Executive Director

Express Employment Professionals - Aberdeen, WA; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

Life Insurance

Long‑term disability

Simple IRA

Job summary

Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI) seeks an Executive Director to lead as the organization’s chief executive, shaping economic development, business vitality, and community prosperity in Grays Harbor County.

Reporting to the Board, you’ll steward strategy, operations, and public leadership to attract investment and advance regional competitiveness. The role focuses on innovative leadership, budgeting, revenue development, and strong stakeholder engagement, guiding regional growth and program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of senior leadership in economic development or nonprofit sector.
• Strong financial management including budgeting, forecasting, grant oversight.
• Proven ability to build diverse stakeholder relationships.
• Experience developing new initiatives or partnerships that drive measurable economic impact.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of innovative economic development strategies focused on retention, expansion, recruitment, workforce development, and investment attraction.
• Bring creative vision to identify opportunities for regional growth, industry diversification, and entrepreneurship development.
• Serve as a dynamic public leader and spokesperson, building relationships with business leaders, officials, investors, and community partners.
• Oversee operations, staff leadership, programs, contracts, and grant-funded initiatives with focus on improvement and innovation.
• Develop and manage budgets, identifying new revenue streams and partnerships.
• Drive projects to keep the region competitive and support modern approaches to economic development.
• Represent GGHI at regional, state, and national forums advocating bold economic strategies.
• Direct marketing, branding, and communications to elevate the region's visibility.

Skills

Senior leadership

Strategic leadership

Staff supervision

Partnership development

Financial management

Public speaking

Stakeholder relations

Executive representation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field; or equivalent experience.

Job description

Job Description

Executive Director

Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI)

Position Summary

Express Employment Professionals of Aberdeen, WA has partnered with Greater Gray Habor, Inc. (GGHI) to search for their next Executive Director. GGHI seeks an Executive Director to lead an organization that serves as both the Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce. As the designated Associate Development Organization (ADO) for Grays Harbor County, GHHI plays a critical role in supporting long term economic growth, business vitality, and community prosperity throughout Grays Harbor County.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive and primary public representative. This role is responsible not only for operational leadership, but for bringing creative vision, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies that expand economic opportunity, attract investment, and position the region for future competitiveness and growth.

Compensation

• Salary range: $90,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Additional benefits: 100% Company Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, and Basic Life, (After 60-day Probationary period)
• LTD Buy Up: (Optional) premium paid monthly by Employee via Payroll Deduction. (After 90-day probationary period)
• Simple IRA retirement (Edward Jones): 3% Company paid – Employee must invest at least 3% to participate. (After 90-day Probationary period)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of innovative, forward-looking economic development strategies focused on business retention, expansion, recruitment, workforce development, and investment attraction.
• Bring creative vision to identify new opportunities for regional growth, industry diversification, and entrepreneurship development.
• Serve as a dynamic public leader and spokesperson, building strong relationships with business leaders, elected officials, tribal governments, investors, and community partners.
• Oversee all organizational operations, staff leadership, programs, contracts, and grant-funded initiatives with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation. Supervise and manage the performance of all staff members.
• Develop and manage budgets while identifying new and creative revenue streams, funding models, and partnership opportunities.
• Drive projects that help the region stay competitive and support modern approaches to economic development.
• Represent GGHI at regional, state, and national forums, advocating for bold economic development strategies and investment in the region.
• Direct marketing, branding, and communications strategies that creatively elevate the region’s visibility and economic identity.

First-Year Priorities

• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders while introducing a fresh, innovative perspective to regional economic development efforts.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of existing programs, contracts, grants, and financial structures.
• Evaluate current initiatives and identify opportunities to reimagine and modernize economic development strategies and programs.
• Develop a bold, forward-looking strategic roadmap that integrates innovation, measurable outcomes, and lasting regional impact.
• Strengthen organizational visibility through sharing the value it provides, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify new revenue models, partnerships, and investment opportunities to expand organizational sustainability and impact. Increase member outreach, recruitment, and retention.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience in economic development, chamber leadership, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, innovation, and organizational growth.
• Staff supervision, performance management, development, and other personnel functions.
• Experience developing new initiatives, programs, or partnerships that drive measurable economic impact.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, grant writing, and oversight.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including business, government, and community leaders.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and executive represe