Vice President-Strengthening Stark

BackgroundThe Stark Economic Development Board (SEDB) leads county-wide economic development focused on attracting, retaining, and growing traded-sector industries. Strengthening Stark supports this work by advancing entrepreneurship, workforce development, and workforce‑aligned housing initiatives. Together with the Stark Port Authority, these teams provide a comprehensive approach to economic development in Stark County.The Vice President of Strengthening Stark serves on SEDB’s executive leadership team and attends Executive Board meetings. The role provides strategic direction, oversees daily operations, and leads a team of four professionals. This leader builds trusted community relationships, aligns Strengthening Stark initiatives with SEDB priorities, and ensures progress is measured through meaningful data and outcomes. The position reports to the President/CEO of SEDB.About Strengthening StarkStrengthening Stark is a countywide collaboration of business, government, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners working to create a younger, growing, and more prosperous community. Formed after a 2017 report calling for economic transformation, the initiative focuses on five strategic priorities to support long‑term community vibrancy. The work focuses on maximizing existing community resources and assets, leading large scale change management initiatives to catalyze and accelerate these initiatives.Operational OverviewThe Vice President works closely with SEDB staff and is advised by a seven‑member Trustee Committee to ensure alignment with funder expectations and SEDB strategic goals.Role OverviewThe Vice President builds strong partnerships, develops effective structures and processes, and supports community stakeholders in advancing shared economic development goals. Core responsibilities include identifying opportunities, generating insights from data, and guiding a teamthrough continuous improvement and professional development. The role requires independent judgment, strategic planning, change management expertise and operational oversight.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipRecommend and oversee economic development projects aligned with SEDB’s vision and goals.Identify risks and propose mitigation strategies.Build and maintain trusted relationships with key influencers, funders, and stakeholders.Operational ExcellenceStrengthen work in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and housing.Apply change‑management techniques to ensure successful implementation of initiatives.Use data to inform decisions and help partners co‑create effective strategies.Conduct project reviews and support budgeting and scheduling.Stakeholder EngagementServe as spokesperson for Strengthening Stark, including communications oversight and public presentations.Establish meeting cadence and facilitate agendas to elevate partner work and strategic priorities.Financial ManagementDevelop and manage budgets.Ensure compliance with funder reporting requirements.Pursue funding to expand and accelerate initiatives.Organizational LeadershipLead a professional team, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.Report regularly to SEDB leadership, Trustees, and funders.Promote data‑driven decision making and process improvement.QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree required.Experience7–10 years of progressive leadership experience managing cross-functional teams.Skilled in data analytics, pattern recognition, and reporting.Strong project management, organizational development, and change‑management skills.Proven success in leading complex systems and collaborative initiatives.High cultural competence and strong interpersonal communication skills.Familiarity with community and economic development preferred.Demonstrated initiative, problem solving, and stakeholder trust-building.Commitment to learning and adapting quickly to new concepts, systems, and partners.Proficiency with Microsoft Office; Google tools a plus.Other ExpectationsTravel: Primarily in‑county during business hours; some early morning/evening commitments. Personal vehicle required.EEO: SEDB prohibits discrimination on any legally protected basis.Other Duties: Responsibilities may evolve as organizational needs change.Compensation & BenefitsSalary: $135,000–$145,000, commensurate with experience.Benefits: Comprehensive package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and PTOTo Apply:Interested and qualified candidates please submit resume and cover letter to info@strengtheningstark.com no later then Wednesday April 1, 2026.