Strategic Economic Development & Entrepreneurship Lead

Cowley-County; Winfield (KS); On-site; USD 71,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Cowley-County in Winfield, KS is seeking an Economic Development Coordinator to drive growth and improve the local business climate. The role collaborates with schools, government officials, financial partners, chambers, and regional entities to attract new industry and enhance workforce development.

Required: a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 2 years in economic development planning/implementation, with a preference for entrepreneurship and small business focus.

Qualifications

• Persuasive oral and written communication skills.
• Skilled negotiator with ability to build consensus.
• Ability to formulate and execute strategic and long-range plans.
• Ability to leverage substantial resources, energy and partnerships.
• Ability to form meaningful business relationships with a variety of constituents.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal funding resources.
• Ability to handle conflicting priorities/work schedules to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with school districts, universities, community leaders to foster entrepreneurship education.
• Maintain a business climate conducive to expansion and retention of existing companies.
• Facilitate programs to strengthen workforce quality and quantity.
• Target business recruitment efforts and negotiate with prospects.
• Work with state and local officials.
• Grant writing, grant administration and reporting.
• Prepare applications for Kansas Business Incentive Programs.
• Engage with industries and utilize market research and e-marketing tools.
• Participate on community committees and local organizational activities.
• Maintain, upgrade and create statistical reports and data.
• Advocate for local business interests at local and state levels.
• Encourage rural development through agritourism initiatives.
• Implement quality of life improvements and community appeal.

Skills

Persuasive communication

Negotiation

Strategic planning

Networking/partnerships

Resource leveraging

Funding knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, marketing research, finance, real estate, urban/regional planning, or related field

Job description

Cowley-County in Winfield, KS is seeking an Economic Development Coordinator to drive growth and improve the local business climate. The role collaborates with schools, government officials, financial partners, chambers, and regional entities to attract new industry and enhance workforce development.

Required: a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 2 years in economic development planning/implementation, with a preference for entrepreneurship and small business focus.