Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director

Reports to: Dutchess County Local Development Corporation and Industrial Development Agency Boards of Directors

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York

The Organizations

The Dutchess County Local Development Corporation (LDC), doing business as Think Dutchess, and the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), are the two official economic development public authorities of the County of Dutchess. While the two organizations each have a separate Board of Directors and separate meetings, they are comprised of the same seven individuals appointed by the Dutchess County Legislature. The purpose of these two organizations is to reduce underemployment and increase employment, provide assistance and financial incentives for the formation, retention, expansion, and attraction of nonprofit and for-profit businesses to improve the economic vitality of the County.

Position Overview

The LDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and IDA Executive Director, (hereinafter the “Position”), will be an energized, mission-driven, and collaborative leader overseeing all aspects of the operations of the LDC and IDA especially monitoring and managing their budget and finances, preparing and supporting their Boards of Directors, leading and developing staff, ensuring organizational and regulatory compliance, coordinating and collaborating with economic development stakeholders, assisting with the implementation of the County’s economic development strategy, and overseeing contractual relationships.

Position Core Competencies

• Nonprofit management
• Budget and financial management
• Understanding of and adherence to fiduciary duties
• Familiarity with the functioning of local, state, and federal government
• Relationship building and relationship management
• Board development
• Knowledgeable of and experienced in economic development principles and practices
• Contract management

Position Skill Requirements and Expectations

• Leadership - the Position is expected to lead the Boards and staff in fulfilling the missions of the LDC and IDA while also serving as a strategic partner in the County’s economic development apparatus and assisting with the development and implementation of the County’s economic development strategic plan.
• Relationship Building - essential to developing and implementing the County’s economic development strategic plan is the ability to build and maintain relationships with staff, the Boards of Directors, Members of the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business, private and nonprofit business owners and operators, local, regional, and state community leaders and economic development stakeholders, elected officials including leaders of the 20 towns, eight villages, and two cities in the County, and the general public.
• Financial Management - the Position will effectively and ethically manage all aspects of organizations’ annual operating budgets and work hand-in-hand with the LDC’s Chief Financial Officer and the LDC and IDA Boards’ Finance Committees to ensure accurate budgeting and financial reporting, investment and risk management monitoring, and that the organizations have adequate cash flow.
• Compliance - the LDC and IDA are public authorities highly regulated by the County and State, including oversight and audit authority by the New York State Authorities Budget Office and New York State Comptroller, and expected to be fully transparent. Ensuring organizational compliance is essential. The Position will work hand-in-hand with the LDC’s Compliance Associate and the LDC and IDA Boards’ Audit Committees to ensure organizational and regulatory compliance of the organizations and that all projects of the LDC and IDA are in compliance with project agreements.
• Contract Management - in the normal course of business, the Position will enter into contracts and agreements with professional service providers, public authorities, local governments, and organizations seeking financial assistance. Effective contract management requires attention to detail, a basic understanding of contract language and legal concepts, and the principles of accountability, planning, and conflict resolution.
• Advising - the Position is expected to provide guidance to Members of the LDC and IDA boards on projects before the organizations, and separately on organizational best practices, and Board development opportunities.
• Strategy Development - economic development is constantly evolving, everchanging, and has a different meaning depending on who, what, and where you are. Developing and implementing creative strategies is essential to ensuring the LDC and IDA adhere to their missions and that its efforts, to the best of its ability, provide a universal economic benefit.

Minimum Position Qualifications

• Five years of public or private organizational leadership experience in economic development, community development, finance, account management, or another relevant field, and demonstrated leadership, communication and management skills with capacity for financial analysis and fiscal management.
• Bachelor’s Degree required or any combination of education, training and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position.

Salary Range

$145,000 - $155,000 based on experience

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to info@thinkdutchess.com. Please call 845-463-5400 or email info@thinkdutchess.com with any questions.