Vilas County Economic Development Corporation
Position Type: Full-time, executive leadership position
Reports To: Board of Directors, with regular communication and accountability to the Board Chair.
Organization Overview
The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009 with a mission to build a strong, resilient Northwoods economy with an entrepreneurial mindset. In collaboration with Vilas County government, municipalities, tribal entities, chambers of commerce, businesses, educational institutions, donors, granting organizations, and regional and state agencies, VCEDC serves as a trusted resource for small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, community stakeholders, and regional partners. The organization provides business consulting, education, networking, community redevelopment and strategic economic development leadership throughout Vilas County.
The VCEDC is governed by a Board of Directors. The Executive Director supports the Board and provides oversight to programs, projects, vendors, and independent contractors.
Position Summary
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and primary public representative of VCEDC and is responsible for translating the organization’s strategic plan into measurable action. The role advances strategic priorities related to business growth and sustainability, entrepreneur success services, digital services and storytelling, place-based economic development, grants and compliance excellence, governance, community redevelopment, organizational sustainability, and ecosystem partnerships. The Executive Director manages day-to-day operations, develops and implements VCEDC programming, supports and consults with the Board of Directors, stewards financial and grant resources, strengthens the organization’s partnership with Vilas County and regional entities, and delivers outcomes that support long-term regional prosperity.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Community Engagement
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and evaluate VCEDC’s strategic plan and organizational priorities.
- Provide leadership and recommendations that support effective Board governance, planning, and decision-making.
- Build and maintain productive relationships with business leaders, elected officials, municipalities, tribal governments, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, regional organizations, and community partners.
- Represent VCEDC as its primary spokesperson while promoting the organization’s mission in a professional, ethical, and nonpartisan manner.
- Monitor economic trends and emerging opportunities to identify strategies that strengthen the economic vitality of Vilas County.
Economic Development & Resource Development
- Lead initiatives that support enduring economic prosperity in Vilas County, including business attraction, retention, expansion, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community redevelopment across a variety of business and industry sectors.
- Develop and oversee programs that connect businesses and communities with financing, grants, technical assistance, training, and other economic development resources.
- Foster partnerships that leverage local, regional, state, federal, philanthropic, and private-sector investments.
- Lead fundraising activities, grant development, donor relations, and resource development efforts to ensure organizational sustainability.
- Measure and communicate organizational outcomes and community impact through meaningful performance metrics.
Organizational Leadership & Financial Stewardship
- Direct and perform the day-to-day operations of the VCEDC; ensure effective administration, fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and achievement of organizational goals.
- Develop and manage the annual budget while overseeing financial reporting, grant compliance, internal controls, and organizational assets.
- Coordinate and evaluate the work of contractors, consultants, and project partners supporting organizational initiatives.
- Establish procedures and work plans that are consistent with organizational priorities and policies, assure accountability, and promote operational excellence.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, economic development, nonprofit management, community development, finance, communications, or a related field; equivalent executive leadership experience may be considered.
- Excellent written, verbal, public speaking, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel throughout Vilas County and the surrounding region.
Preferred Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or other relevant professional certification preferred.
- Three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership experience in economic development, nonprofit management, business development, public administration, community development, or a related field.
- Experience working with nonprofit boards, public-private partnerships, elected officials, business leaders, funding organizations, and other community stakeholders.
- Experience securing and administering grants, managing public funding, and leading fundraising or capital campaign initiatives.
- Knowledge of economic development principles, including business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, community development, and rural or tourism-based economic development.
- Knowledge of nonprofit governance, strategic planning, financial management, grant administration, and organizational leadership.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that advance organizational and community economic development goals.
- Strong financial, analytical, and organizational, and project management skills, with the ability to manage budgets, grants, and multiple priorities effectively.
- Proven leadership skills, including the ability to build consensus, foster collaboration and innovation, lead organizational change, and achieve measurable results.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and represent the organization with professionalism, integrity, diplomacy, and political acumen.
Salary commensurate with education and experience. Paid time off. Simple IRA plan (up to 3%). Health insurance not included in benefit package.
Please submit a personal letter of interest and resume to info@vilascountyedc.org by Friday, October 2, 2026.
VCEDC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will get consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
