Manager, Rural Development
PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To facilitate job creation and capital investment opportunities in rural Pottawattamie County through Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation (ASWIC). This position is responsible for cultivating relationships with municipalities, businesses, and key stakeholders across Pottawattamie County to enhance the overall business climate and expand the local tax base.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Promote business attraction and expansion in rural Pottawattamie County by implementing a proactive, one-on-one outreach program. Provide direct assistance including real estate and site options; access to local and state incentives; financing resources; coordination with utility partners for infrastructure improvements; engagement with city and county officials for zoning, planning, and entitlement processes; connections to workforce development programs; and access to relevant demographic and market data.
2. Conduct regular outreach to all rural communities in Pottawattamie County, including ongoing updates and formal presentations to City Councils and other local governing bodies.
3. Develop and maintain relationships with property and building owners throughout rural Pottawattamie County. Collect, verify, and upload site and building data into the LOIS system, including land, and building specifications, incentives, utilities, workforce, and demographic information.
4. Serve as lead project manager and primary point of contact for new-to-market and expansion projects in rural Pottawattamie County, and for other ASWIC projects as requested. Responsibilities include providing accurate and timely information to clients, coordinating all inbound and outbound site visits, ensuring consistent follow-up and follow-through, and maintaining complete and accurate digital project records.
5. Plan and coordinate public relations and marketing initiatives to elevate awareness and visibility of economic development efforts in rural Pottawattamie County.
6. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with investors, partners, community leaders, and regional, state, and local economic development stakeholders.
7. Monitor and remain informed on local and state policies and legislation that may impact business, industry, and economic development activities.
8. Provide regular updates and presentations to investors and partners, including reports to Boards, City Councils, and County Board of Supervisors.
9. Establish and maintain a strong working relationship with the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA).
10. Actively utilize ASWIC’s CRM system to track outreach, projects, partner engagement, and related activities.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Coordinate activities and projects with the CEO of ASWIC.
2. Adhere to and follow all the Guiding Principles as set forth by the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership.
3. Actively participate in diversity, equity, and inclusion training to advance one’s own journey of inclusion and acceptance.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
All expenditures require approval of the CEO of ASWIC.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, the individual must reside in Pottawattamie County and be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed should be representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Education and related work experience
Preferred applicant will have at least five years of experience in economic or community development activities.
Certifications, Licenses, Designations
Valid Driver’s License
Other Skills and Qualifications
1. Proficient in use of Microsoft Office, Adobe and CRM platforms and software.
2. Ability to operate audio visual equipment.
3. Exposure to and/or experience with GIS software preferred.
4. Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects with short deadlines.
5. Excellent attention to detail.
6. Demonstrated effective communication skills (written and oral).
7. Team environment player.
8. Strong marketing and negotiation skills.
9. Must be able to drive and/or provide own transportation.
Physical Demands
Typical office environment