Economic Development Director

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce; Michigan; On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement Savings Plan with 3% Match

Paid Vacation and Personal– 15 days/yr

Monthly cell phone stipend

Job summary

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce seeks an Economic Development Director to advance local growth, attract investment, and connect businesses with resources. This hands-on role reports to the President and CEO and collaborates with city, county, DDA, and regional partners to move projects forward.

You will manage multiple initiatives, travel throughout Manistee County, and communicate progress to stakeholders while supporting downtown redevelopment and community vitality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus 2+ years of experience.
• Experience in economic development, business attraction or retention.
• Knowledge of funding sources and incentives (TIF, Brownfield, OPRA, etc.).
• Ability to coordinate multiple funding sources and report to partners.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Driver’s license and ability to travel countywide.

Responsibilities

• Support local businesses and connect them with resources.
• Attract new opportunities and assist site selection for growth.
• Coordinate DDA programs and projects across the county.
• Bring partners together to advance shared economic development priorities.
• Track timelines, prepare reports, and communicate progress with stakeholders.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Project management

Travel readiness

Economic development knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Economic Development Director, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Manistee County has the natural beauty of Lake Michigan beaches, inland lakes, year-round recreation, and room to enjoy the outdoors in all seasons. We also have businesses, community partners, and local leaders working to build a strong local economy.

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for an Economic Development Director who wants to help move that work forward. This is a hands‑on opportunity to support local growth, attract new investment, strengthen Manistee County, and connect people with the resources and partnerships that help good ideas become real projects.

Reporting to the President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, you will work closely with local businesses, the City and County of Manistee, the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Economic Development Council, and regional partners. You will build relationships, learn what businesses need, help developers navigate local resources, and coordinate DDA programs and projects.

This is an opportunity to see the results of your work close to home: a business finding the support it needs, an infrastructure project taking shape, or a new investment creating opportunity for the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Support local businesses. Build relationships with employers, conduct business visits, learn about their opportunities and challenges, and connect them with resources that can support retention and growth.
• Attract new opportunities. Respond to business and developer inquiries, share information about local sites and resources, and help prospective businesses explore expansion or relocation in Manistee County.
• Support downtown as part of countywide economic development. Serve as the primary point of contact for the DDA, maintain relationships with downtown businesses and property owners, and coordinate board‑approved grants and projects.
• Bring partners together. Work with the Chamber, City and County, DDA Board, and regional organizations to advance shared economic development priorities.
• Keep projects moving and communicate progress. Track timelines and outcomes, prepare reports and presentations, and coordinate required reporting with Chamber and municipal staff.

The Director must live in Manistee County to stay connected to local priorities, businesses, and community life. The position also involves regular travel throughout the county and occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.

What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least two years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in economic development, business attraction or retention, community development, planning, or related work.
• Working knowledge of economic development funding sources and incentive tools, including grants, loans, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Brownfield redevelopment, property tax incentives such as OPRA, and Land Bank resources.
• Ability to identify potential funding sources, explain options and requirements to businesses and developers, and coordinate with public and private partners on applications, approvals, and reporting. Experience coordinating multiple funding sources for a project is preferred.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including comfort working with business owners, public officials, community partners, and the public.
• The ability to manage several projects, follow through on details, and work independently while keeping partners informed.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel regularly throughout the county.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for the range is $75,000 to $100,000 commensurate with experience. In addition, we offer

• Health insurance- 100% premium coverage for employee
• Retirement Savings Plan with 3% Match
• Paid Vacation and Personal– 15 days/year to start
• Monthly cell phone stipend