Position Summary
The Director of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) serves as the economic development leader for Morgan County. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote business retention, expansion, attraction, workforce development, tourism growth, and community development throughout Morgan County.
Working collaboratively with municipal leaders, County Commissioners, business owners, developers, educational institutions, and regional economic development partners, the Director advances initiatives that strengthen the county's economic vitality and enhance quality of life for residents.
The Director also oversees the administration and strategic deployment of the Morgan County Tourism Budget and works closely with the Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department to facilitate responsible growth, business expansion, infrastructure planning, and development opportunities across the county.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Economic Development Leadership
- Develop and execute comprehensive economic development strategies that support business growth, job creation, capital investment, and tax base expansion.
- Lead business retention and expansion efforts by maintaining regular contact with existing employers and industry leaders.
- Market Morgan County to prospective businesses, investors, site selectors, and developers.
- Identify and pursue state, federal, and private funding opportunities that support economic development initiatives.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for economic development inquiries and project management activities.
- Develop and maintain economic data, market reports, and community profiles to support business recruitment efforts.
Government Relations and County Coordination
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with the Morgan County Board of County Commissioners.
- Regularly attend County Commissioner meetings, workshops, and other public meetings as necessary.
- Advise county leadership on economic development opportunities, emerging trends, and policy considerations.
- Coordinate economic development activities with municipal governments throughout Morgan County.
- Facilitate collaboration among local, regional, and state economic development organizations.
Tourism Development and Budget Administration
- Oversee the planning, administration, and accountability of the Morgan County Tourism Budget.
- Develop and implement tourism marketing strategies designed to increase visitation, overnight stays, and tourism-related spending.
- Coordinate tourism initiatives with local municipalities, chambers of commerce, event organizers, and regional tourism partners.
- Monitor tourism-related performance metrics and provide regular reports to stakeholders and governing boards.
- Evaluate and recommend investments in tourism promotion, events, destination marketing, and visitor services.
Planning, Development, and Land Use Coordination
- Work closely with the Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department to support business expansion, new development projects, and community growth initiatives.
- Assist developers, businesses, and property owners in navigating local land-use processes and development requirements.
- Participate in discussions regarding infrastructure planning, industrial development, commercial growth, housing development, and transportation improvements.
- Coordinate with planning staff to identify and promote development-ready sites and industrial opportunities.
- Support county efforts related to comprehensive planning and strategic growth initiatives.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as an ambassador for Morgan County's economic development interests.
- Build partnerships with local employers, educational institutions, workforce organizations, utilities, and community groups.
- Present economic development updates to elected officials, civic organizations, business groups, and community stakeholders.
- Foster collaboration among public and private sector partners to achieve strategic economic goals.
Organizational Management
- Implement policies and strategic priorities established by the MCEDC Board of Directors.
- Prepare and manage annual budgets, work plans, and performance reports.
- Oversee contracts, grants, and consultant relationships as assigned.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
- Provide regular reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding organizational performance and strategic initiatives.
Revolving Loan Fund Administration
- Oversee the administration, management, and strategic deployment of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation's Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).
- Evaluate loan applications and coordinate the review process to ensure compliance with program guidelines and lending criteria.
- Work with businesses, entrepreneurs, lenders, and community partners to provide financing opportunities that support business startup, expansion, job creation, and economic growth.
- Monitor loan performance, repayment schedules, and portfolio health, maintaining accurate records and reporting.
- Develop recommendations regarding loan approvals, modifications, and program policies for consideration by the appropriate loan committee and/or Board of Directors.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, local, and program-specific regulations governing revolving loan fund activities.
- Prepare regular reports on loan fund performance, economic impact, and available capital for the Board of Directors, County Commissioners, and funding partners.
- Promote the Revolving Loan Fund as an economic development tool to encourage investment, business growth, and workforce opportunities throughout Morgan County.
Morgan County Diversification Foundation Administration
- Direct and oversee the activities of the Morgan County Diversification Foundation in support of economic development, business growth, workforce initiatives, and community investment.
- Coordinate and facilitate quarterly Foundation Board meetings, including agenda development, reporting, meeting materials, and follow-up actions.
- Work collaboratively with Foundation Board members to establish priorities, evaluate opportunities, and advance strategic initiatives that support Morgan County's economic vitality.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable Foundation policies, reporting requirements, and governance standards.
- Develop recommendations for Foundation investments, grants, and economic development projects that align with organizational goals.
Event Planning and Fundraising
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee educational, community engagement, business development, tourism, and fundraising events that support the mission of the Morgan County Economic Development Corporation and the Morgan County Diversification Foundation.
- Manage all aspects of event planning, including budgeting, logistics, sponsorship development, marketing, vendor coordination, and volunteer management.
- Develop and implement fundraising initiatives and special events designed to generate support for economic development programs and community projects.
- Partner with local businesses, governmental entities, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to maximize participation and impact.
- Evaluate event outcomes and prepare post-event reports, including attendance, financial performance, and community engagement metrics.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Finance, Marketing, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in economic development, community development, government relations, tourism, planning, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience working with elected officials, government agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders.
- Experience managing budgets, grants, and strategic initiatives.
- Strong knowledge of economic development principles, business recruitment, business retention, and community development practices.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), or similar professional designation.
- Experience in rural economic development and agricultural communities.
- Knowledge of Colorado economic development programs and funding opportunities.
- Familiarity with land use planning, zoning processes, and development review procedures.
- Experience with tourism marketing and destination development.
Pay: $65,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Cell phone reimbursement
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
