Description

Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this executive search.

About the organization
 

Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is a public-private partnership. The Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA), the public agency, evolved from the Montana TradePort Authority, launched in 1989 by the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners. Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the private business side, was started in 2002. Over 160-plus of the county’s top businesses are member-investor partners in the EDC. Together, the organization’s mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development.

MISSION
Big Sky Economic Development’s mission is to sustain and grow our region’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development.

VISION

Building a Vibrant, Healthy Economy

VALUE

We value each other, we embrace fun, and we serve with passion and excellence.

THE POSITION
 

This position serves as the chief executive officer, with overall management responsibility for the successful operation of the Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The individual plans, organizes, implements, and provides oversight to accomplish the organization's strategic priorities and promote the economic growth and development of the Billings/Yellowstone County, MT region. The position serves as the lead spokesperson and subject matter expert (SME) for the economic development of our region at the local, regional, state, and federal levels. The executive director leads a team of senior directors who have the day-to-day responsibility to lead program-level performance and mission execution in areas of industry and business retention, expansion, and attraction, community development, and entrepreneurship. 

Organizational Leadership

        Lead Board and Strategy: Support the board in setting strategic priorities for regional economic development and organizational direction; foster broad community support for Billings, Yellowstone County, and EDA/EDC missions. 

        Build Culture and Relationships: Cultivate excellence in customer service, financial management, and client success; develop interactive partnerships with federal/state agencies, local governments, businesses, lenders, educational institutions, and other economic development entities. 

        Facilitate Growth and Advocacy: Act as broker for stakeholders to advance regional economic growth; build strong ties with Yellowstone County Commissioners and civic leaders; advocate publicly for key industries and educate on economic development roles. 

         Influence Policy and Legislation: Monitor state/federal legislation, lobby for community tools/policies, and collaborate with Strategy Partners (BSED, City of Billings, Downtown Billings Alliance, Billings Chamber of Commerce). 

         Represent an Expert Role: Attend conferences/seminars as subject matter expert; participate on MEDA, Downtown Billings Partnership, Billings Chamber, and Beartooth RC&D boards (or designate).

Program Responsibilities

         Internal Programs: Lead the Senior Directors team in the execution of the program-level responsibilities for the organization, including work in our four quadrants of responsibility—Economic Development Programs; Financial Management and Lending; Engagement; and Recruitment and Community Development

         EDC Member Investor Program: Engage with EDC Member Investor outreach efforts and support the development of financial partnerships that support BSED programming

         Community Programs: Provide vision and direction for key public-facing functions and reports, and strengthen the understanding and relationship BSED has with the community we serve—BSED Annual Meeting, Economic Pulse Report, Annual BBER Economic Outlook Seminar.

Administrative Responsibilities

        EDA/EDC Board: Develop agendas for Executive Committee and full board meetings in collaboration with EDA and EDC Board Chairs and Senior Directors, facilitate these meetings, including board-level committees and special project task forces, and direct strategic planning processes at both board and staff levels with Senior Directors. 

        Executive Director Reports: Provide quarterly progress reports to the EDA/EDC Board of Directors and county commissioners on organizational activities and accomplishments, ensure timely completion and filing of required government compliance measures and reports to support cooperative agreements and core economic development programs. 

        Economic Development Impact: Conduct necessary research on relevant policy issues, monitor legislation related to economic development, attend public briefings and hearings to provide testimony as needed, maintain organizational files and records, and undertake additional duties or special projects as assigned by the board.

PUBLIC RELATIONS RESPONSIBILITIES

         Write briefing memos, speeches, and talking points and respond to requests for information from the press, board, EDC members, government officials, and others.

         Perform public relations activities for specific projects such as holding press conferences, conducting public meetings, and speaking to civic and business organizations.

         Provide strategy and guidance for all public relations, communications, and marketing efforts of the organization.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES—Direct and Delegated

        Collaborate with Senior Directors and Executive Committee to develop annual operating budgets, work plans, financial goals, review expenditures, sign checks as needed, and support the performance of the BSED programs. 

         Monitor EDA/EDC financial performance with Senior Directors and Executive Committee, provide regular financial condition reports to the Board, and review monthly financial reporting on revenue, expenditure, and other fiscal matters with the Senior Finance Officer.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

        The Executive Director will lead, mentor, and guide Senior Directors to ensure consistent organizational performance, directly supervise the Executive Assistant/Operations Lead to maintain administrative functions, and support the Work, Thrive, Live Initiative to foster professional development and work-life balance. 

        Collaborate with Senior Directors, Executive Committee, & program leaders to refine program goals and strategic direction for BSED core programs on an as needed basis. 

        Work with the Operations Lead, outside HR Representative, and the Executive Committees to address major human resource issues using external HR expertise.

Requirements

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
 

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required to perform job duties at a high level:

         Knowledge of the fundamental mission and objectives of Big Sky Economic Development

         Strong organizational and strategic planning skills.

         Working knowledge of effective principles, practices, methods, and techniques of economic development practices, and a good understanding of the challenges affecting local and regional industries.

         Successful experience engaging, responding to, and leading a governing board of directors.

         Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey important, detailed concepts, while fostering trust and encouraging vision and action.

         A broad knowledge of a variety of businesses and industries, with effectiveness in outreach, public relations, and building partnerships.  

         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with EDA/EDC board members, other employees, loan/grant applicants, bank officials, agribusiness leaders, state legislators, government officials (at the federal, state, and local levels), and the general public.

         Working knowledge of the principles and practices of effective supervision, management, and leadership development.

         General knowledge of financial management, accounting and auditing practices and procedures, program planning and evaluation, and private/public sector financing and incentive strategies.

         Knowledge of business concerns, needs, practices, markets, and relocation needs and initiatives. 

         Knowledge of the techniques and principles of public relations and external community image building.

         A competency to mediate and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

         Must be a current resident of Yellowstone County or commit to relocating to the county within the first six months of employment.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree with major course work in public/business administration, community development, urban/regional planning, economics, or a related field of study.  An advanced level of education is desired, along with 5 years of experience directly related to community and economic development or business development and finance.  A demonstrated record of success as an executive-level leader of an organization, reporting to and engaging with a Board of Directors, managing multiple programs and projects requiring coordination of a wide variety of initiatives, stakeholders, and business and civic leaders. 

Big Sky Economic Development is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Big Sky Economic Development does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business needs.