Trade Development Manager Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

The Waverly Economic Development Corporation is a newly formed, community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting business growth, attracting new investment, and enhancing quality of life in Waverly, Nebraska. WEDC is hiring its first full-time Economic Development Director to build the organization and its programs from the ground up, emphasizing business attraction/retention, program development, and community engagement as core responsibilities.

The Economic Development Director is the primary staff person for WEDC and leads efforts to attract, retain, and grow businesses; identify and implement functional income mechanisms and sustainable funding strategies; secure grants and external resources; and promote Waverly as a thriving place to live, work, and invest. This position works closely with City of Waverly staff, elected officials, business owners, regional partners, and community members to advance projects and initiatives that foster a positive, flourishing community and a resilient local economy.

• Develop and implement a multi-year economic development work plan for WEDC with clear goals, strategies, and performance metrics. Similar director roles are often responsible for strategic plans that guide local economic development activities.
• Identify, evaluate, and help implement functional income mechanisms and sustainable funding tools (such as grants, partnerships, contracts, sponsorships, and program revenues) to support economic development initiatives.
• Research and recommend programs, policies, and financing approaches that can generate ongoing resources for business development, community projects, and organizational sustainability.
• Proactively identify, write, and submit competitive grant applications to state, federal, and philanthropic funders to support business development, infrastructure, downtown improvements, workforce initiatives, and related priorities. Grant writing and grant management are common responsibilities for economic development directors in similar communities.
• Manage awarded grants, including compliance, reporting, budgeting, and coordination with partners.
• Develop an annual funding strategy that aligns grants, local funds, and other revenue sources to advance WEDC and community goals.
• Establish and lead a business retention and expansion (BRE) program, including regular visits to existing businesses to identify needs, opportunities, and potential risks.
• Maintain a project and prospect pipeline; respond to inquiries from businesses and developers; and coordinate available sites, buildings, incentives, and local contacts. Rural economic development positions often combine both retention and recruitment efforts.
• Support entrepreneurship and small business growth by connecting local firms to financing, technical assistance, and state/federal programs.
• Develop and implement a marketing and communications plan to promote Waverly to target audiences (e.g., small manufacturers, service businesses, logistics, remote workers, families). Many economic development director roles oversee or coordinate marketing and promotion activities for their communities.
• Oversee WEDC’s website, social media, and promotional materials; coordinate branding and messaging with the City and other partners.
• Represent WEDC at regional, state, and national conferences, trade shows, and industry events as budget allows; cultivate relationships with site selectors, commercial brokers, and state agencies.
• Serve as a primary liaison to City of Waverly staff, elected officials, the school district, business and civic groups, and regional economic development partners. Similar positions often coordinate closely with local governments and boards.
• Organize and facilitate stakeholder meetings, focus groups, and community listening sessions related to economic development and funding strategies.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to the WEDC Board, City Council, civic organizations, and the public.
• Prepare and manage WEDC’s annual budget in collaboration with the Board and City staff.
• Track, analyze, and report key performance indicators such as jobs created or retained, capital investment, business visits, grants secured, and marketing activities. Reporting and measurement are common expectations for economic development directors.
• Handle basic administrative tasks typical of a one-person office (meeting coordination, agendas, minutes, simple bookkeeping entries, etc.), or coordinate with contracted administrative support.

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, Urban/Regional Planning, Finance, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.

• Minimum of 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, community development, nonprofit management, public administration, business development, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated grant writing and grant management experience including a track record of successful awards (state, federal, or foundation). Grant responsibilities are frequently highlighted in rural and regional economic development director roles.
• Experience working with local governments, boards, and community organizations.
• Preferred:
• Familiarity with Nebraska economic development tools and state programs.
• Experience with business financing programs (e.g., revolving loan funds, SBA, USDA, or other financing tools).
• Knowledge of economic development principles and tools (business attraction/retention, incentives, workforce development, downtown or corridor revitalization). Many director job descriptions emphasize this core knowledge area.
• Strong relationship-building skills with business owners, developers, public officials, and community members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills; ability to manage multiple initiatives with limited staff support.
• Proficiency with standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), spreadsheets and basic data analysis, CRM/contact management, and social media/web content management.

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for in-town and regional travel. Similar positions commonly require a valid driver’s license due to frequent site visits and meetings.

• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for meetings, events, and community engagement activities.