiana, with strong private and public funding (60/40) support.

The organization’s strategic goal is to grow and attract well-paying, high value-added, community-minded businesses by influencing and leveraging the area’s distinct capabilities. Their approach is three-fold: (1) Work with existing primary employers to help them grow in Columbus, Edinburgh, and Bartholomew County, (2) attract and recruit new companies to diversify our local economy, and (3) work with local community partners to build and continuously improve the area’s desirability to businesses and residents.

Current industry diversification targets include Food and Beverage Manufacturing, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, and all things related to Next Gen Mobility, but of greater importance is the work they do to support the retention and expansion of existing primary employers, with nationally recognized employment strengths in Automotive, Engine, Plastics, and other engineering-intensive manufacturing industries.

To maximize their impact, the EDC regularly collaborates with other growth-focused stakeholders, such as the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Education Coalition, local governments, secondary and post-secondary education providers, private developers, and many others. Regionally, they actively participate with the South-Central Indiana Talent READI Region, South Central Indiana Economic Development (SCIED) group, and the Indy Partnership.

Since the EDC’s founding in 1976, more than 70 recruited companies today employ 7,000+ local persons. Approximately 400 local expansions by 110 unique companies have also been recorded, and combined, new projects and expansions have called for $4.3 billion in initial investments. For more information on the Greater Columbus Economic Development Corporation and the services it offers, please visit www.ColumbusIN.org.

https://www.columbusin.org/advantages/nationally-ranked-business-climate/

The Position

The next President of Greater Columbus EDC will be the chief executive of a long-standing and highly successful local economic development organization. Working with an engaged Board of Directors comprised of business, civic and government leaders, and leading a small but very high-performing team, the position leads economic development strategy and tactical implementation of efforts that attract new businesses, support expansions of primary employers, and create high-paying jobs for the residents of Columbus, Edinburgh, and Bartholomew County, Indiana. Work is primarily conducted five days a week from our new downtown offices, but domestic and international travel is also a part of the rewarding job.

Key Duties

The President is the organization’s chief executive officer and has the primary responsibility for the accomplishment of the EDC’s mission.

·         Management Duties

• Responsible for the direction of all employed team members: assign key tasks, establish time periods for project completion and budgets, establish goals and objectives, and assist staff in reaching targets.
• Conduct annual Performance Evaluations of team (President’s own performance evaluation will be conducted at the end of each year jointly by the Chair and Vice-Chair.)

·         Strategic Direction and Leadership

• Lead implementation efforts of an Economic Development Strategic Plan, focusing on attracting targeted new business and industry, and the retention and expansion of existing primary businesses.
• Mobilize the community around specific initiatives to assist in providing and maintaining a business climate appropriate to the needs of those targeted business and industries.
• Oversee development and implementation of the EDC’s marketing activities. Utilize a variety of marketing mediums to promote Columbus, Edinburgh, and Bartholomew County. Monitor and oversee all prospect activity, RFI proposals, and direct staff that support this effort.
• Mentor and develop staff by providing guidance, support, and opportunities for professional growth to build a high-performing, future-ready team.

·         Recruiter in Chief

• Time and budget permitted, attend trade shows, site selector events, industry association meetings, etc., both domestically and internationally, to recruit targeted businesses to Columbus, Edinburgh, and Bartholomew Typically, this work will be done as part of a regional approach, but when appropriate, individual (Greater Columbus EDC only) travel may be appropriate.
• REQUIRED TRAVEL: Approximately 30 overnight travel days annually, including (typically) one week in Europe to attend trade show(s) and one week in Japan for B.R.E. headquarters visits.

·         Business Retention and Expansion

• Support expansion opportunities of local primary businesses, including but not limited to site and building searches, local and state incentive applications, etc.
• Oversee and participate with annual R.E. Executive Surveys (up to 25-30 annually), typically conducted during Q4.
• When beneficial, oversee implementation of an annual Wage and Benefit Survey, potentially with neighboring Jackson and Jennings Counties.

·         Local Government Support and Engagement

• Oversee and implement efforts to deliver effective business attraction, business expansion, and development services as outlined in respective “Fee for Service” Agreements with City of Columbus, Bartholomew County, and Town of Edinburgh.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with key elected and appointed officials, including but not limited to Columbus Mayor, Bartholomew County Commissioners, Edinburgh Town Manager, and other key Department Heads and/or various commission members.
• Support Columbus’ Sister City relationships with Miyoshi (Japan), Pune (India) and others as may be requested or beneficial to EDC business attraction and/or BRE Organize and participate with annual local official trip to Japan.
• Supports the City of Columbus and Bartholomew County in their work with existing and new businesses on workforce and building incentives (tax abatements or other available funding).

·         Local and Regional Engagement

• Establish/foster collaborative relationships with economic development “centers of influence” on a local, regional, state, and national level.
• Serve as a member of the South-Central Indiana Economic Development (SCIED) group, South Central Indiana Talent (READI) Region, Indy Partnership and/or other regional initiatives to help shape and contribute to their work (ultimately bringing more opportunities to our area).
• Represent the EDC on various boards, when appropriate to advance the EDC’s If invited, serve as an Ex Officio member on the boards and/or committees of the Columbus Area Economic Growth Council, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Education Coalition, IUC Board of Advisors, and/or other as may be appropriate or made available.

·         Budgets and Finances

• Develop an Annual Budget for recommendation to the Executive Committee and Board
• Responsible for all expenditures within the framework of the budget. Direct/Oversee preparation of monthly financial statements of income and expenses. Oversee appropriate use of company credit cards and other resources.
• Ensure financial records of the EDC are audited annually or at other interval as may be requested by the Board of Directors.

·         Board of Directors Engagement

• Current Board schedule is to meet two out of three months each quarter. President will develop the agenda and oversee the preparation of Board meeting presentation materials, using staff resources.
• President will be expected to have monthly meetings with Board Chair, schedules permitting, and will typically organize monthly Executive Committee meetings or less frequently, if requested/authorized by the Officers of the Board.
• With staff and Executive Committee support, convene three additional sub-committees of the Board: Business Retention and Expansion (BRE), Sites and Buildings, and Business Attraction.
• Meet individually with each voting member of the Board at least two times each year, to engage with members outside of Board Meetings.
• Participate in Board Member recruitment and retention.

·         Professional Development

• Continuously maintain an understanding of current trends/opportunities in economic development. Attend one or more Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA), International Economic Development Council, and/or other professional development conferences annually.
• Pursue and/or maintain Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) status, with Board support.
• Support similar efforts for appropriate staff team members.

·         Other

• Quarterly: Oversee plans for the “Great Discussions Roundtable Series”, in support of R.E. efforts and company engagement.
• Annually: Oversee plans for the EDC Annual (Community) Meeting with 300 or more persons in attendance. Secure keynote speaker, prepare remarks for self and Board Chair. Deliver remarks.
• Annually: Help plan and support an annual networking event co-sponsored with the Columbus Japanese Business Association, the Mayor, and the Bartholomew Commissioner offices.
• Other duties as may be assigned by EDC Executive Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Other Personal Characteristics

• Strong interpersonal skills and desire to work collaboratively.
• Executive presence with hands-on work style.
• Dynamic and energetic.
• Passion for excellence.
• Ability to prioritize potential opportunities.
• Presents a forward thinking, data-driven approach to economic growth.
• Strong sense of urgency with proposals and successful completion of deals.
• Demonstrates high integrity and trustworthiness.
• Team leader/coach.

EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of relevant experience—preferably in economic development—strong communication skills across formats, and proficiency in Microsoft Office, with HubSpot CRM and CEcD certification as pluses. A bachelor’s or advanced degree is preferred, as is completion of the OU Economic Development Institute. International or cross-cultural experience is a plus. Candidates must live in Columbus, Edinburgh, or Bartholomew County within 3 months of hire, be passionate about promoting the community, and possess a valid driver’s license and passport (or be able to obtain them).

COMPENSATION

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications: $150,000 and up, including benefits.

This full-time, onsite position offers bi-weekly pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including a 10% employer 401(k) contribution (after 6 months, no match required), 90% employer-paid medical insurance, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave, plus access to dental, vision, life, and supplemental insurance. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings or weekends required for travel or duties.

APPLICATION PROCESS

This position is open until filled. Please submit your application as soon as possible to ensure you are considered for this position. Upon receipt, resumes and cover letter will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates selected for interview will be contacted by Jorgenson Pace.  For consideration, please submit a cover letter and resume to Brittany McCoy at ColumbusEDC@jorgensonpace.com

 REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND CHECK

Candidates will be checked extensively for background and references.  Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client, and a subordinate, as applicable.  Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release information for the purpose of the background investigation, which will include education, social media background, credit check, criminal, and driving records.  Should an offer be extended before to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent.