The Manager of Economic Development will promote job growth and investment throughout the city of Lawrence and Douglas County, KS, with emphasis on business retention and expansion projects.

This role might be right for you if…

• You are all about relationships – with local stakeholders, businesses, teammates and the community
• You have progressive experience in economic development and/or business development
• You are a personable individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to facilitate dialogue

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships within the community, with local stakeholders and economic development partners
• Collaborate with VP of Economic Development in business recruitment and retention projects; to include coordinating data related to attracting new business
• Serve as the primary contact to support and encourage startup and entrepreneurial business efforts
• Participate in the development and implementation of an annual strategic development plan
• Facilitate participation in the Lawrence Metropolitan E-Community Loan Program
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive set of community economic data and provide analysis

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5-7 years economic development and/or business development experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Management, Marketing, Communications or related field
• Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with the development community, regional and state partners, stakeholders and others within the organization
• Presentation skills to all levels of management and the public
• Strong business development and project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated experience working with Microsoft Office products

Preferred Qualifications:

• Entrepreneurship or startup experience
• Chamber of Commerce experience or involvement
• Experience relating to and maintaining ongoing relationships with public officials or business leaders

Work Environment:

• Position is based in The Chamber office with continual personal interaction
• Position will interface with business owners, community members, and government representatives
• Due to the nature of the position, individual may be expected to work outside of normal office hours

The Chamber of Lawrence, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Chamber offers a competitive benefits package which includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Group Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Health Reimbursement Plan (HRA) and Flexible Spending Account
• Group Life and AD&D
• 401k Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Vacation
• Sick Leave
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Plans

Please visit our website lawrencechamber.com for more information about our organization and the community.

To Apply:
Email your resume and cover letter (to include what makes you an ideal candidate, as well as your salary requirements) with “Chamber Manager of Economic Development” as subject line to: ms.traci.brown@gmail.com. 

No phone calls please.  Email applications are preferred; or mail application to:
Chamber Manager of Economic Development Search
The Chamber of Lawrence, Kansas
718 New Hampshire Street
Lawrence, KS 66044