Vice President of Economic Development - Jackson County
Position to be filled by: 6/2/25
Company: Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce
Location: Jefferson, Georgia
Category: Chamber of Commerce, Development Authority
Position Type: Full-Time
Education Requirement: Bachelor's
Experience Requirement: 3-5 years
Salary: Based on Experience
How to Apply: Visit www.thechasongroup.com
The Position Summary. The Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce, based in Jefferson, Georgia, delivers economic development services through an agreement with the Industrial Development Authority of Jackson County and the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. The Vice President of Economic Development is responsible only to the President and CEO of the Chamber and is charged with providing leadership, long-term visioning, strategic planning and implementing best practices in Jackson County. The role is focused on developing and maintaining the ecosystem necessary to carry out existing business support, new business recruitment, retail development, small business strategy, and film recruitment.
The executive works with the Industrial Development Authority and other stakeholders to execute plans designed to maintain and grow existing businesses and entrepreneurship as well as attract new retail and industrial investments for Jackson County. The overall goal is to expand the local tax base. Specific responsibilities shall include encouraging the expansion and establishment of retail, commercial, professional, and industrial businesses. The leader shall provide tactical guidance to the volunteer team; oversight of all daily operations; and, in collaboration with the community, develop, implement, and maintain an economic development plan of action. The Vice President shall represent Jackson County and the Industrial Development Authority at meetings with clients and working with various partners.
Education and Experience Required.
- Bachelor’s degree in the area(s) of economic development, community development, real estate, public relations, public administration, business, economics, and/or marketing from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.
- At least three years of executive management leadership experience in the business, economic development and/or community development field, chamber of commerce, association, or a combination of these.
- A proven tenure in leading an organization through visionary growth and meaningful change to improve the business environment of the community.
- An innovative, creative, and strategic thinker who has experience in developing relevant initiatives and goals to enhance Jackson County’s tax base.
- Experienced team builder and leader who will effectively represent Jackson County in many environments.
- A proven track record of successfully working with economic development organizations, governments, and community stakeholders.
- The completion of Economic Development Institute is desired but not required.
Specific Duties.
Economic Development and Marketing
- Serve as the lead professional to prepare and market Jackson County for economic development projects, to include commercial, professional, retail, and industrial prospects, considering a potential location to create new jobs and increase the tax base. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following initiatives:
- Coordinate all economic development activities and strategies, prospect visits, existing industry and business expansions, product management.
- Continuously build upon a creative target marketing action plan to attract specific sector related businesses such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, technology and fintech in order to build a diverse tax base and blend of local businesses.
- Oversee all marketing platforms for economic development for Jackson County relating to the Chamber and Industrial Development Authority.
- Work with economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, education institutions, governments, and business leaders on local, state, and federal levels to enhance the economic development environment of the community.
- Maintain relationships with statewide project managers, site selection consultants, real estate brokers.
- Develop, organize, and deliver reports monthly to the Chamber and Industrial Development Authority and others as allowed by confidentiality agreements with projects.
- Develop and maintain a strategy for an alliance with economic development organizations and representatives from across the country.
- Promote and provide various sources of financing for qualifying projects.
- Build open and relative relationships with the Jackson County Board of Commissioners and their internal teams.
- Provide research, data and appropriate guidance to local, state, and federal business and government leaders regarding the impact of economic development on the local tax digest.
- Serve as a long-term visionary, team builder and facilitator between all local, state, and federal officials as well as local and statewide utility and infrastructure vendors that impact the community.
- Develop and nurture relationships with existing companies in order to keep current investments in the area. This shall include, but not be limited to:
- Develop and maintain measurable programs that encourage the expansion of existing businesses for job maintenance, creation, and additional investments.
Workforce Development
- Engage with education institutions to build a strong talent development program for existing businesses.
- Communicate talent development programs with local businesses on a consistent basis.
Database Management
- Develop and maintain a database of all available industrial properties located within county.
- Maintain a database of available industrial and commercial properties and buildings within the county.
- Consistently update state and national database related sites with information on Jackson County’s available sites and buildings.
Fiscal Management
- Serve as the fiscal agent for all transactions relating to the Industrial Development Authority as approved by the Board. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following responsibilities:
- Develop and present to the appropriate groups for approval, in a timely manner and on an annual basis, a budget that represents the goals and objectives of the economic development organization.
- Audit, allocate, and approve all invoices for expenses incurred by the Industrial Development Authority supporting the respective operations and matching the strategic initiatives.
- Consistently review options for additional funding sources to enhance the economic environment of the community. This shall include grants based on the needs of the community.
Organizational Leadership
- Lead, develop and empower a highly competent volunteer support team. These duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following responsibilities:
- Recruit elected and appointed officials to assist in various tasks that may arise.
- Perform other duties that may be assigned by the respective boards relating to economic development.