Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Economic Development, Community Development or related field or 3 years job experience in work related to economic or community development. Candidates with a Masters in Community or Economic Development or Business are encouraged to apply.

Job Description:

Under the guidance of the LDG Advisory Committee and County Extension Director, this position will develop and promote programs to enhance the economic vitality and sustainability of the businesses, employers, residents and communities of Louisa County. He/She acts as the Executive Director of Louisa Development Group and will implement strategies to meet the goals of the Advisory Committee in the areas of Agriculture, Industry & Manufacturing, Retail, Service and Tourism.

Principal Responsibilities Include the Following:

1. Administration
   • Oversees all activities of Louisa Development Group (LDG).
   • In partnership with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach (ISUEO) Staff, offers community and economic development research & resources to county.
   • Initiates new efforts and collaborates with existing efforts designed to encourage economic & community development in Louisa County.
   • Recruits and supervises volunteers.
   • Partners with ISUEO clerical staff to maintain files and records in a readily accessible manner.

2. Public Relations and Communications
   • Helps develop and implement a communications plan to raise community awareness of LDG.
   • Actively seeks opportunities to speak about LDG to current and prospective members, donors, and community groups.
   • Actively seeks opportunities to promote Louisa County and its economic development potential.
   • Prepares news releases and other publications needed to increase public awareness of LDG and Louisa County.
   • Represents LDG and Louisa County to the public.
   • Maintains the LDG webpage and develops & maintains Social Media presence for LDG.
   • Edits and distributes a monthly newsletter and/or column.

3. Board Relations
   • Works with the LDG Advisory Committee and various committees in planning projects and work flow.
   • Works with Extension clerical staff to act as LDG board secretary, writing and distributing agendas, taking minutes and maintaining records.
   • Assists the Advisory Committee in setting long and short-range goals.

• • Serves as liaison between the Advisory Committee and members ensuring that members are kept informed of the condition of the organization and other important issues.

4. Finance
   • Responsible for annual membership campaign and works toward the growth in membership to support Louisa Development Group salaries and projects.
   • Oversees the preparation of an annual budget with the assistance of the County Extension Director and Extension Finance Committee and monitors expenditures to stay within its limits.
   • In partnership with Extension Accountant, maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations.

5. Collaborations
   • Represents LDG in the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC).
   • Represents LDG and Louisa County in the Great River Region Economic Development Consortium.
   • Represents LDG and Louisa County in the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association (EITA).
   • Acts as a point of contact for the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED)
   • Actively seeks collaboration with other agencies, organizations and businesses on a project by project basis including but not limited to: Elected City & County Officials, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Farm Bureau, Louisa County Conservation, Louisa County Public Health, Historic Preservation Commission and local school boards.
   • Builds volunteer & advisory networks in multiple areas to support work across the county.

6. Technical & Physical Requirements
   • Attends conferences and seeks training as needed both regionally and thru the continuing education offered by Extension.
   • Develops and utilizes computer skills as needed for optimal performance.
   • Duties may include travel and occasional overnight stays, must be able to provide own transportation and possess valid driver's license.

7. Evaluation
   • This position is evaluated annually by the LDG Advisory Committee and the County Director of the Extension Office in conjunction with other collaborators to measure success against the scope of work; the membership levels; and the development of partnerships across the audiences served.

8. Other
   • Fulfills other duties as assigned by the Extension Council & LDG Program Planning Board.
   • The employer of this position is the Extension Council of the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach office located in Louisa County.
   • This position will start as part time