The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is the State economic development office. Our mission is to cultivate an environment where businesses and communities can grow and thrive. We are a trusted government agency that partners with businesses and communities for strategic and sustainable growth and success, moving Oklahoma forward to becoming a top ten state.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce seeks to fill a Director of Event-Driven Economic Development position. This position is a full-time position in the state government. Oklahoma Department of Commerce offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. For more information about the benefit allowance, visit the Oklahoma State Benefits Overview. The annual salary for this position is up to $110,000 based on education and experience.

Position Overview
The Director of Event-Driven Economic Development operates at the intersection of economic development, major events, and statewide coordination. Oklahoma hosts a growing number of high-profile events-from global competitions to nationally recognized sporting and cultural gatherings-that bring decision-makers and business leaders into our communities. This position is responsible for translating those moments of visibility into sustained economic opportunity.

The Director will lead strategic efforts to identify, engage, and recruit businesses connected to these events, while also serving as a central coordination point of contact and a conduit for state agencies. The role ensures Oklahoma shows up aligned, prepared, and strategic-leveraging each event not just as a moment, but as a catalyst for investment, tourism, and long-term growth. This position will report to the Executive Director of EDGE.

Responsibilities
• Identify and pursue business recruitment opportunities tied to major events, including visiting executives, sponsors, and affiliated companies. 
• Plan and coordinate initiatives and strategy with the Executive Director of the EDGE Division and the CEO.
• Develop and execute targeted engagement strategies to convert event-related exposure into relocation, expansion, or investment activity.
• Coordinate across state agencies (Tourism, Transportation, Public Safety, etc.) to align planning and execution around major events.
• Serve as a critical state-level point of contact for major events with multi-agency impact, ensuring seamless collaboration and responsiveness.
• Engage with local hosts, cities, and organizing committees to ensure statewide priorities are represented and advanced.
• Support the development of consistent, statewide messaging to maximize Oklahoma's visibility and brand during major events.
• Track outcomes and measure the economic development impact of event-driven engagement efforts.
• Represent the Department of Commerce at key events and planning meetings.
• Understand and convey Quality Jobs profiles, incentive analyses, proposal coordination and preparation, company research, site selection research, and state and local information.
• Accurately update and maintain division databases with client information to facilitate reporting project status to division members.
• Prepare and submit comprehensive status and activity reports.
• Network with potential clients in the industry and among site location consultants developed at trade shows, special events, and other social networking opportunities.
• Travel up to 50% of the time.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
• Must have a bachelor's degree with an emphasis in business, marketing, or a related field and at least 4 years of experience in economic development, business, marketing, sales, or real estate. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• CEcD or attendance at the Economic Development Institute (EDI) is desirable.
• Experience with MS Dynamics 365, or a combination of education and experience, will be considered.

Knowledge and Skills
• Strong project management experience, including planning, execution, and delivery across multiple stakeholders and timelines.
• Exceptional relationship development, social skills, and management skills, with the ability to influence without authority.
• Experience coordinating complex, cross-functional initiatives involving public and/or private sector partners.
• Track record of business development, economic development, and/or relationship-driven growth initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to connect individual activities to broader economic and statewide outcomes.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working across agencies, leadership teams, and external partners.
• Experience working with or alongside government entities, economic development organizations, or large-scale events (preferred).
• Knowledge of effective management, sales techniques, industry trends, best business practices, community and regional economic development programs and practices, as well as state and Federal government agencies involved in economic development or recruitment.
• Skills and experience in leadership, business etiquette, organizing information, writing reports, and presenting material are also required.
• General knowledge and skills in Microsoft applications and databases are required.
• A qualified candidate must be intellectually engaged, demonstrate initiative, leadership, flexibility, and creativity.

Special Requirements
• Applicants must be willing to travel for job-related reasons (up to 50% of the time) to meet with companies, consultants, and partners, which often require extended and irregular hours.
• The successful candidate must also be willing to work the necessary hours to complete the job.

Federal Compliance Requirements
N/A

Employment Disclaimer
This job announcement does not constitute an employment contract, expressed or implied. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce reserves the right to modify, withdraw, or close this job announcement at any time without notice. Employment with the State of Oklahoma is subject to applicable state and federal laws and agency policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Department does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or veteran status.

Accessibility Statement
This document is available in alternative formats upon request. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities.

Contact Information
Oklahoma Department of Commerce Human Resources Division 900 N Stiles Ave Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 https://okcommerce.gov 

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and references to be considered.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) seeks a Vice President, Research to provide strategic, operational, and cultural leadership for VEDP's Research Division. This role leads a diverse, multidisciplinary division of approximately 25 staff responsible for conducting solutions-oriented business analysis supporting business investment efforts, communicating Virginia's value proposition through compelling deliverables, and delivering technology-enabled operational support across the organization.

All candidates must apply through our website https://www.vedp.org/careers. Application deadline: Open Until Filled.


EOE

Key Responsibilities
• Drive business attraction and retention strategies to strengthen the local economy.
• Oversee redevelopment efforts, including TIF district management and property transactions.
• Serve as Airport Manager for civil operations at Grissom Aeroplex, including pursuit of aviation-related grants.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local, regional, and state stakeholders.
• Represent MCEDA in conferences, trade shows, and media/public relations.
• Lead and manage a staff of six, along with consultants and contractors.
• Develop, present, and administer the annual budget in excess of $2.5M, manage organizational assets exceeding $28M, and ensure compliance with financial and reporting requirements.
• Provide leadership, vision, and strategic planning to advance long-term economic and community development.

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Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Public Administration, Economic Development, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in economic development, local government, redevelopment, or related fields.
• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or completion of the University of Oklahoma's Economic Development Institute (OUEDI) a plus.
• Strong knowledge of economic development tools, including tax incentives, TIF, and grant programs.
• Demonstrated experience in financial management, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
• Skilled negotiator with experience in complex contracts, property transactions, and incentive agreements.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a team.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation skills.
• Familiarity with airport or aviation management is preferred.
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Application Process
Interested candidates should submit an electronic copy of their cover letter, resume, and references to Laura Fulton, MCEDA Executive Assistant at [email protected] by COB June 30, 2026.

Jorgenson Pace is recruiting for this position.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Bloomington Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) is the leading economic development organization for Monroe County, serving a community of over 100 member organizations and collaborating closely with the City of Bloomington, Monroe County, and Ellettsville governments, Indiana University Bloomington, and Ivy Tech Bloomington. BEDC works in partnership with our members, government and academic leaders to strengthen the local economy through focused efforts in business retention, expansion, and attraction. BEDC seeks a strategic, collaborative, and outcomes-driven leader to guide and grow our impact as the county's premier economic development organization.

THE POSITION

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to BEDC. The CEO will drive the organization's mission to support existing businesses, attract new investment, and facilitate growth opportunities while maintaining strong partnerships with municipal and county governments, educational institutions, economic development partners, and BEDC members. The CEO is responsible for budgeting, program execution, staff development, fundraising and grant administration, policy alignment, and external communications. This role reports to the BEDC Board of Directors, leads a small team of three staff members, and oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $700,000.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Develop and execute a clear, measurable strategic plan that advances BEDC's mission to strengthen the local economy through business retention, expansion, and attraction; align partners around site readiness and targeted attraction priorities.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish and monitor annual goals, performance metrics, and long-range initiatives.
• Convene and coordinate with local and regional economic development organizations (LEDOs), employers, utilities, and community partners to strengthen regional competitiveness.
• Maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and federal elected and appointed leaders, higher education leaders, and other key community and regional stakeholders.

Economic Development and Program Management

• Drive a disciplined, urgent, and responsive deal pursuit process - from first contact through site visit coordination, stakeholder briefing, follow-up, and close - with a focus on BEDC's target industries: Life Sciences, Technology, Defense, Advanced Manufacturing, Microelectronics and Semiconductors, and related innovation sectors.
• Build and maintain a structured, active business development pipeline including target prospect lists, outreach cadence, lead qualification criteria, and stage-by-stage deal tracking.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage a targeted outreach program with existing member companies and prospective investors.
• Facilitate site readiness, permitting, workforce development, and incentive discussions across public and private partners, including utilities, municipalities, higher education institutions, and workforce development organizations. Proactively identify capacity, infrastructure, and regulatory constraints before they become obstacles and drive solutions.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Partnerships

• Foster strong, transparent relationships with municipal leadership, county government, utilities, universities, and the BEDC member network.
• Act as a neutral convener to align public initiatives with private sector needs, ensuring inclusive and equitable economic development.

Financial Management and Resource Development

• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal oversight for a $700,000 annual budget.
• Lead all fundraising, grant applications, sponsorships, and public-private funding strategies to sustain and grow BEDC's programs.
• Ensure the organization operates efficiently while providing accountability and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Operations and People

• Lead a small team of three staff, including hiring, performance management, professional development, and workload planning.
• Ensure robust administrative systems, data management, reporting, and outcome tracking.
• Champion a positive, inclusive organizational culture that reflects the community BEDC serves.

Public Relations and Communications

• Represent BEDC to the public, media, partners, and stakeholders; articulate a compelling value proposition and success stories.
• Oversee external communications, branding, and marketing efforts to raise BEDC's profile. The CEO must be proactive and able to compellingly articulate BEDC's case for support to acquire investment.

Board Engagement and Compliance

• Maintain open, proactive communication with the Board; prepare regular reports, dashboards, and strategic updates.
• Ensure compliance with governance best practices, ethics, and fiduciary responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• 7+ years of progressive, high-quality leadership in economic development, public/private partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on success in the craft of business retention, expansion, and attraction, including direct experience managing prospect relationships, coordinating site visits, leading negotiations, and seeing deals through to completion.
• Experience managing a budget and leading a small team; capability to wear multiple hats in a lean organization.
• Strong relationship-building skills with government entities, universities, and the private sector. Range and authenticity in relationship-building are both required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public-facing communication skills
• Strong negotiation and strategic thinking abilities, with a track record of translating ideas into action and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Knowledge of or strong ability to quickly learn the Bloomington/Monroe County economic landscape, including major industries, workforce dynamics, and key stakeholders.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community engagement in economic development.

Preferred

• Experience working with or in collaboration with City/County government, higher education institutions, and regional economic development networks.
• Prior success in fundraising, grant management, or sponsorship development.
• Familiarity with incentive programs, permitting processes, and business regulatory environments.
• Background in or direct experience working with the national site selection community is a meaningful differentiator.

Work Environment

• Full-time executive leadership role in a small, dynamic organization with a budget of $700,000 and a team of three.
• Collaboration with local government, two universities (Indiana University Bloomington and Ivy Tech Bloomington), and a broad member and partner network.

Performance Metrics

• Annual metrics aligned with BEDC strategic plan, such as:
• Number and value of expansion projects supported.
• New business attraction metrics (jobs, investment, capital investment).
• Retention rate of existing member businesses.
• Job creation and economic impact measures.
• Successful completion of funded programs, grants, and sponsorship initiatives.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and partner engagement levels.
• Financial health indicators, including budget adherence and fund development progress. 

To apply, send resumes and cover letters to [email protected]. 

Position Summary

Reporting to the President and CEO of SelectFlorida, the Vice President of Trade and Export Development is responsible for advancing the State of Florida's international trade initiatives and expanding export opportunities for Florida's businesses. Overseeing the Division of Trade and Export Development for Florida's international commerce agency, the Vice President will lead a team responsible for helping Florida businesses enter or expand into international markets. This key leadership position develops and executes comprehensive programs and services that promote international market access, increase exports, foster business relationships and collaboration, as well as strengthen Florida's position as an international gateway.

The Vice President is a working manager position that oversees and implements trade shows and missions, export programs, and business support initiatives. By expanding international trade opportunities and supporting businesses in exporting, the Vice President will directly impact Florida's international competitiveness, contribute to job creation and business growth, and long-term economic growth success throughout the state.
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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
• Develop and implement a comprehensive statewide trade and export development strategy aligned with Florida's economic priorities.
• Identify high-growth international markets and industry sectors for targeted expansion, as well as analyze market trends, to recommend proactive responses to opportunities and challenges.
• Serve as the principal advisor to the President for trade and export development.
• Collaborate with members of the leadership team to ensure the entire organization is continuously aligned and optimized.
• Support organization-wide strategy and policy development.
• Identify and recommend opportunities for program expansion and improvements.

Division Leadership
• Lead, develop, and coach a high-performing team of trade and export professionals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, cross-training, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and results-driven performance.
• Assign trade professionals as primary contacts for specified industries, international markets, and Florida regions.
• Oversee the operations of the division, including, but not limited to, administering budgets, evaluating programs and services, meeting established goals and metrics, KPI management, and reporting.
• Ensure accountability and measurable outcomes, including, but not limited to, export expansion and business support.

Trade and Export Programs
• Lead, plan, and implement SelectFlorida's trade shows and missions, including, but not limited to, recommending shows and missions, assessing ROI, working with participants and in-market contacts, and connecting participants with international opportunities.
• Design and implement programs that assist Florida businesses in export readiness, expanding exports, and exporting to new international markets, with a particular focus on small and medium sized businesses. This includes, but is not limited to, trainings, webinars, consultations, and seminars.
• Manage vendor and consultant relationships in support of trade and export programs.
• Provide direct consultations to Florida's small and medium sized businesses on topics to include, but not limited to, navigating international markets, supply chains, and export opportunities.
• Oversee the export certificate program, including Certificates of Free Sale and Good Manufacturing Practice, to include, but not limited to, customer service and compliance.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications to promote programs and services and communicate opportunities for export expansion.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support
• Collaborate with Florida businesses and trade partners to identify export opportunities and remove barriers.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key organizations related to trade, including, but not limited to, government, economic development, education, seaports and airports, trade organizations, and industry groups.
• Represent the organization externally as assigned, including, but not limited to, internationally during trade shows and missions.
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Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Relations, Economics, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in international trade, economic development, and/or export promotion.
• 3+ years of progressive management experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing subnational (state, regional, or county) and/or private sector trade strategies and programs.
• Experience leading and implementing trade shows, trade missions, and related events.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, public speaking, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience managing complex programs, budgets, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to travel approximately 30% of the year, including domestic and international travel.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working with state or national economic development and/or trade organizations.
• Graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Familiarity with Florida's economy, business landscape, economic assets, and key industries.
• Expertise in international markets, trade policy, supply chain, export development and/or export regulations.
• Bilingual

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Pauline Jacobs at [email protected]