Job Specification Details

Professional work for the Department of Economic Development involving research, development, and implementation of strategies to target and recruit individual businesses and industry business segments to relocate and/or expand as well increase bi-lateral trade and foreign direct investment into Vermont. Duties involve contact with high level business and industry representatives and coordination with foreign governments and institutions, other state and federal government agencies, regional and local development corporations, and local government. Supervision over a staff of Economic Development Directors and ability to exert influence across all levels irrespective of reporting lines. Work is performed under the general direction of the Commissioner of the Department of Economic Development. 

Participates in the designation of industry segments to be targeted for recruitment, working with top level administrative officials in state government. Plans, develops, and directs comprehensive recruiting and development programs for targeted business with emphasis on innovation-driven and technology businesses. Works with key employers in the state to ensure the expansion and retention efforts of the Department are realized. Coordinates across the various programs of the Department to ensure that DED brings the proper resources to bear for recruitment, expansion, and retention of our key employers. Maintains contacts with foreign trade representatives and contractors, high level industry managers, site selection professionals, public relations firms, and with all levels of state, federal, and local government. The Director directly supervises the separate program management staff, and is responsible for the disbursement protocol, policies and procedures, recording and accountability of three major grant programs including the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), The Vermont Training Program (VTP) and the Northern Borders Regional Commission (NBRC). The annual amounts disbursed to Vermont companies, municipalities and institutions from these programs are nearly $9 million. The Director is responsible for the securing, encouraging, and preparing the annual funding proposals for all three programs including the communication and compliance with the requisite Federal Agencies that the Small Business Administration (STEP) and the NBRC. The Director matches client needs with selected Vermont sites, labor markets, facility selection, environmental/economic infrastructure and material supply sources. Provides technical assistance to other Department staff in the area of recruitment, trade expansion, and foreign investment. Develops staff to cross train and optimize performance of the entire team. Performs related duties as required.

Duties require considerable travel, including evening and weekend meetings for the convenience of businesses being served. Private means of transportation is required. Considerable human relations, emotional intelligence, negotiating, and sales skills are needed; public speaking is required.

Considerable knowledge of existing regional industry and business and the prevailing business and economic climate. 

Considerable knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations applicable to economic development. 

Considerable knowledge of basic concepts and principles of economics. 

Working knowledge of current transportation, labor, and marketing resources in Vermont. 

Managerial experience plus the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of Government and Business.  

Ability to organize activities, people, and other resources to accomplish objectives within established time frames. 

Ability to communicate effectively with top management of large and small corporations as well as entrepreneurs. 

Significant sales ability. 

Master's degree in AND five (5) years or more at a professional level in economic development, destination development, new business development, organization leadership, business or marketing consulting, corporate site selection, or business-to-business sales. 

OR 

Bachelor's degree AND six (6) years or more at a professional level in economic development, destination development, new business development, organization leadership, business or marketing consulting, corporate site selection, or business-to-business sales. 

Degree in business administration or economics.
 
Experience with large ticket and/or intangibles sales, such as engineering services, promotion, or marketing.