Job Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
Organization:
Bay Future, Inc.
812Water Street
Bay City, MI 48708
www.bayfuture.com
About Bay Future, Inc.:
Established in 2004, Bay Future Inc. (BFI) is a 501c3, private, non-profit economic development organization dedicated to facilitating economic development strategies that promote and secure opportunities for business retention, growth, and the attraction of new industries that create quality jobs for community residents. BFI collaborates with various stakeholders including business, labor, education, government, and economic development partners to achieve success. BFI supports business retention and expansion, business attraction, and entrepreneurship with a focus on generating jobs and new investments.
Position Summary:
The President and CEO of Bay Future Inc. is responsible for providing collaborative leadership in developing, coordinating, and implementing economic development strategies. The role requires defining and creating strategies to broaden the tax and job base in Bay County, fostering relationships with decision-makers at national, state, and local levels, and demonstrating strong negotiation skills to increase revenue for both the public and private sectors. The President and CEO must possess a vision for a prospering community and region and work with a team of experienced employees and leaders to translate that vision into actionable results.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the BFI Board of Directors, the CEO's responsibilities include:
- Providing leadership with a clear direction and purpose, fostering a culture of integrity among leaders throughout the county and region.
- Managing the organization and team, including budget preparation and strategic work plan development and implementation.
- Leading fundraising efforts targeting business and industry, public sector, foundations, and charitable trusts.
- Publicly representing the organization and upholding its image.
- Developing and implementing business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies in collaboration with local, regional, and state partners.
- Establishing positive relationships with business, government, and community leaders along with regional and state economic development partners.
- Working with existing businesses on expansion projects and attracting new businesses to Bay County.
- Developing relationships with domestic and international site selection consultants, corporate real estate executives, and corporate decision-makers.
Experience/Qualifications Required:
- Minimum of eight (8) years of experience as an economic development/business executive with a proven track record of energetic and innovative leadership.
- Thorough knowledge of economic development principles, practices, methods, and techniques.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking capabilities.
- Strong professional public relations and community contact and image building skills.
- Experience working with a mix of public and private sector organizations and interests.
- Experience in urban and rural economic programs and projects management.
- Experience in working with public or governmental entities.
- Governance skills, including effective communication with boards and building relationships.
- Industry vision with insight into local/regional economic development needs and trends.
- Leadership and management skills to gain trust and confidence of stakeholders, attract top talent, and establish clear performance expectations.
- Commitment to professional integrity, organization's success, and high personal energy.
- Analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to understand complex economic development projects.
Education and Certification:
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) preferred.
- Certified Economic Development Finance Professional preferred.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or protected veteran status.
