After 42 years of leading industrial creation and expansion, helping to expand employment and multifaceted economic growth, Jackson County Industrial Development Corp. Executive Director Jim Plump is retiring.
The JCIDC board of directors is seeking a candidate to continue that leadership success and direct our communities’ growth for the next generation.
Position summary: This position is accountable for all aspects of the development of new industry in Jackson County and the retention, support and maintenance of existing industry.
Reporting relationship: This position reports to the board of directors or, as the board so delegates, to the executive committee.
Nature and scope: The incumbent is expected to develop industrial growth in Jackson County. The primary objective is the creation of new jobs through new industry and expansion of existing industry.
Work closely with Indiana Economic Development Corp., plus regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and other governmental officials.
Establish and maintain a rapport with existing industry and business to (1) determine their needs, problems and opportunities and (2) provide support and assist in finding resources to address their needs, problems and opportunities.
Promote existing or new industrial parks and other industrial sites as they are developed. Specifically, serve as a liaison to Seymour Industrial Corp.’s board of directors by actively informing that board of prospects, marketing that entity’s real estate and generally advising SIC’s board on industrial development matters.
Major responsibilities:
•Assure attainment of industrial growth and expansion in Jackson County by developing and implementing an aggressive solicitation program locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.
•Promote a favorable image of Jackson County and the southern region of the state of Indiana.
•Maintain a good relationship with management of existing industry through a proactive calling program.
•Coordinate all board meetings and board committee meetings and provide appropriate information for decision-making.
•Execute the elements of the strategic plan, adopted by the board of directors.
•Assure compliance with all policies adopted by the board of directors.
•Assure the smooth operations of JCIDC’s office located in city hall in Seymour, supervise staff and conduct performance evaluations, manage the books and records and interact as needed with the outside accounting firm retained by JCIDC’s board.
•Prepare an annual budget for review and adoption by the board of directors.
•Engage in state LEDO (Local Economic Development Organization) association activities and educational opportunities and remain well informed on economic development matters and trends as well as national economic trends in order to be effective in fulfilling job responsibilities.
•Develop and maintain performance metrics to gauge relative success of development and retention activities, and develop and maintain statistical measures which would be informative to industrial prospects.
•Develop and maintain open and strategic relations with city/town, county and state governmental agencies, utilities, developers, commercial builders and area business leaders so as to serve as a resource for prospects and existing industry.
•Develop and maintain effective marketing materials which inform and present in the best light the resources and advantages of Jackson County and the region and determine effective methods of distribution of such materials to assure proactive exposure to prospects.
Position requirements include:
•Valid passport and ability to travel regionally, statewide and internationally
•Minimum of a bachelor’s degree
•Excellent communication and networking skills
•Community involvement
•Manage JCIDC office personnel, including Workforce Partnership role
•Manage JCIDC budget process and marketing strategy
•Ability to leverage technology (Microsoft Office, PowerPoint, etc.)
It is strongly preferred that the successful candidate resides in Jackson County.
Candidates with economic development experience, including professional designations, are preferred.
An attractive and competitive salary and benefits package will be offered to the right fit candidate.
Interested applicants should submit their resume to the JCIDC board president at kevingabbard@jcidc.com no later than Wednesday, June 17.