Vice President, Economic Development

Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce; Bowling Green (KY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Vice President of Economic Development to provide strategic leadership for regional economic initiatives, including business attraction, expansion, retention, and partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders.

The role reports to the President and CEO, guides multiple entities, and drives regional competitiveness across South Central Kentucky. Strong leadership, policy acumen, and relationship-building are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, economics, sales, economic development, or related field required; professional economic development certifications preferred.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in economic development, business development, community development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in business attraction, expansion, retention, or regional economic development strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement regional economic development strategies in partnership with local governments, WKU, community colleges, utilities and regional stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to strengthen the region’s competitive position and diversify the regional economic base.
• Develop performance measures and strategies that demonstrate measurable results and ROI.
• Monitor and analyze legislation and policies affecting economic development, business growth, infrastructure, workforce, and regional competitiveness.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop economic development policy positions and advocacy strategies.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate economic development staff.
• Establish priorities, workflows, deadlines, and accountability standards.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, responsive, innovative, and results-driven culture.
• Represent the Chamber in local, regional, state, national, and international economic development settings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship-building

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Multi-project management

Confidentiality

Initiative

Integrity

CRM proficiency

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Education

Bachelor's degree in business/public administration/economics/economic development or related field

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Presentations

Job description

Department: Economic Development

Classification: Full-Time, Exempt (Salary)

Location: Chamber Headquarters

Reports To: President and Chief Executive Officer

Supervises: Senior Director, Regional Economic Development; Director, Real Estate; Technology and Research Coordinator; Economic Development Coordinator

Position Summary

The Vice President, Economic Development provides innovative, strategic leadership for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce’s regional economic development initiatives, including business attraction, expansion, retention, regional partnerships, policy advocacy, and economic development services.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President leads economic development projects, strengthens relationships with key public and private-sector partners, advances regional competitiveness, and expands the Chamber’s economic development presence throughout the South Central Kentucky region.

The Vice President supports the missions and manages activities of the Bowling Green Area Economic Development Authority (BGA-EDA), Bowling Green ITA (ITA), and South Central Kentucky Regional Development Authority (RDA).

Key Responsibilities

Economic Development Strategy and Leadership

• Develop and implement regional economic development strategies in partnership with local governments, Western Kentucky University, Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical College, utilities, businesses, workforce organizations, and other regional stakeholders.
• Lead efforts to strengthen the region’s competitive position and diversify the regional economic base.
• Develop performance measures and strategies that demonstrate measurable results and return on investment.
• Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local legislation and policies affecting economic development, business growth, infrastructure, workforce, and regional competitiveness.
• Collaborate with the President and CEO and senior leadership team to develop economic development policy positions, briefings, and advocacy strategies.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate economic development staff.
• Establish priorities, workflows, deadlines, and accountability standards.
• Foster a collaborative, professional, responsive, innovative, and results-driven culture.
• Represent the Chamber and affiliated entities in local, regional, state, national, and international economic development settings, including active engagement in economic development organizations.

Business Attraction, Expansion, and Retention

• Lead business attraction and expansion projects from prospect development through announcement.
• Oversee RFI/RFP responses, site visits, prospect negotiations, incentive analysis, and project coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, utilities, site consultants, brokers, developers, and other economic development partners.
• Oversee existing industry programs, including business retention, expansion, industry visits, surveys, and relationship development.
• Ensure accurate tracking of project activity and pipeline information through CRM and EOS Scorecards.

Regional Partnerships and Contract Services

• Serve as the primary staff liaison and administrative lead for the BGA-EDA, ITA, and RDA, coordinating all aspects of Board and committee operations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community, business, and governmental partners throughout the region.
• Manage and grow economic development service agreements with communities within the 10-county labor shed.
• Oversee implementation of regional economic development marketing and service delivery agreements.

Marketing and Communications

• Partner with Chamber staff to coordinate economic development marketing, announcements, press releases, events, and related communications.
• Ensure economic development marketing materials and communications are accurate, timely, and effective.

Budgeting, Research, and Administration

• Develop and monitor budgets for economic development programs, operations, contracts, and affiliated entities.
• Oversee research supporting business attraction, expansion, retention, and policy initiatives.
• Prepare reports, presentations, dashboards, and updates for senior leadership, Boards, committees, and community stakeholders.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, economics, sales, economic development, or related field required; professional economic development certifications preferred.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in economic development, business development, community development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in business attraction, expansion, retention, or regional economic development strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of economic development, business attraction, retention, expansion, and regional competitiveness.
• Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, financial, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to foster effective relationships with businesses, elected officials, government agencies, Boards, and community partners.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain strict confidentiality, and act in the best interest of the organization.
• Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, professionalism, integrity, and follow-through.
• Proficiency with CRM systems, Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, presentations, and other business applications.

Compensation and Benefits

The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with the qualifications, experience, and responsibilities of the position. The package may include:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Employer-sponsored retirement benefits.
• Paid time off, holidays, and other leave benefits.
• Life, disability, and cancer insurance.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• A collaborative, mission-driven work environment with opportunities to engage with business, civic, and community leaders.
• Additional benefits and programs, including performance bonuses, as determined by Chamber leadership.

Specific compensation and benefit details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the hiring process.

Working Conditions

Primarily an office environment during standard business hours. Regular travel throughout the 10-county region and occasional evening and early-morning hours may be required for Board, committee, prospect, community, or economic development meetings and events.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified at the discretion of the President and CEO and the Board of Directors.