Economic Development and Tourism Director

Position Summary:

Leads and manages Jackson County’s strategic initiatives in business growth, tourism, broadband, and community development. Serves as the central point of contact for economic development inquiries, promotes local assets, and builds collaborative partnerships. Responsible for securing and managing grants to advance Jackson County’s economic priorities. Operates with significant autonomy while coordinating with county leadership and local, state, and regional stakeholders. 

Essential Responsibilities

• Cultivates strong partnerships with businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and state agencies to support economic growth and community vitality
• Develops, promotes, and monitors programs in business retention, workforce development, broadband expansion, and rural infrastructure
• Leads tourism marketing efforts, including digital platforms, media campaigns, and visitor engagement strategies
• Serves as the County’s Certified Grant Writer; researches, drafts, submits, and manages grants in alignment with county goals
• Provides data-informed analysis, reports, and recommendations to County Board and Economic Development Committee
• Advises local municipalities on planning tools such as TIF districts and revolving loan funds
• Oversees tourism-related communications, content creation, and promotional materials
• Represents the County at regional events, conferences, and development forums
• Manages public communications, social media, and economic outreach campaigns

·Program-Specific Expertise

May involve coordination or leadership in the following specialized areas:

• Broadband and Infrastructure: Grant research, provider coordination, and rural access expansion
• Tourism and Recreation: Regional attraction promotion, event support, and content development
• Workforce Development: Employer engagement, labor market research, and skills initiatives
• Community and Land Use Planning: Assistance with comprehensive plans, zoning tools, and business site inventories

·Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Public Administration, Planning, Business, Marketing, or related field
• At least 2 years of experience in economic development, tourism, planning, or public administration
• Certified Grant Writer designation with demonstrated success in competitive grant funding preferred, but not required
• CEcD (Certified Economic Developer) preferred, but not required

·Required Competencies

• Strategic planning and partnership-building
• Strong written, verbal, and visual communication
• Grant writing, compliance, and project management
• Knowledge of public-sector operations, rural economic strategies, and land use tools
• Proficiency in digital platforms, CRM/tourism software, GIS, Canva, and Microsoft Office

·Licenses & Certifications

• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license
• Certified Grant Writer credential (required)
• CEcD certification (preferred but not required)

·Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work performed in office and community settings, including business sites and outdoor venues
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds (e.g., event materials)
• Evening and weekend availability for meetings, conferences, or promotional events

Regular travel within the county and region required