Economic Development Manager Jobs in Columbus, OH

About JobsOhio

JobsOhio is a private, nonprofit corporation designed to drive job creation and new capital investment in Ohio through business attraction, retention and expansion efforts. Economic development is about creating a place where companies can thrive and individuals can enjoy a higher standard of living. JobsOhio plays a leading role in economic development and serves as a catalyst to accelerate growth by investing in communities, helping Ohio’s businesses expand and attracting new companies to the state – all contributing to job creation, greater payrolls and more investment.

Summary of Position

Serves as a key member of an economic development team in one or more Focus Areas within the Aerospace & Defense sector. Within the four current Focus Areas (Commercial Aerospace, Advanced Air Mobility, Space, and Military/Federal), the Senior Manager is responsible for contributing to the development and execution of strategies to drive economic development in Ohio by creating opportunities for companies to add jobs and invest capital.  While contributions to all four focus areas are expected, this position will require a particular focus on Space.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage, oversee the Space focus area:
  • Establishes and implements strategic business plans that leverage current industry trends and economic conditions;
  • Develop and support cross-sector team initiatives to improve the economic attractiveness of Ohio
  • Support priorities and strategies to increase business development in Ohio, through Business Retention and Expansion and Attraction strategies;
  • Manage assigned project portfolio and related investments through company financing and grant programs, and reviews projects based on returns on investments (ROI), new capital investments, job creation and job retention;
  • Review and monitor team project lists and pipelines, ensuring necessary data is properly documented in Salesforce;
  • Stays current on business trends and economic climate;
  • Responsible for contributing to achievement of yearly targets determined by executive team and supporting individual and team goals and objectives, including new job creation, payroll, investment and BRE goals.
  • Responsible for contributing to preparation and execution of fiscally responsible budgets and ensuring expenditure of JobsOhio funds are made in the most appropriate and prudent manner;
  • Assist the Sector Managing Director and the Project Management team in the development of Investment Committee/Board Memos for projects exceeding established thresholds and present projects to the IC/Board for approval.

• Market and promote Aerospace-related economic development throughout the state of Ohio with particular emphasis on the federal and commercial Space ecosystems:
  • Cultivates a network of relationships with the regional network partners, ODOD, lending partners, community leaders, local officials and other stakeholders to collaborate on economic development projects;
  • Build strong relationships with internal Marketing team to create industry campaigns, advertise project wins, advise on public relations relating to their industry, etc.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert to internal teams in the industry they are serving, answering questions and advising on projects accordingly;
  • Promote and sell strategic importance of Ohio (e.g.; profitable business climate, proximity to markets, abundant & relative talent, and diverse industry base);
  • Contribute to pitches to companies and delivery of incentive packages to companies; closes assigned deals (e.g., large capital investments, additional job-creation opportunities);
  • Play a role in structuring financial transactions and negotiating deals with various parties;
  • Oversee investment decision-making process within industry cluster, anticipates trends and impact on economy and businesses, monitors investment decisions, investment returns and execution of contracts.

• Other duties:
  • Presents economic development projects to the Governor and the Governor’s team; informs the Governor and the Governor’s team of development updates and industry trends;
  • Meets with local, regional and state officials and others as required;
  • Presents to business groups and promotes Ohio and JobsOhio;
  • Participates in industry conferences and trade shows, meeting with industry organizations and trade associations, accept Board positions as appropriate.
  • Attend Board meetings as required.
  • Up to 25% to 50% travel throughout Ohio can be required and periodic travel outside of the state (1-2 trips annually) and country (1-2 trips annually).

Experience Requirements

• 8+ years of aerospace experience or economic development experience, with a track record of transaction origination. 
• Industry expertise within at least one of the following focus areas: the Space focus area, Aviation focus area, Advanced Air Mobility focus area, and Military / Federal focus are
• Strong managerial and leadership abilities and excellent decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, including formal presentations.
• Good understanding of economic analysis associated with capital investment decisions including ROI, productivity and throughput.
• Ability to think strategically and guide strategic thinking to develop proactive strategies to maximize economic development opportunities in Aerospace & Defense subsectors and supply chains.
• Good managerial skills including personal time management, ability to effectively lead a focus area team.
• Ability to work in teams, lead when appropriate, support when appropriate and monitor when appropriate.
• Strong decision-making skills based on data and soft factors.  Ability to assess complex projects/situations and effect a positive outcome.
• Strong customer relationship management skills, including communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of corporate finance or public finance.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. 

JobsOhio is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, familial status, or veteran status.