The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA), located in Northern Lower Michigan, is seeking its next executive to successfully lead the organization in its mission to create and retain jobs. The alliance is a public-private partnership serving businesses and communities in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet Counties. The NLEA office is located in Boyne City, Michigan.

The President will lead a professional staff of four individuals in a scope of work that includes four primary areas: Organization Management and Programming, Economic Development, Community Development, and Grant Administration and Support.

Candidates must demonstrate successful experience in:

Assisting private-sector businesses
Working with communities on creating desirable places to live/work/play
Managing a 501 (c) (3) organization including the development and maintenance of a solid donor base

The ability to build strong relationships will be a key attribute of this individual, as well as having a working knowledge of state and federal programs that can be accessed as resources for businesses and communities.

Ideally, the President will have a bachelor’s degree in a field of study related to business, public administration, finance, economic development, or a related field, or will have equivalent work experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 30, 2023

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Title: President, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

Reports to: Board of Directors

BASIC FUNCTION

The President will serve as the chief executive officer for a four-county economic development organization in Northern Lower Michigan. The Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that partners with the county governments of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet as well as with other local units of government, private sector companies, local educational institutions, and with other organizations and agencies.

In this position, the President will lead a professional staff in the daily work of identifying community and business needs, monitoring current issues, and developing effective programming related to economic development with an emphasis on the capital investment and the creation and retention of family sustaining jobs. They will also work to market the region as a positive place to do business and as a place for talent to come and find good professional opportunities complemented by a great lifestyle. The President and their staff will also work with current and future businesses to provide the assistance they need to thrive in this region.

In addition to the economic development responsibilities, the President will carry out daily organization management roles of staff supervision, budget preparation and management, fund raising, strategic planning, and coordinating activities of the Board of Directors. The NLEA also hosts two major events annually.

The President will work from the NLEA office in Boyne City, Michigan with regular travel throughout the four counties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead a staff of professionals responsible for community development, business development, grant writing/administration, and general organizational management
Act as facilitator, economic counselor and educator to assist new and existing businesses with the retention and expansion of their enterprises
Work in partnership with the Board of Directors and Staff to develop effective programming related to community development in the region. Initiatives may include: Grant Seeking/Writing/Administration, Placemaking, Visioning, Housing Support, etc.
Oversee the development of strategies and support materials to effectively market the region as a destination for business and for talent
Actively network with community leaders as well as with other economic development leaders in the region, the state, and the nation
Serve as staff leader for the fiscal management of the organization including the establishment of an annual budget, seeing that the organization operates within budget parameters, providing monthly reports to the Finance Committee, and assuring that proper organizational governance practices are in place and carried out annually or as needed (i.e. 990, Payroll tax, audit, etc.)
Maintain relations with key investors in the NLEA and look for ways to attract new investors into the organization and grow its resource base
Serve as the lead spokesperson and representative of the NLEA among key constituents, communities, and investors and maintain a positive image for the organization at all times
Other duties as directed by the Board of Directors

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The President generally works in an office environment. Driving is a required part of the position and at times this individual will be required to carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs. There is flexibility and available technology to allow for remote working when appropriate.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a field of study related to business, public administration, finance, economic development, or related field, or/equivalent work experience.

Economic and/or community development experience.
Ability to demonstrate detailed knowledge of business management, business finance, financial packaging and business development tools.
Ability to demonstrate knowledge of economic development/community development tools, such as brownfield programs, Downtown Development Authorities, tax increment financing, tax credits, community development block grants and other granting programs.
Working knowledge of state and federal programs such as Michigan Economic Development Corporation Programs, U.S. Economic Development Administration and USDA Rural Development, etc.
Demonstrated ability and skill in educational program planning, implementation and evaluation.
Ability to create and carry out a project plan from development of initial concept to project completion and follow-up
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to work independently in an office environment without daily supervision and/or coaching.
Proficiency in use of technology (e.g. web research, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for mail/calendaring, distance delivery/communication technology, etc.) for day-to-day work and educational program delivery, record keeping, reporting, team-based communications, data analysis/retrieval, and overall management.
Proven ability in establishing and working with a diverse network of constituents and community members across race, gender, socioeconomic class, disabilities and other differences to assist with program development and outreach.
Ability to lift and carry educational materials, equipment, etc. up to 25 lbs.
Ability to regularly travel through the Northern Michigan areas served as well as occasional long-distance travel outside the assigned area, as required in order to perform duties of this position.
Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Strong communications skills
Ability to build strong relationships
Experience and success in growing an organization’s donor base
Experience in economic development work and knowledge of business operations
Experience in non-profit organization management
Ability to accept and to delegate responsibility
Ability to maintain close attention to detail

This position is full time

For questions related to this position, contact: Carlin Smith, Chairperson of the Board, 231-838-9174, or searchcommittee@northernlakes.net.

Submit confidential cover letter and resume to: Search Committee, Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, searchcommittee@northernlakes.net. Please use “NLEA President Submission” on the subject line.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT DESIGNATION

This position is exempt as defined under the FLSA.

Northern Lakes Economic Alliance

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