Ohio Economic Development Association
Website:
ohioeda.com
Job details:
September 18, 2026 | Jobs
Position Summary
Defiance County Economic Development (DCED) is seeking a visionary, collaborative, and results-driven Executive Director to lead one of Ohio’s most successful rural economic development organizations. The Executive Director will be responsible for advancing economic growth, business attraction, business retention and expansion, workforce development partnerships, site development initiatives, housing strategies, and community competitiveness efforts throughout Defiance County.
Over the past several years, Defiance County has experienced unprecedented growth, including more than $2.15 billion in capital investment and nearly 2,000 new jobs announced. The next Executive Director will build upon this momentum while positioning the county for long-term economic prosperity and sustainable growth.
About Defiance County
Located in Northwest Ohio, Defiance County offers a strong manufacturing base, excellent transportation access, a skilled workforce, quality communities, and a growing portfolio of industrial sites and development opportunities. The county is home to both global manufacturers and entrepreneurial businesses and has become a recognized leader in rural economic development.
Position Responsibilities
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Defiance County Economic Development and reports directly to the Board of Directors. Defiance County Economic Development is the operating name of The Community Improvement Corporation of Defiance County, Inc., a nonprofit corporation organized under Chapter 1724 of the Ohio Revised Code. The organization operates in a quasi-public capacity, is audited by the Ohio Auditor of State, and is subject to Ohio public-records and open-meetings expectations. The Executive Director works closely with the County Commissioners, the City of Defiance, and the villages within the county.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Economic Development Strategy
- Lead the implementation of short-term and long-term economic development strategies.
- Identify opportunities to expand the county’s tax base and increase employment opportunities.
- Develop initiatives that enhance the county’s competitive position for business attraction and expansion.
- Monitor economic trends and recommend policies and programs that support growth.
Business Attraction
- Market Defiance County to domestic and international companies considering expansion or relocation.
- Manage competitive site selection projects and respond to requests for information.
- Develop and maintain relationships with site selectors, corporate executives, developers, utilities, and state economic development partners.
- Lead negotiations and project management activities associated with major development opportunities.
Business Retention & Expansion
- Maintain ongoing relationships with existing employers.
- Conduct business retention visits and identify opportunities for expansion and investment.
- Connect businesses to resources, incentives, workforce solutions, and financing tools.
- Advocate for local employers at the regional and state levels.
Site and Infrastructure Development
- Lead industrial site development initiatives, including mega-site and shovel-ready site strategies.
- Coordinate infrastructure planning efforts involving utilities, transportation, broadband, and public improvements.
- Support industrial park development and redevelopment projects.
- Assist communities with grant funding and infrastructure investment opportunities.
Workforce & Community Development
- Collaborate with educational institutions, workforce agencies, and employers to address workforce challenges.
- Support initiatives related to workforce housing, childcare availability, talent attraction, and quality of life improvements.
- Foster partnerships that strengthen community and economic competitiveness.
Organizational Leadership
- Oversee daily operations, budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning.
- Manage staff, consultants, and contracted services.
- Prepare and present reports to the Board of Directors, elected officials, investors, and community stakeholders.
- Ensure accountability and achievement of organizational goals and performance metrics.
- Lead fundraising and investor relations efforts.
Marketing and Communications
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for Defiance County Economic Development.
- Promote the county through marketing campaigns, presentations, trade shows, and public events.
- Develop content that communicates successes, opportunities, and economic development initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with local, regional, and state partners.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Finance, Marketing, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in economic development, business development, public administration, community development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholder relationships.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Preferred
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation or willingness to pursue certification.
- Experience securing economic development incentives, grants, and public funding.
- Knowledge of site selection practices and industrial development.
- Experience with real estate development, infrastructure planning, or workforce strategies.
- Existing relationships within Ohio’s economic development ecosystem.
- Defiance County area resident
- Experience with public funding and incentives
Key Leadership Attributes
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Be a visionary leader who can think strategically and execute effectively.
- Possess exceptional relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- Be comfortable working with business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
- Be a creative problem solver who thrives in complex environments.
- Have a genuine passion for improving communities and creating opportunities for residents.
Performance Measures
Success In This Role May Include:
- New capital investment secured.
- Job creation and retention.
- Business retention and expansion activity.
- Development-ready sites created.
- Infrastructure funding secured.
- Grant funding awarded.
- Stakeholder and investor engagement.
- Strategic plan implementation.
- Community and workforce development outcomes.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package will be offered based on qualifications and experience, including salary, retirement benefits, health insurance, professional development opportunities, and performance incentives. The anticipated salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Executive Director may also be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on performance.
How To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three Professional References
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A first review of applications will begin on October 9, 2026; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date. Please submit application materials to the Hiring Committee, via email (office@defiancecountyed.com). All inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Defiance County Economic Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Economic Development Strategy
- Lead the implementation of short-term and long-term economic development strategies.
- Identify opportunities to expand the county’s tax base and increase employment opportunities.
- Develop initiatives that enhance the county’s competitive position for business attraction and expansion.
- Monitor economic trends and recommend policies and programs that support growth.
Business Attraction
- Market Defiance County to domestic and international companies considering expansion or relocation.
- Manage competitive site selection projects and respond to requests for information.
- Develop and maintain relationships with site selectors, corporate executives, developers, utilities, and state economic development partners.
- Lead negotiations and project management activities associated with major development opportunities.
Business Retention & Expansion
- Maintain ongoing relationships with existing employers.
- Conduct business retention visits and identify opportunities for expansion and investment.
- Connect businesses to resources, incentives, workforce solutions, and financing tools.
- Advocate for local employers at the regional and state levels.
Site and Infrastructure Development
- Lead industrial site development initiatives, including mega-site and shovel-ready site strategies.
- Coordinate infrastructure planning efforts involving utilities, transportation, broadband, and public improvements.
- Support industrial park development and redevelopment projects.
- Assist communities with grant funding and infrastructure investment opportunities.
Workforce & Community Development
- Collaborate with educational institutions, workforce agencies, and employers to address workforce challenges.
- Support initiatives related to workforce housing, childcare availability, talent attraction, and quality of life improvements.
- Foster partnerships that strengthen community and economic competitiveness.
Organizational Leadership
- Oversee daily operations, budgeting, financial management, and strategic planning.
- Manage staff, consultants, and contracted services.
- Prepare and present reports to the Board of Directors, elected officials, investors, and community stakeholders.
- Ensure accountability and achievement of organizational goals and performance metrics.
- Lead fundraising and investor relations efforts.
Marketing and Communications
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for Defiance County Economic Development.
- Promote the county through marketing campaigns, presentations, trade shows, and public events.
- Develop content that communicates successes, opportunities, and economic development initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with local, regional, and state partners.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Economic Development, Business Administration, Public Administration, Planning, Finance, Marketing, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
- Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in economic development, business development, public administration, community development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholder relationships.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Experience with budgeting, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.
Preferred
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation or willingness to pursue certification.
- Experience securing economic development incentives, grants, and public funding.
- Knowledge of site selection practices and industrial development.
- Experience with real estate development, infrastructure planning, or workforce strategies.
- Existing relationships within Ohio’s economic development ecosystem.
- Defiance County area resident
- Experience with public funding and incentives
Key Leadership Attributes
The Successful Candidate Will:
- Be a visionary leader who can think strategically and execute effectively.
- Possess exceptional relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- Be comfortable working with business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
- Be a creative problem solver who thrives in complex environments.
- Have a genuine passion for improving communities and creating opportunities for residents.
Performance Measures
Success In This Role May Include:
- New capital investment secured.
- Job creation and retention.
- Business retention and expansion activity.
- Development-ready sites created.
- Infrastructure funding secured.
- Grant funding awarded.
- Stakeholder and investor engagement.
- Strategic plan implementation.
- Community and workforce development outcomes.
Qualified Candidates Should Submit:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Three Professional References
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. A first review of applications will begin on October 9, 2026; candidates are encouraged to apply by that date. Please submit application materials to the Hiring Committee, via email (office@defiancecountyed.com). All inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
Defiance County Economic Development is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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