Opportunity Profile. President and CEO

Transcription

1 President and CEO July 2018

2 Regional Economic Development Incorporated AR-TX Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) is a new non-profit organization that aims to create jobs and expand the regional economic base by attracting new businesses and industries to southwest Arkansas and northeast Texas. The primary mission of REDI will be to bring new business and industry to the Texarkana Area MSA by working collaboratively with existing regional economic development groups. Texarkana USA is the anchor of a 60-mile stretch of interstate corridor (I-30) ripe with opportunity and bi-state synergy. The region is continually developing and includes the convergence of new highway systems, established rail, and access to air transportation. The Texarkana region offers access to an abundance of resources including water, timber, and properties ready for development. One of the largest rural industrial centers in the USA, TexAmericas Center, brings together an unmatched land resource of nearly 12,000 acres. The Texarkana Area MSA is also a hub for higher education, retail, and medical care. The development of REDI will serve as the catalyst to connect prospective national and international business and industry contacts with regional partners and resources to build a stronger economy for the Texarkana Area MSA. President and CEO Texas A&M University 7101 University Ave Texarkana, TX APPLICATION PROCESS For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé to Todd Jorgenson, Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. at ARTXREDI@jci-inc.net REDI has the challenge of recruiting a new President and CEO who will lead in defining and implementing a plan to effectively recruit and attract new business to the region. The President and CEO operates in a high-profile role and must be capable of strengthening and expanding the partnerships with key leaders in business, education, public and economic development leaders in the region. The successful President and CEO candidate will be a collaborative and contributing leader who thrives in a high energy, goal-oriented working environment to achieve the goals of the REDI organization. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES Primary Provide REDI with a vision and the leadership to create a program of work for recruiting and attracting new business to the region. Establish and implement a cohesive recruitment strategy focused around targeted industries and clusters that results in the generation of leads for the region. Page 2

3 Help articulate appropriate goals, based on final program of work, and steer the organization towards obtaining these goals. Partner with the private sector businesses, local EDC s, Chambers of Commerce, State of Texas and Arkansas, educational institutions and others to identify companies that may be interested in the REDI region. Establish a communication process that provides transparent, accurate communications and accountability to the REDI investors. Implement policies and standards to ensure efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources. Prepare and respond to RFPs and RFQs that stimulates interest in the region. In conjunction with the Board, prepare, implement, and administer short term and long-range strategic economic development planning. Meet with outside agencies and the public including members of the business community and citizens' groups to explain and promote the organization s services, programs, policies, procedures, goals, and objectives related to economic development. Facilitate all meetings of the board, executes any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board of Directors of REDI have authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the organization or by its Bylaws. Manage financial, human, and physical resources of the organization, overseeing company operations including its operational procedures. Secondary Interact with state and local government officials, Chamber of Commerce representatives, private-sector companies, economic development professionals, and any others to effect changes in local/state policies, to encourage business expansion. Serve as primary liaison to the City Councils and City Boards of Directors, County Commissioners' Court and area Chambers of Commerce regarding economic development issues, attending meetings when appropriate and necessary. Present a positive and professional image of the Regional Economic Development Incorporated and the area. Maintain professional relationships and is active in local, regional, state, and national economic development networks. Perform other duties as assigned/directed by the Board of Directors of REDI. The above responsibilities are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties that may be performed by the President and CEO. JOB REQUIREMENTS Has measurable results in lead conversion by following-through and securing new and/or expanded regional business and industry. Identifies and defines obstacles to preventing successful businesses and industry development efforts, evaluates reasons for rejection, and uses feedback as advantage to develop future winning proposals. Page 3

4 Establishes strong working relationships with the Board, staff, city, and all other key stakeholders and partners of REDI. Works closely with REDI Board to develop long term strategic planning and vision. Clearly demonstrates leadership of REDI activities and initiatives. Has knowledge of effective principles, practices, methods and techniques of economic development and the ability to assess the challenges of REDI s targeted sectors, industries, and other prospect industries. Demonstrates excellent written, verbal, and listening communications skills, including public speaking capabilities, strong professional public relations, community contact and image building skills, as well as the capacity to effectively manage economic development activities involving a mix of both public and private sector organizations and interests. Comfortable with business development and retention activities including the ability to travel in and out of the region as well as driving prospects, clients, and others to various locations. Seamless leadership transition to REDI. The Person PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelor s Degree or higher is preferred from an accredited fouryear college or university and 10 or more years experience in economic development or related field such as marketing, business development and sales. COMPENSATION Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. At least ten years executive-level leadership experience in economic development or related field such as marketing, business development and sales. Experience developing and implementing marketing initiatives that result in the creation of leads and increased visibility for the community. History of working with multiple stakeholders to assist or lead negotiations and deal closings. Hands-on professional with demonstrated success in identifying, negotiating and closing economic development deals with multiple stakeholders. In-depth knowledge of the principles and practices of economic development and private sector business practices. Demonstrated effectiveness as an inspirational leader with strong written and oral communication skills. Experience managing and developing professional staff, developing budgets, reporting and administrative management duties. TRAITS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES Proven consensus builder managing diverse viewpoints to an effective, positive solution. Maximizes collaboration and shares credit and successes among partners and stakeholders. Page 4

5 Action oriented: Skilled in idea generation, is committed to achieving outcomes, and consistently produces results based on those ideas. Networker that builds collaborative and productive relationships with others both inside and outside economic development organizations, and maintains a wide network of contacts that can be leveraged on behalf of the organization s goals. Drive for results: Has the ability to continually focus on achieving positive, concrete results that contribute to the business success of the organization. Displays a genuine passion for the region. Seeks ways to overcome competitive challenges and develop opportunities. Strategic visionary thinker: Able to set sights on a new future, constantly identifying the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the environment able to think differently about how the environment and businesses operate and look for new ways to solve these problems. Developing people: Discusses development needs with employees and provides them with opportunities and visibility, as well as advice and coaching. Shows a sincere interest in developing talent for the benefit of the organization. Has skill in guiding new employees through an orientation process, coaches on job performance, gives feedback, empowers and suggests corrective action as appropriate. Communication skills: Experienced public speaker, good listener, outstanding writer, and strong interpersonal communicator to small and large group settings. Comfortable interacting with the news media and proactive in seeking good publicity for the organization and the region. Relationship builder: Demonstrated experience working with C-level executives, public policy makers and other community leaders developing relationships of mutual respect. Possesses the political acumen to work to successful solutions without being political. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates for this position will be evaluated by Jorgenson Consulting. Only a limited number of the most highly qualified applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to participate in the interview process. For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé to Todd Jorgenson at ARTXREDI@jci-inc.net REFERENCES AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION There will be an extensive background and reference check of candidates. Once strong mutual interest has been established, candidates are asked to provide a list of references that should include, but not be limited to, a supervisor, a peer, a development client and a subordinate, as applicable. Candidates will be asked to sign an authorization to release information for the purpose of the background investigation, which may include verification of education, credit check, criminal and driving records. Should an offer be extended prior to the completion of these checks, the offer will be made contingent on the successful completion of the reference and background checks. Page 5