POSITION SUMMARY: The Vice President – Economic Development & Entrepreneurship is the champion of Economic Development in Joplin and the region. The primary functions of the Vice President – Economic Development & Entrepreneurship is business attraction and expansion efforts; management of relationships between the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, JIDA, and MOKAN;  management of the Economic Development contract with the City of Joplin; and ongoing development of outreach to small business owners, startup businesses and entrepreneurs as well as connecting these with the resources needed to help their businesses succeed.  The Joseph Newman Innovation Center and Advanced Training & Technology Center are economic development tools designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies. The Vice President – Economic Development & Entrepreneurship, along with staff assistance, is responsible for the daily operation of both buildings by assessing and assisting prospective occupants and supporting existing occupants.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 Economic Development:

·Proactively look for and reach out to leads; Initiate action and follow-up on prospect leads for business attraction.

·Maintain available land and building files and promote that availability to the state economic development department and to local prospective industry and developers.

·Support site readiness efforts with city/county leaders, engineering teams, utilities, and JIDA.

·Gather appropriate data for utility, zoning, infrastructure, and transportation.

·Work closely with schools, colleges, and businesses to align workforce development attraction and retention

·Continue to build an effective economic development program with and for the City of Joplin, ensuring Chamber compliance with City Contracts.

·Coordinate and schedule an Economic Development strategic planning session(s) with area stakeholders, and coordinate development of a region-wide 5-year economic development strategic plan.

·Support citywide business recruitment, expansion, and retention efforts.

·Organize out-of-town prospect trips and in-town or area prospect visits.

·Travel regularly to Jefferson City to meet with state economic development officials.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Program Development and Management:

· Develop and manage programs to support a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem such as

o Pitch Competitions

o Tech Summit

o Speakers Series                    

o E-commerce meetups

o Mentorships

o Ideas on Tap

o AI Education

o Other to be developed

·Assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Joplin area by connecting them with the resources to make them successful.

·Provide information to existing and prospective clients about entrepreneurial opportunities.

·Meet with Missouri Technology Corporation Board on a regular basis. Meet with other state-certified innovation centers. Attend trade shows, conferences, and other professional development opportunities.

·Fulfill reporting requirements as stated by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the City of Joplin.

Market the Innovation Centers:

·Promote the ecosystem and the Innovation Centers to the public via news media outlets and other sources in conjunction with the Chamber/Foundation Marketing and Public Information Manager and approved outsourcing resources.

·Assess prospective new tenants that are interested in leasing office space in the Centers. Determine if leasing space in either of the Centers is in the best interest of the applicant and which Center is the best fit.

·Assist NIC and ATTC occupants with business development and resource alignment.

·Provide facilities oversight; monitor facilities and facilitate equipment maintenance.

Other Essential Functions:

·Perform other duties assigned.

 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Management/Administration, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or related field

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) (preferred)

 **Work Experience:**Outside sales, project management, and project budgeting experience.

Proven leadership and networking skills to build relationships.

Experience working with grant programs and compliance is a plus.

Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; meets with community and industry leaders to define needs.

·Highly organized and detail orientated.

·Ability/willingness to learn/use industry-specific software.

·Experience in economic development with proven track record.

·Computer proficiency in common computer programs; compile internet research and data analytics to support activities.

·Ability to function well in team environment.

·Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment.

·Knowledge of business management principles, budget formulation and financial management, property management/leasing are beneficial.

·Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of constituents and organizations is required.

·Strong leadership skills and ability to build partnerships with officials, business leaders, regional partners and other organizations.

·Able to maintain confidentiality.

Certifications & Licenses: Valid driver’s license and insurance.

Travel Requirements: Requires some travel within the region, with most travel within a 60-mile radius; includes reimbursement for personal transportation. It also requires some out-of-town and overnight travel to meetings and conferences, including flights.