Vice President of Economic Development
Vice President of Economic Development
Organization: Indian River County Chamber of Commerce
Location: Vero Beach, FL
Reports to: President of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Summary
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to drive economic growth across Indian River County, leading business retention, expansion, and recruitment efforts. This position works closely in partnership with the County’s Economic Development department. The successful candidate will implement strategies aimed at attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones, contributing to job creation and an enhanced tax base. This is a full-time salaried position.
The Indian River County Chamber is the official Economic Development Organization (EDO) recognized by the Florida Department of Commerce.
Key Responsibilities
- Business Recruitment and Attraction: Market Indian River County to outside businesses; facilitating relocation to the area. Respond to requests for information from state and industry partner leads.
- Site Selection Support: Facilitate site selection activities for businesses considering relocation or expansion into Indian River County, providing detailed proposals, site tours, and ongoing communication.
- Strategic Economic Planning: Lead and implement economic development strategies, focusing on business retention, expansion, and attraction, particularly in targeted industries and in alignment with the County’s Economic Development Strategic Action Plan.
- Partnership Development: Foster and maintain relationships with public and private stakeholders, including Economic Leadership Alliance investors, local government, and other organizations to drive economic development initiatives. Represent the Chamber at meetings, events, and conferences statewide and nationally.
- Budgeting and Reporting: Develop and manage the annual budget for the Economic Development Division, and prepare an annual detailed report for the County.
- Data Analysis: Collect, interpret, and analyze market and community data to identify trends and issues, aiding in the development of strategic initiatives.
Professional Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in economic development, urban planning, public/business administration, economics, marketing, finance, or a related field strongly preferred. A Master’s Degree and Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation are highly desirable.
- Experience: At least 5 years of direct experience in economic development, community development, or redevelopment is required, preferably within Florida or the Southeast U.S.
- Skills and Knowledge:
- Expertise in business recruitment and attraction and the site selection process.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills.
- Strong understanding of economic development programs, incentives, contract
development, and local government operations.
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- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to manage projects, identify opportunities, and work within budgetary
constraints.
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- Florida Driver's License required.
Additional Considerations
This position is a key leadership role within the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce and broader community, contributing directly to the economic vitality of the region. The selected candidate will be a proactive, energetic leader with a commitment to fostering economic growth in Indian River County.
Salary Range: $100,000 – $110,000 annually plus benefits & relocation assistance.
Contact: Andrea Beam, IRC Chamber President. andreab@indianriverchamber.com
In-person presence in Indian River County is required; remote work is not practical for this position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
The Indian River County Chamber of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee based on age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion or veteran status.