Seeking Applicants for Executive Director

COOK COUNTY/GRAND MARAIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)

SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION

 

Announcement Date: May 22, 2023

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The Mission of the EDA is to diversify the economy, create employment through the expansion and retention of existing businesses and the development of new business that increase the tax base of Cook County. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF OPEN POSITION

 

The EDA is in search of an accomplished, independent and motivated Executive Director to advance economic development throughout Cook County.  The Director will provide strategic vision and leadership, and facilitate and lead economic development projects with the support and oversight of the Board. At present, the Executive Director is the sole EDA staff person: the right person for this role will need to be organized, a self-starter and able to hit the ground running. Additionally, they will offer excellent oral and written communication skills and will have a demonstrated history of success in grant-writing and grant management; experience working in economic development for state or local government is strongly preferred.

 

Cook County is the fastest growing county in northeast Minnesota and offers world class recreation opportunities, a renowned arts and culture scene, and a high quality of life to both residents and visitors. 

For information on Cook County, please visit www.visitcookcounty.com and www.co.cook.mn.us.

 

This position is open until filled; the Board will begin reviewing applications June 16th, 2023.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the EDA, according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

The EDA owns and has management responsibility for Superior National at Lutsen Golf Course (www.superiornational.com). The Director will work with the course’s Board of Governors to ensure all requirements of existing agreements are met and will lead the marketing team, including contracting professional services as needed.   

 

The EDA created and owns lots at Cedar Grove Business Park in Grand Marais. The Director will respond to inquiries, advise potential buyers regarding requirements of ownership, facilitate negotiations for the purchase of remaining lots, and prepare documents for closings.  

 

Other responsibilities include: 

 

• EDA and Superior National annual budget preparation and management in collaboration with the Board

• Directs and reports on bookkeeping and accounting for EDA and Superior National

• Clerical and administrative duties typical in a government organization

• Serving as the EDA spokesperson and representative

• Creation/application, implementation and evaluation of EDA programs, grants and services

• Reimagining and maintaining a website 

 

DESIRED CANDIDATE QUALITIES 

 

• Adaptability:  Demonstrates a willingness to be flexible in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.

• Integrity:  Understands the importance of ethical behavior and business practices and ensures that their own behavior aligns with the values of the organization.

• Relationship Builder: Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with others to achieve the goals of the organization, and can network and collaborate with both the public and private sectors to bring various interests to the table.

• Structured: Able to create systems, policies, and best practices as the EDA grows and evolves.

• Effective Communicator:  Listens actively and speaks and writes in a clear, thorough, and thoughtful manner.

• Creativity/innovation:  Develops ways to improve the operations of the EDA and creates new opportunities.

• Team Player:  Works cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance the EDA’s effectiveness. 

• Organized:  Sets priorities, develops work schedules, monitors progress toward goals, tracks details, and evaluates process and results.

• Strategic:  Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment and the vision and values of the EDA. 

• Local Knowledge:  Invests in learning about and understanding the Cook County economy, community, culture, and politics.

 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

 

The EDA is seeking a candidate with a minimum of four years of professional experience and aa bachelor’s degree in economics, real estate finance, business, public administration or a related field, or a combination of these deemed equivalent by the Board. Preference will be given to those with a master’s degree in an appropriate field and/or Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) status.  

 

COMPENSATION AND SCHEDULE

 

The starting pay range for this for this full-time position is $75,000 to 

$85,000, depending on experience, and includes a benefits package. This is a non-union, salaried position: typical work hours are 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday; some evening and weekend work may be required. The EDA will offer hybrid and flexible scheduling for the right candidate and depending on circumstances. 

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