Economic Development Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Overview:

The Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation (GDRC) seeks to contract an Executive Director. The Executive Director will be an Independent Contractor who will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight on a contractual basis. This individual will be responsible for the overall direction of the GDRC, ensuring its programs and initiatives align with its mission, vision, and values. The position requires a dynamic leader with experience in management, financial oversight, and organizational growth. This position will be working in collaboration with GDRC key stakeholders, leading the effort to establish a new industrial park in Davenport/ Scott County which will include, but may not be limited to land acquisition, site certification/readiness, compliance with all city codes, including zoning, property marketing, site walk-throughs with potential developers, and other duties as assigned.

Independent Contractor Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Management:
   • Provide executive leadership, direction, and oversight for GDRC’s day-to-day operations.
   • Develop and implement strategies to achieve short and long-term organizational goals.
   • Act as a liaison between board members, economic development staff, and stakeholders
   • Manage development and improvement initiatives on property controlled/owned by GDRC.
   • Manage operating and support functions of GDRC whether within or outsourced to third party. (Pursuant to Board approval and any agreement for services.)
   • Working with other landowners/ developers, facilitate development ready sites.
2. Strategic Planning:
   • Develop and execute GDRC’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with its mission and vision.
   • Analyze internal and external trends to drive organizational growth and sustainability.
   • Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of the organization.
   • Promote development of ready property (land and related building structures).
   • Support and participate in prospect visits as requested by Iowa Economic Development Authority or Quad Cities Chamber Executives.
3. Financial Management:
   • Oversee the GDRC financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
   • Ensure the efficient allocation of resources and compliance with fiscal policies.
   • Work closely with the finance team and board to monitor and manage organizational budgets.
   • Prepare, operational and capital financials plans
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, clients, and partners.
   • When requested or needed, represent the organization in public forums, conferences, and community events.
5. Operational Oversight:
   • Manage key operational functions including HR, IT, and program management.
   • Ensure the implementation and evaluation of programs and initiatives in alignment with the organization’s mission.
   • Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
   • Facilitate negotiation of contracts between the City, private developers and/or other governmental and private entities for major high profile development projects and consistent with the target profile
   • Participate in Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Executive Team regional economic development sales trips with Board approval.
6. Board Relations:
   • Support and work closely with the board of directors, providing them with timely and accurate information.
   • Assist in the recruitment and development of board members.
   • Ensure that the board is well-informed and involved in key organizational decisions.
   • Coordinate and plan Board meetings and work with the Board Chair to set meeting agendas.

Independent Contractor Qualifications:

• Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in executive leadership, preferably in Economic development/land acquisition.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, fundraising, and resource allocation.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
• Strong ability to work with a diverse set of stakeholders, including boards, staff, and external partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience in change management and organizational transformation.

Independent Contractor Compensation:

• Contractor will be compensated commensurate with experience, with the understanding that the Contractor will devote 50 hours per month to the Work and paid on a monthly basis. The fee will be prorated for any partial months.

How to Submit Response for Proposal:

• Please send your CV and proposal to the Human Resources Department at: hr@quadcititeschamber.com