Job Description

Executive Director

Confidential Economic Development Organization

Location: Northwest Florida | Coastal Community

Reports To: Board of Directors

Compensation: Competitive; the Board is prepared to meet or exceed expectations for highly qualified candidates.

About the Region

This coastal Northwest Florida region is known for thoughtfully planned communities, white-sand beaches, and an exceptional outdoor lifestyle. The area continues to experience strong growth and attracts entrepreneurs, expanding companies, and professionals seeking both meaningful work and high quality of life. The region balances economic opportunity with intentional community development and environmental stewardship.

Role Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of a county-level economic development organization, responsible for advancing economic growth, business investment, talent attraction, and strategic partnerships. This is a high-visibility leadership role that represents the region to business leaders, investors, policymakers, and corporate decision-makers while fostering strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive economic development strategy focused on sustainable business growth and investment
• Build alignment and productive working relationships among business leaders, elected officials, and community partners
• Elevate and steward the region’s economic identity through strategic communications and public engagement
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and relationship-builder with investors, partners, and stakeholders
• Represent the organization at conferences, trade missions, and executive-level industry events
• Deliver investor engagement and stakeholder programming that demonstrates measurable value and results
• Partner with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and legislative agenda development

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of experience in economic development, business attraction, public-private partnerships, or comparable strategic leadership roles
• Strong communicator with a relationship-driven leadership style and credibility across sectors
• Proven ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared goals and priorities
• Strategic thinker with a track record of moving initiatives from concept to execution
• Bachelor’s degree required; CEcD preferred (or willingness to obtain within 12–24 months)

The Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Shape the economic trajectory of a high-growth coastal region
• Work at the intersection of business development, community leadership, and strategic impact
• Live and lead in a highly desirable coastal community with exceptional quality of life

Leadership impact + mission-driven work + coastal lifestyle.

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