VP, Regional Economic Growth & 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

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.