Strategic Economic Development Leader

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

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