Executive Director, Economic Growth & Strategy

FEDC; Silver Springs (FL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

FEDC is seeking a Chief Economic Developer to lead the economic development strategy for Ocala and Marion County, guiding business attraction, retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, talent alignment and industry growth to drive job creation and capital investment.

The role oversees BRE, incentive structuring, and collaboration with city/county leadership, CEP board, and regional partners, while managing a team and budget to deliver measurable outcomes in a dynamic public–private context.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years of progressively responsible economic development experience, including senior leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in business attraction, retention and expansion resulting in measurable job creation and capital investment.
• Experience working with or within city and county government structures.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage staff performance.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including incentive evaluation and ROI analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations.
• Established relationships with site selection consultants, corporate leaders and regional partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive economic development strategy that aligns with local, regional, and state priorities, driving sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.
• Oversee recruitment, retention and expansion efforts across domestic and international markets, including RFIs/RFPs and prospect inquiries.
• Build strategic relationships with site selectors, brokers, corporate decision-makers, and regional partners to drive pipeline activity.
• Oversee incubators and entrepreneurial initiatives and strengthen the regional ecosystem.
• Coordinate mentorship, capital access and startup resources with educational and workforce partners.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and supervise teams.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Executive presentations

Stakeholder relations

Team leadership

Financial analysis

Incentive evaluation

Education

MEDP/CEcD credential

Job description

FEDC is seeking a Chief Economic Developer to lead the economic development strategy for Ocala and Marion County, guiding business attraction, retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, talent alignment and industry growth to drive job creation and capital investment.

The role oversees BRE, incentive structuring, and collaboration with city/county leadership, CEP board, and regional partners, while managing a team and budget to deliver measurable outcomes in a dynamic public–private context.