Date Posted: 5.21.25

Position/Title: Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas - President

Organization: Jorgenson Pace recruiting for the position at Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas

Location: Emporia, Kansas

Summary: The RDA seeks a visionary, results-driven leader to serve as President. This individual will guide the organization in advancing economic growth, fostering business expansion, and cultivating community partnerships to enhance the quality of life in Emporia and East Central Kansas. As the chief executive, the President will report to the Board of Directors and lead the organization in implementing strategies that align with RDA’s mission to proactively promote economic growth through commercial and industrial recruitment, workforce training enhancements, and the retention of existing businesses. 

Economic Development:

o   Proactively identify and pursue business attraction and expansion opportunities; develop and implement a formal business retention program.

o   Coordinate industrial and commercial development efforts to ensure a robust pipeline of economic growth initiatives.

o   Secure and manage development-related funding from public, private, and nonprofit sources.

o   Assist with industrial site development, speculative building projects, land acquisition, and cost analyses in collaboration with Emporia Enterprises.

o   Research and maintain an inventory of available sites and buildings, including utilities, infrastructure, and development readiness.

o   In coordination with city and county governments, oversee the development and implementation of local policies, such as tax abatements and performance-based incentives.

o   Lead an inclusive strategy supporting businesses of all sizes through fair vetting, collaboration with Chamber and Main Street, and grassroots incentives for sustainable growth.

Community Engagement:

o   Build relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials (local and state), utility providers, educational institutions, local businesses, and the corporate offices of businesses located in Emporia and Lyon County.

o   Represent Emporia at state, regional, and national events, including economic development conferences and industry gatherings.

o   Actively participate in community events to promote the RDA’s mission and projects.

o   Promote, educate, and encourage citizen involvement in economic and industrial growth through public outreach and communication efforts.

Financial and Administrative Oversight:

o   Develop and manage the organization’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.

o   Oversee financial performance, including reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements.

o   Provide regular updates to the RDA Board of Directors on economic development initiatives, challenges, successes, and business retention issues.

o   Prepare monthly and annual financial reports in collaboration with the Treasurer and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds, maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust in the use of taxpayer dollars.

Marketing and Communications:

o   Develop and execute marketing plans to promote Emporia and Lyon County as attractive destinations for business investment.

o   Leverage media channels and public relations strategies to communicate the RDA’s initiatives and successes.

o   Coordinate direct sales campaigns and site visits with prospective businesses and developers.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership:

o   Develop and implement strategic goals that consistently align with and reinforce the organization’s stated mission.

o   Act as the primary spokesperson for the RDA and an advocate for the community’s economic vision.

o   Foster an organizational culture focused on service excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience:

o   A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, or a related field. 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role focused on industrial economic development preferred.

o   Proven ability to deliver economic development results, manage projects, and build effective partnerships.

o   Proven track record of building consensus among diverse stakeholders and leading complex organizations.

o   Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in business or with business coursework; Master’s Degree preferred. CEcD or EDFP designation, or substantial progress towards an economic development professional designation, will be a plus.

o   A leader who understands the value of place and is committed to long-term, balanced growth.

Skills:

o   Strong analytical, strategic planning, and creative problem-solving abilities.

o   Knowledge of business needs and incentives available to attract and retain.

o   Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire confidence and build trust.

o   Proficiency in leveraging public relations and marketing strategies to enhance community visibility and support.

Characteristics:

o   A visionary and big-picture thinker with a practical approach to implementation.

o   An energetic and proactive leader who is visible and engaged in the community.

o   Politically savvy and diplomatic, with the ability to navigate complex governmental and organizational relationships.

o   Strong work and business ethics.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a competitive salary of $150,000+ (commensurate with experience) and a comprehensive benefits package. Relocation assistance may be available.

Application Process

This position will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure consideration. To apply, please submit a cover letter and résumé to Anthony Michelic at RDA@jorgensonpace.com detailing your qualifications and vision for the role.

Deadline: June 30, 2025

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Date Posted: 5.12.25

Position/Title: President & CEO

Organization: New North, Inc.

Location: Northeast Wisconsin (Green Bay)

Summary: New North, Inc., is a 501(c)3 non-profit, regional economic development corporation fostering collaboration among private and public sector leaders throughout the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, known as the New North region. The New North brand unites the region both internally and externally around talent development, brand promotion and business development, signifying the collective economic power behind the 18 counties. The counties include Brown, Calumet, Door, Florence, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca, Waushara and Winnebago. www.thenewnorth.com

Recruitment details: https://recruitment.ergsearch.com/new-north-president-ceo-green-bay-sh/. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit resumes and inquiries to Sharon@ergsearch.com prior to June 20, 2025.

Deadline: June 20, 2025

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Date Posted: 5.12.25

Position/Title: Chief Executive Officer

Organization: Greater Topeka Partnership

Location: Topeka, Kansas

SummaryAre you a bold, visionary leader ready to shape the future of one of the nation’s most innovative and collaborative regional organizations?

The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP) is seeking its next CEO—an accomplished, forward-thinking leader to head a nationally recognized model for integrated community, economic, tourism, and downtown development. This is a rare opportunity to oversee and align the efforts of multiple organizations under one umbrella: the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, GO Topeka Economic Development, Visit Topeka, Downtown Topeka Inc., the Riverfront Board, the Topeka Area Sports Commission, Forge Young Talent, and more.

GTP is one of the few organizations in the country to hold triple accreditation—Five-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Accreditation from the International Economic Development Council, and Destination Marketing Accreditation from Destinations International. Its structure and success have made it a national example of what’s possible through integrated community development.

We are looking for a high-energy catalyst—a strategic, politically astute executive with a proven track record of leadership across economic development, chamber operations, tourism promotion, and urban revitalization. The ideal candidate is a confident communicator, a media-savvy community ambassador, and passionate advocate for inclusive growth. Experience managing complex organizations generating revenue, building high-performance teams, and cultivating strong public-private partnerships is essential.

Key Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of senior leadership in chamber, economic development, DMO, or community development organizations.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees and industry certifications (CCE, CEcD, CDME, IOM) strongly preferred.
  • A strong record of board relations, fundraising, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement.
  • A passion for community and the ability to build trust, credibility, and momentum.

To apply or learn more, contact:

Winner Partners at GTP@winnerpartners.net.

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Date Posted:                           1/22/2025
Position/Title:                          Director, Business Recruitment
Organization:                          Missouri Partnership
Location:                               Missouri (preference for Kansas City region)
Summary:

The purpose of the Director, Business Recruitment position is to lead and support successful business attraction projects across the state of Missouri. In doing so, the Director, Business Recruitment will be the day-to-day contact representing Missouri for companies, site location consultants, state and local economic development partners, and other various influencers involved in new out-of-state investment decisions considering Missouri.

Application to: careers@missouripartnership.com

Company Information:

Missouri Partnership is a public-private, non-profit organization with the principal mission of recruiting new business investment to the state. Through collaborative efforts with state and local partners, Missouri Partnership works to attract new companies by marketing the state’s business advantages.


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