Location: Fostoria, Ohio
Reports to: Executive Board
Employment Type: Full-Time / Variable Hours
Salary: $85,000-$100,000 + Bonus Potential
Position Summary:
The Executive Director serves as the visionary and operational leader of the newly merged Fostoria Economic Development organization, Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Bureau. This combined role is responsible for driving business growth, fostering a thriving business climate, promoting the community to visitors and new residents, and enhancing overall quality of life.
A major opportunity of this role is the ability to build and shape a high-performing leadership team from the ground up. The successful candidate will have significant autonomy to design the organizational structure, recruit top talent, and create their dream team to deliver results across all functions.
This individual will also oversee the operations and programming of the Fostoria Learning Center, a vital workforce and training hub serving employers, residents, and regional partners.
This position provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management for integrated programs in economic development (business attraction, retention, and expansion), Chamber operations (membership services, networking, and advocacy), and community/tourism promotion. The Executive Director acts as the primary spokesperson and relationship builder between the business community, local government, educational partners, and regional organizations. This is a high-impact leadership role for a visionary professional who understands the power of place-based economic development and collaborative workforce solutions to drive long-term prosperity in a small-town environment.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and implement a combined strategic plan for the Chamber and economic development efforts.
- Work with the Board of Directors to set annual goals, budgets, and priorities.
- Identify community needs and recommend programs for business growth, downtown revitalization, and quality-of-life improvements.
- Align Chamber activities with broader economic goals like workforce development and infrastructure.
2. Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion (BRE)
- Lead efforts to attract new businesses and industries.
- Manage business retention and expansion visits/programs.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for existing and prospective businesses.
- Oversee incentive programs, site readiness, and marketing of available properties.
3. Membership & Chamber Operations
- Recruit, retain, and engage Chamber members.
- Organize networking events, ribbon cuttings, annual dinners, and business expos.
- Manage day-to-day Chamber operations (finances, communications, website, social media).
- Provide member services such as referrals, training workshops, and advocacy support.
4. Advocacy & Government Relations
- Represent the business community before local government (city council, county board), state legislators, and regional partners.
- Advocate for pro-business policies (taxes, regulations, infrastructure).
- Build strong partnerships with Fostoria elected officials, other economic development organizations, and regional agencies.
5. Marketing, Tourism & Community Promotion
- Promote the community to visitors, businesses, and potential residents.
- Manage or support tourism initiatives, Main Street programs, or visitor services.
- Handle public relations, media relations, and community branding.
6. Financial & Administrative Management
- Develop and manage the annual budget for both the Chamber, Visitor’s Bureau and Economic Development functions.
- Seek and manage grants, sponsorships, and funding sources.
- Oversee financial reporting, contracts, and compliance.
- Recruit, supervise, and mentor any support staff or volunteers.
7. Relationship Building & Community Leadership
- Serve as the public face of the Chamber and economic development efforts.
- Facilitate collaboration between businesses, government, education, and nonprofits.
- Participate in or lead committees, task forces, and regional economic groups.
- Support workforce development initiatives (e.g., partnerships with schools or training programs).
8. Events, Programs & Special Projects
- Plan and execute major events (e.g., festivals, business awards, job fairs).
- Oversee or support downtown improvement, small business assistance, and entrepreneurship programs.
- Handle other duties as needed — this often includes tourism promotion, grant writing, or even minor administrative tasks.
9. Management of the Fostoria Learning Center
- Oversee operations, strategic planning, and programming for the Fostoria Learning Center (FLC), ensuring alignment with regional workforce and employer needs.
- Cultivate partnerships with local employers, higher education institutions, and training providers to deliver relevant, in-demand courses and certifications.
- Manage staff, scheduling, facilities, marketing, and reporting for the center.
- Promote the center as a regional hub for upskilling, training, and community learning opportunities.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Business, Urban Planning, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in economic development, workforce development, or related leadership role.
- Proven success in managing partnerships, securing funding, and overseeing complex initiatives.
- Familiarity with rural and small-town economic challenges and opportunities.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
- Experience managing a team and working in cross-sector environments.
- Preferred experience overseeing or partnering with a Land Bank (e.g., property acquisition, demolition, rehabilitation, disposition, and programs such as Welcome Home Ohio).
- Track record in grant writing, grant administration, and securing diverse funding sources (state, federal, and local).
- Experience leading or managing tourism/Visitors Bureau functions, including destination marketing, event promotion, and visitor engagement.
- Other duties as assigned.
Personal Attributes:
- Deep commitment to the success of Fostoria and Seneca County.
- High energy with the ability to manage multiple complex functions.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills with a collaborative mindset.
- Political acumen, diplomacy, and integrity.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to attend evening/weekend activities.
To Apply:
Submit application on Linked In, Indeed or submit your resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references directly to the hiring committee chair:
Kristy Persohn - [email protected]
Pay: $85,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Location:
- Fostoria, OH 44830 (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Fostoria, OH 44830 (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
