Join Lake to River Economic Development
Connecting People. Growing Communities. Uniting the Shores of Lake Erie to the Great Ohio River.
Position: Director, Site Strategies
Location: Youngstown, Ohio (Regional Travel Required)
Department: Economic Development
Salary: $65,000 - $80,000
Make an Impact Across Our Region
Lake to River Economic Development believe strong communities begin with meaningful opportunities. Our work reaches across Mahoning, Trumbull, Columbiana, and Ashtabula counties, connecting businesses, educators, and community partners to create pathways for growth and success.
From the shores of Lake Erie to the Ohio River, we are helping shape a stronger future for our region by supporting workforce development, economic opportunity, and community advancement. Every project we lead and every partnership we build contributes to a shared vision: vibrant communities, thriving businesses, and opportunities for all.
As the Director of Site Strategies, you will play a critical role in preparing our region for future investment and growth. This position leads efforts to identify, develop, market, and manage strategic sites to attract new businesses and support the expansion of existing employers. Working closely with JobsOhio, community leaders, developers, and real estate professionals, you will help position the Lake to River region as a premier destination for business investment and economic development.
If you are passionate about community growth, economic development, and building relationships that drive regional progress, we would love to hear from you.
What You'll Be Doing
As the Director of Site Strategies, you will lead initiatives that strengthen the region's inventory of development-ready properties and support business attraction and expansion efforts.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing JobsOhio site-related programs, including Ohio Site Inventory, Vibrant Communities and SiteOhio.
- Identifying and developing new business-ready sites throughout the Lake to River region.
- Creating detailed site marketing materials, mapping packages, presentations, and promotional content.
- Building strong relationships with developers, commercial real estate professionals, community leaders, and public officials.
- Participating in regional and statewide site development strategy meetings, committees, conferences, and tradeshows.
- Coordinating contract reporting, project tracking, and economic development documentation.
- Highlighting strategic properties through Lake to River marketing channels, including the website, newsletter, and social media.
- Tracking activities and project outcomes through Salesforce CRM.
- Supporting regional economic development initiatives and special projects as assigned by the Vice President of Economic Development
What Makes You a Great Fit
Successful candidates bring a combination of technical expertise, relationship-building skills, and a passion for regional growth.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Urban Planning, GIS Mapping, Real Estate, or a related field.
- Equivalent experience in planning, mapping, site development, economic development, or real estate will be considered.
- Three to five years of experience in economic development, planning, mapping, site development, or commercial real estate.
- Understanding of site selection, property development, and economic development practices.
- Strong project management, organizational, sales, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
- Experience working with mapping tools, databases, or property inventory systems is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The Way You Work
Beyond technical qualifications, successful team members at Lake to River demonstrate:
- A collaborative and relationship-focused approach.
- Initiative and the ability to work independently.
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
- Professionalism and integrity in all interactions.
- The ability to manage confidential and sensitive information.
- Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- A strong knowledge of and commitment to the Lake to River region.
- Confidence in communicating with stakeholders ranging from business leaders to public officials and community partners.
What Success Looks Like
In your first year, success may include:
- Expanding and enhancing the region's inventory of development-ready sites.
- Effectively managing and advancing JobsOhio site-related programs.
- Increasing visibility and marketability of regional properties through strategic marketing efforts.
- Developing productive relationships with developers, site selectors, real estate professionals, and community stakeholders.
- Ensuring timely and accurate project reporting and database management.
- Contributing to successful business attraction and expansion projects that support regional economic growth.
Why You'll Love Working Here
At Lake to River, we know our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow professionally and personally.
Benefits & Perks
Our benefits package includes:
- Major medical coverage through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Dental and vision coverage through Guardian Insurance
- $50,000 Life Insurance benefit
- $50,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage
- Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 120 hours of annual PTO, accrued monthly
- 120 hours of Short-Term Disability leave available immediately
- 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 4% employer match
- Colonial Life supplemental insurance options
- 11 paid holidays, plus Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving
- Cell phone allowance up to $50 per month
- Paid parking
Ready to Help Shape What's Next?
If you are excited by the opportunity to create meaningful impact and be part of a mission-driven team, we would love to hear from you.
Apply today and join us in connecting talent, opportunity, and community across our region.
To Apply: Submit your resume to [email protected]
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Lake to River is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that makes employment decisions based on each person's individual performance, qualifications, and abilities. In compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Lake to River is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment and provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of any legally protected status.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
