CEO

Position Overview

The Chief Executive Officer leads FCEDA's efforts to strengthen the Flathead Valley economy by partnering with local businesses and agencies, advancing strategic action plans, and coordinating projects that enhance the region's long-term economic vitality. This role provides strategic leadership, manages FCEDA operations and Port Authority responsibilities, represents FCEDA to public and private partners, and ensures clear communication with businesses, residents, elected officials, and community organizations. The position reports to the FCEDA Board of Directors and carries out these duties in partnership with the Board.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Direct all economic development activities, programs, and services within the Flathead Valley in partnership with local businesses, agencies, organizations, and governments.
• Serve as the accountable lead for countywide economic development strategy, working with partner organizations to support long-term economic health.
• Provide regular status reports to the FCEDA Board on recent activities and progress toward strategic action plans.
• Analyze economic data and trends to support planning, reporting, and decision-making.
• Present regular updates and recommended actions to the FCEDA Board, County leadership, elected officials, and community groups.

Business Recruitment, Retention & Support

• Support the local economic base by identifying and pursuing businesses interested in locating or expanding in the Valley, and coordinate FCEDA resources, incentives, and support as needed.
• Build and maintain relationships with business owners, community organizations, agencies, and government representatives to strengthen connections throughout the Flathead Valley.
• Manage business inventory data and maintain current community, industry, and demographic profiles.
• Identify local workforce challenges with employers and educational and state partners, and support workforce development solutions.
• Support efforts to market the Flathead Valley as a premier location to live, work, and visit.

Countywide Marketing, Communication & Advocacy

• Market the Flathead Valley to prospective companies and investors through events, digital platforms, community profiles, and promotional materials.
• Communicate feedback from prospective businesses to local leaders to improve the region's competitiveness.
• Respond to complex inquiries from businesses, residents, and public officials, and help resolve sensitive or high-impact issues.
• Provide clear, timely communication while maintaining high standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Serve as a liaison to community and economic development organizations.

Operations, Finance & Other Responsibilities

• Support real estate development projects and major community initiatives.
• Manage assigned FCEDA and Port Authority programs, assets, and facilities, and identify opportunities to improve service efficiency.
• Assist partners in planning and executing community events.
• Identify and secure County, State, Federal, and private funding sources, including grants, loans, and other economic development tools such as the Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund, Montana Board of Investments, Economic Development Administration, and USDA Rural Development.
• Prepare and manage the FCEDA budget, authorize expenditures, and ensure compliance with financial and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate with local and state agencies to Administer Tax Increment Financing programs and coordinate with local and state agencies.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Planning, Economics, Public Administration, Marketing, Community Development, or a related field required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.
• Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two years of experience working in a leadership or entrepreneurial experience growing a business. Experience in municipal, county, or regional government in economic development, planning, community development, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in business recruitment and retention, project management, community engagement, or economic research preferred.
• Experience with grant writing and management, zoning or code work, marketing, finance, or event management is beneficial.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Experience with GIS, databases, AI tools, and website content management preferred.
• Ability to prepare financial and administrative reports and interpret relevant regulations.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public-speaking communication skills.
• Skill in negotiation, consensus building, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to analyze data, evaluate programs, and develop practical recommendations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in high-visibility environments.
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising.

Marketing, Outreach & Communications

• Experience coordinating press releases, website content, newsletters, and other outreach tools.
• Experience with trade shows, conferences, seminars, and civic events.

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizen with a valid state issued driver's license.
• Ability to pass background checks and required clearances.
• Physical ability to perform typical office related duties, including occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary commensurate with education and experience.
• Medical, disability, time off, and other benefits may be available.

Additional Responsibilities if Serving as Sole Employee

If the Chief Executive Officer is FCEDA’s sole employee, the position may also be responsible for the following:

• Professional office management, organization, and communication with FCEDA vendors, clients, and customers.
• General management of FCEDA financial duties.
• Maintenance and oversight of FCEDA bank accounts, budget processes, and general accounting functions.
• Preparation for FCEDA Board meetings, including issuing required notices and legal notices, drafting and circulating agendas, and preparing meeting minutes.
• Maintenance of FCEDA records as required by law.
• Oversight and management, subject to FCEDA direction, of existing tenants in Glacier Rail Park.
• Management of FCEDA's intellectual property, including its website and information technology systems.
• Performance of other ancillary services related to the responsibilities listed above.

Submit a resume and cover letter outlining your leadership experience and vision for FCEDA to Kirk Zander - kirk@flatheadcountyeda.com. Position will remain open until filled.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person