Job Postings
Chief Executive Officer - Lake to River
The Chief Executive Officer plays a pivotal role in driving job retention, business expansion, and talent and investment attraction across the Eastern Ohio region. This is achieved by fostering a collaborative and inclusive regional ecosystem, aligning strategies and initiatives among key stakeholders, and leveraging the unique strengths of local organizations and business models. In partnership with the Lake to River Board of Directors and staff, the CEO works to deliver the organization's mission by building a strong value proposition and regional framework that supports both public and private sector strategies. By promoting cross-sector collaboration, the CEO ensures initiatives transcend geographic and organizational boundaries, strengthening the region’s competitiveness on both national and global stages.
Reporting directly to the Board, the CEO is responsible for setting and achieving short- and long-term strategic objectives while ensuring the organization maintains a strong financial position. This includes securing and aligning resources to maximize impact and drive sustainable performance. The CEO cultivates and manages vital relationships with stakeholders such as JobsOhio, investors, local economic development organizations (LEDOs), site selectors, media outlets, and community leaders.
As the primary ambassador of Lake to River, the CEO champions regional engagement, builds investor confidence, and ensures the organization maintains a strong and credible presence in the marketplace. Given that Lake to River has been in operation for just 1.5 years, the organization is still in its early stages of development. As such, the CEO operates in a dynamic, startup-like environment that requires agility, entrepreneurial thinking, and the ability to build foundational systems while driving immediate regional impact.
Education
- University degree or equivalent acceptable combination of education and experience.
Compensation
- Compensation and benefits range $200,000 - $225,000
Application Process
- Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter to: [email protected]
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - Wright County Economic Development
Wright County Economic Development is looking to hire a dynamic, creative individual capable of
developing and implementing successful economic development programs for the department. This
person will be responsible to manage projects effectively from concept to completion. The Director
will be expected to support the different community’s economic development activities. Compensation
is based on experience and education level, and includes a full range of benefits.
Apply by sending resume and cover letter to Wright County Economic Development at
[email protected] or send to the address below.
Wright County Economic Development 115 North Main Street
Post Office Box 214 Clarion, Iowa 50525
Submittal deadline: September 01, 2025
President/CEO - Forge ECI
Position Summary:
Forge ECI exists to market the assets of the nine-county region on behalf of the member counties for business and talent attraction. The President and CEO is responsible for the effective and efficient execution of the strategic direction set forth by the Board of Directors. The President and CEO create a platform for public-private collaboration on regional economic development strategy, implement programs, convene key regional stakeholders, and externally market the region.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
To be successful in this role, an individual must be able to perform the functions listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Collaboration & Engagement Management:
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Develop and cultivate relationships and trusted leadership throughout the region and the state.
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Facilitate the necessary dialogue on issues related to the regional business climate.
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Coordinate efforts with the Local Economic Development Organizations and stakeholders with similar interests.
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Develop and cultivate relationships with key funders and is responsible for fundraising annually to support the organization’s budget.
Communications/Public Affairs:
- Provide information to local media outlets to increase awareness and ensure they receive information on important topics and key events.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson, articulating the attributes of the region.
- Develop and implement ideas to promote regional approaches to solving problems.
- Inform regional stakeholders of the efforts, activities, and accomplishments of Forge ECI.
Management & Operations:
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Lead and carry out an overall strategic plan focused on business and talent attraction for the East Central Indiana Region.
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Assure development of, and execution against, the budget and strategies approved by the Board.
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Board Governance—manage board member communications, including new appointments, documentation, and orientation; ensure that Forge ECI bylaws and policies are enforced and proper reporting occurs.
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Develop dynamic organization and staff structures to meet Forge ECI’s evolving economic development roles and responsibilities, including grant and program management.
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Maintain an environment of teamwork that supports and rewards efforts and results.
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Ensure that the Forge ECI maintains an ethical and professional reputation for the work done.
Salary: $130,000 to $160,000 and will be commensurate with experience, plus competitive benefits.
Apply and Learn more: Link to Position
Regional Director, North Central Kansas - Kansas Department of Commerce
Position Summary:
The Regional Director position will develop and implement programs to support community and local development efforts focused on business retention, market growth, and community revitalization across Kansas. Represents the agency at various economic development meetings and events.
This position serves the following counties in Kansas: Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Geary, Jewell, Lincoln, Marshall, Mitchell, Morris, Osborne, Ottawa, Pottawatomie, Republic, Riley, Russell, Saline, Smith, Wabaunsee, and Washington.
Job Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:
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Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the state’s diverse and often complex business and community development programs, including state and federal financing options.
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Explains program benefits and application processes to clients in a clear and effective manner.
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Assists clients in identifying and utilizing local, state, federal, private, or public resources to advance their projects.
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Advocates for stakeholders and promotes collaboration to support community and business development initiatives.
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Communicates with entrepreneurs, company executives, and community leaders to support business retention and expansion efforts in Kansas.
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Provides technical expertise and strategic guidance to in-state business prospects.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Two years’ experience in economic development, business management or marketing.
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Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Master’s degree in business management or marketing.
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Three to five years’ experience in delivering or working with economic development programs.
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Prefer two years’ experience in a non-retail sales environment.
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Knowledge of Salesforce or other customer relationship management system a plus.
Salary: $58,240 to $62,400
Questions: Contact Craig Van Wey [email protected]
Apply and Learn more: State of Kansas Career Portal
Deadline to submit applications: August 31, 2025
President – Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas (Emporia, KS)
Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this search.
The Regional Development Association (RDA) of East Central Kansas seeks a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as its next President. Based in Emporia, Kansas, the RDA is the region’s lead economic development organization, with a legacy of over $1 billion in capital investment and 2,800 jobs created since its founding.
The President will lead strategic initiatives to attract and retain businesses, develop workforce partnerships, promote industrial site development, and drive inclusive economic growth. The ideal candidate brings at least 10 years of economic or business development experience, five in senior leadership, and excels at building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Salary: $150,000+ with benefits and potential relocation assistance.
To Apply: Send cover letter and résumé to Anthony Michelic at [email protected].
Learn more: Search Jobs - Jorgenson Pace
