Opportunities
1. Director, Economic and Community Development - Accelerate Jackson County
Job Title: Director – Economic & Community Development
Reports To: President and CEO
FLSA: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt
Location: In-office; AJC offices - 100 E Main St., Suite 1100, Jackson, MI
Hours: Minimum commitment of 40 hours per week, generally scheduled Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. However, flexibility is essential, as adjustments may be necessary to accommodate travel, early morning or evening meetings, and on rare occasions, weekends for sponsored events.
Travel: Required to travel locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, if necessary.
Salary: Salary dependent upon experience.
SUBMIT RESUME & COVER LETTER to keith@acceleratejacksoncounty.org by 12/11/2025
GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director – Economic & Community Development is responsible for working closely with the AJC President & CEO to advance the Jackson County community’s strategic economic development goals, and directs all aspects of the organization’s objectives, and initiatives, with special emphasis on fostering coordination, collaboration, and teamwork among the various AJC member organizations, and between AJC and other community stakeholder organizations. The Director – Economic & Community Development assists the CEO with the direction of the organization to ensure future growth.
The Director – Economic & Community Development assists the President & CEO and contracted staff accountant with the delivery of accounting services to Accelerate Jackson County, its member organizations, and other entities that retain the services of AJC.
The Director – Economic & Community Development will work very closely with the President & CEO along with AJC staff to ensure we are meeting goals under each of the four pillars on our balanced scorecard – Business Development, Livability, Workforce Development & Talent Attraction, and Organizational Excellence. These could include (but are not limited to the following projects):
- Business Development
- Site Development
- Business Attraction
- Business Retention & Expansion
- Marketing
- Grant Writing & Administration
- Business Retention & Expansion
- Project Management
- Housing & Community Development
- Drive Jackson ED- Initiative Implementation
Qualifications and Skills:
The Director – Economic & Community Development has a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in business, administration, economic development, or a related field, with a strong preference for an MBA or similar, and at least seven years of related work experience. Candidates with previous economic development experience in a progressively senior or leadership role are strongly preferred. The Director – Economic & Community Development is proficient in Excel, Microsoft business-related programs, and has a working knowledge of accounting software. Candidates with experience in other business programming, such as CRM, design software, or web development, are preferred. Candidates must have effective communication skills, written and verbal, and strong leadership qualities.
Specific Duties:
Managed Entities
The Director – Economic & Community Development will assist in overseeing the organizations listed below, and is charged with the effective and efficient use of all AJC and other resources to meet and/or exceed the expectations of the various boards listed below, and in the process of executing her/his responsibilities, seeks to create and maximize synergies and economies of scale between ACJ and AJC Member organizations. These organizations are:
- The Economic Development Corporation of Jackson County (EDC);
- The Jackson County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (JCBRA);
- The Blackman Charter Township Downtown Development Authority (BDDA);
- The Blackman Charter Township Local Development Finance Authority (BLDFA)/SmartZone; and
- The Village of Parma Local Development Finance Authority (PLDFA).
Each of these organizations has different tools to encourage development and operate in specified geographic areas. The Director – Economic & Community Development must understand the tools available to each organization and how they can be employed to maximize its effectiveness. It is the responsibility of the Director – Economic & Community Development to maintain a good working relationship with the larger entity and to communicate goals, objectives, and accomplishments to the respective boards.
Candidate will coordinate with the President and CEO and AJC staff to ensure that the goals and objectives of each entity are coordinated with those of AJC & the community at large.
Accounting
The Director – Economic & Community Development serves as backup to the contracted staff accountant for the following tasks:
- Maintains separate bank accounts and records for AJC and its member organizations.
- Maintains all corporate, banking, insurance, personnel, and accounting records.
- Ensure that all internal and external financial transactions comply with adopted AJC Accounting Policies and Procedures, including but not limited to checking authorizations/requests, purchases, and cash transactions. Where applicable, the Director – Economic & Community Development is responsible for ensuring compliance with member board-adopted procedures that do not conflict with generally accepted accounting principles and AJC policies and procedures.
- Oversees accounts payable and receivables: posting and bank deposit preparation, collection efforts, as necessary, and ensuring invoices are posted and paid on time for AJC and its member organizations (AJC Foundation & APEX Accelerator)
- Oversees payroll and manages benefits programs.
- Assists with maintaining & negotiating all banking relationships and assists the Executive Assistant with negotiating and maintaining vendor relationships.
This position also oversees Capital Campaign Management, along with the President & CEO and Executive Assistant. Employee also will serve assist with other aspects of ongoing capital campaigns at the discretion o the President & CEO.
Balanced Scorecard Projects
The Director – Economic & Community Development will work very closely with the President & CEO, along with AJC staff, to ensure we are meeting goals under each of the four pillars on our balanced scorecard – Business Development, Livability, Workforce Development & Talent Attraction, and Organizational Excellence, as well as the implementation of our proposed Accelerate 2030 campaign initiatives. These could include (but are not limited to the following tasks):
- Business Development – Leading or assisting with site development. Business attraction and business retention & expansion efforts, marketing, and other traditional economic development tools. There is a strong emphasis on strong project management throughout these tasks.
- Livability – supporting community development and quality of place projects that are led or supported by AJC, including Drive Jackson initiatives, housing strategies and development, corridor improvement projects, and brownfield remediation and assistance in coordination with partners.
- Organizational Excellence – Assisting with general office administration, grant procurement and administration, capital campaign administration, negotiating fee-for-service contracts alongside the President & CEO, event coordination and management, and professional development.
- Workforce Development & Talent Attraction – Leading or assisting with Jackson County talent attraction programming, Manufacturing Day & the Talent Coalition, MWSE Grant administration, utilizing Lightcast talent and workforce software, and other workforce & talent initiatives that may arise.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES:
- Works to maintain a positive image of AJC within the community and assumes a leadership role in fostering cooperation and coordination between all AJC staff and member organizations. Upholds the utmost confidentiality.
- In the process of executing his/her responsibilities, seeks to create and maximize synergies and economies of scale between their program area of responsibility and other AJC partners.
- Performs other activities and duties as may be assigned by the AJC President and CEO.
This job description is not to be a contractual agreement between parties, but an outline of the duties as assigned.
Employment within this organization is considered to be at-will between all parties.
SUBMIT RESUME & COVER LETTER to keith@acceleratejacksoncounty.org by 12/1/2025
2. Economic Development Manager - City of Sterling Heights
The City of Sterling Heights is seeking an Economic Development Manager who is proactive, organized, and collaborative!
- Salary range: $115,000 - $141,000 annually
- Competitive 401(a) employer contribution
- Medical with a VERY LOW premium share
- Dental at NO COST
- Vision with a VERY LOW premium share
- $2,500 annual contribution into a Retiree Post Employment Health Plan
- Paid holidays
- Paid Time Off
- Every other Friday off!
- Access to an on-site Employee Health & Wellness Center staffed with a physician and nurse for you and any dependents
- ...and so much more!
Position Summary
Under the direction of the City Manager, the Economic Development Manager provides strategic leadership in managing the City’s Economic Development program and is responsible for developing, recommending, promoting, and implementing goals, strategies, and policies to provide businesses, community leaders and organizations, and residents with information, guidance, and support. Conducts research and provides analysis on economic health, real estate trends, and commercial development of property, including business recruitment, job development, and business retention strategies. Executes substantial real estate transactions. Exercises a high degree of responsibility and independent judgment.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Economics, Business Administration, Urban Planning, or related field; a Master's Degree is preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in economic development or a related field.
- Strong project management skills with a proven ability to oversee complex initiatives.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficiency in data analysis, market research, and economic trend analysis.
- Demonstrated ability to secure grants and funding for economic development projects.
- Proficiency in using tools such as Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis software.
- Knowledge of local zoning, permitting processes, and economic development regulations.
- Knowledge of local, state, and federal economic development programs, issues, and trends. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances.
- International Economic Development Council Certification CEcD desired.
For the full job description, click HERE
Check out the recruitment brochure for further information and details:
Economic Development Manager Recruitment Brochure
Interested in viewing additional benefit information? Click HERE to access the Summary of Compensation and Benefits!
Application Directions
Please visit the following link to apply: City of Sterling Heights Job Page
Questions about the role? Reach out to hr@sterlingheights.gov
3. Executive Director - Benzie County Chamber of Commerce
The Benzie County Chamber of Commerce is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead our newly integrated Chamber and Economic Development Partnership. This leader will drive economic growth, foster collaboration across business and government sectors, and position Benzie County for long-term prosperity.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Countywide Economic Development
Guide initiatives in business attraction, retention, talent development, infrastructure readiness, and neighborhood revitalization.
Champion Local Businesses
Serve as a strong advocate through the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and with policymakers at the regional, state, and federal levels.
Cultivate Sustainable Funding
Build and maintain a strong investor base, engaging both private- and public-sector partners to ensure financial stability.
Connect People & Resources
Link entrepreneurs, employers, and community leaders to capital, workforce training, and growth opportunities.
Provide Strategic Leadership
Work in close partnership with the Board of Directors to shape and implement the organization’s vision, with transparency and accountability.
Oversee Organizational Excellence
Manage staff, operations, financial resources, fundraising activities, and communications to ensure effective and impactful performance.
Qualifications
Demonstrated success in economic development, chamber leadership, nonprofit management, or related fields.
Experience in fundraising, investor relations, and coalition-building.
Strong knowledge of business development, workforce trends, infrastructure needs, and public policy.
Exceptional communication, advocacy, and relationship-building skills.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or professional certification (CEcD, CCE, IOM, or equivalent) strongly preferred.
Personal Attributes
Visionary and strategic, with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Collaborative leader who values partnerships and inclusive growth.
Results-driven and able to translate vision into measurable action.
Passionate about rural economic development and community vitality.
Compensation
This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé to: director@benziechamber.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.