Todd-County Development Corporation Executive Director

Job Description: Todd-County Development Corporation Executive Director

Position Title: Todd-County Development Corporation Executive Director Reports To: Board of Directors Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt, At-Will Location: Todd County, Minnesota

Summary

The Executive Director of the Todd County Development Corporation (TCDC) is the organization’s sole employee and is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and execution of its mission. This position oversees day-to-day operations, organizational sustainability, and long-range strategic planning for countywide economic and community development efforts. The Director works to grow the local economy by supporting business start-up, retention, and expansion, while also strengthening community capacity through education, networking, and advocacy.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Management

- Assume full management responsibility for all TCDC services and activities, including community vitality efforts to expand the local economy.

- Provide strategic direction, leadership, and guidance to the Board of Directors.

- Oversee implementation of the Strategic Plan, including the pillars, Start-Up, Retention, and Expansion; Community; and Organizational Sustainability and Growth.

- Lead the annual sponsorship fundraising campaign and maintain positive sponsor and donor relationships.

- Oversee the development, administration, and reporting of organizational and project budgets.

- Maintain regular communication through newsletters, social media, press releases, and community presentations.

Program Implementation – The Three Pillars

Education

- Develop and deliver training programs for entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders.

- Share and promote economic and community development resources throughout the county.

- Plan and implement community projects that advance the mission and improve the economic well-being of Todd County.

- Provide presentations to civic groups, businesses, and local governments on economic development programs and initiatives.

- Host annual dinner for sponsors, local businesses and community.

- Provide confidential, one-on-one consulting to small business clients and entrepreneurs in areas such as business planning, financial analysis, access to capital, marketing strategies, and operational improvement, while maintaining compliance with SBDC standards and reporting requirements.

- Assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with feasibility studies, start-up planning, and growth strategies to support long-term business success.

- Guide clients in identifying funding opportunities, preparing loan packages, and connecting with appropriate financial and community resources.

- Manage, promote, and administer the Todd County Development Corporation (TCDC) Revolving Loan Fund, including marketing the program to prospective borrowers, guiding applicants through the process, coordinating with lenders and partners, ensuring compliance with program requirements, and reporting outcomes to the Board of Directors.

- Deliver training workshops and outreach presentations on key small business topics in coordination with regional partners.

Networking

- Host networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and community members.

- Serve as a primary contact for new and existing businesses, connecting them to regional, state, and federal resources.

- Act as a catalyst to attract new business investment and foster collaboration across the region.

Advocacy

- Represent Todd County’s economic development interests with local, state, and federal officials.

- Provide opportunities for business owners and community leaders to engage with policymakers.

- Identify, apply for, and manage grants and incentive opportunities.

- Market industrial and commercial sites in partnership with local and regional development professionals.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

- County-wide economic development practices, program administration, and funding resources.

- Fundraising, sponsorship development, and donor relations.

- State and federal economic development programs and incentives.

- Principles of budgeting, program evaluation, and project management.

- Effective communication, marketing, and public relations strategies.

Skills & Abilities:

- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

- Grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.

- Ability to analyze community needs and adapt programming accordingly.

- Competency in using office technology including but not limited to excel and word, social media, and design/marketing tools.

- Strong relationship-building skills with stakeholders, sponsors, and elected officials.

- Just possess sound judgment and situation reasonability. Must poses ability to solve problems, interpret policy and determine appropriate course of action.

Education & Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, or a related field preferred.

- Proven track record in economic and/or community development preferred.

- Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.

- Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Class C Driver’s License and able to provide own means of transportation.

- Must successfully pass a background check.

Working Conditions

- Office-based position with frequent computer use; noise level is generally quiet.

- Regular travel required within Todd County and occasional regional/statewide meetings.

- Frequent in-person and phone contact with business owners, community members, and public officials.

- Flexible hybrid work environment, including the ability to work from home when appropriate.

- Must be able to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling objects and materials of light weight (up to 40 pounds).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Long Prairie, MN 56347