Mackenzie Eason & Associates has been retained by the Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) to recruit their next Executive Director of Economic Development.  Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director will lead, develop the vision and long-term plan, and work with the City and Business Leaders in the community to drive economic development initiatives and efforts in Edmond.  The Executive Director will deliver on the organization's goals by developing and implementing new business recruitment programs and strategies, overseeing marketing and communication and business retention efforts, and overall project management of economic development initiatives.

The EEDA is a public trust established to promote economic growth in Edmond, Oklahoma. While it operates as a separate legal entity, the EEDA maintains a close relationship with the City of Edmond, collaborating on various initiatives to enhance the local economy.

The EEDA is dedicated to fostering economic growth in Edmond, Oklahoma. Its mission is to create and maintain an optimal environment for both new and existing businesses, providing services that facilitate their growth and expansion, thereby enhancing the city's sales tax base.

The EEDA offers a range of services to support business development, including:

• Business Resources: Assisting companies in establishing, expanding, or relocating their operations in Edmond.

• Property Search Assistance: Helping businesses find suitable locations within the city.

• Data Provision: Supplying economic and demographic data to inform business decisions.

• Quality of Life Information: Highlighting Edmond's amenities to attract and retain businesses and talent.

  The EEDA also administers economic incentive programs, such as the Edmond Economic Incentive Policy, which offers financial assistance to qualifying businesses to stimulate economic growth and job creation.

  The EEDA is the catalyst for economic growth in Edmond, Oklahoma, driving initiatives that enhance the city's tax base and foster a thriving community. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and administrative leader of the organization, responsible for envisioning and implementing strategies to advance Edmond’s economic development priorities. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, this role demands visionary leadership, strategic expertise, and entrepreneurial initiative to position Edmond as a premier destination for businesses, residents, and visitors.

  The Opportunity

  The Edmond Economic Development Authority offers a rare and exciting opportunity for an innovative and visionary leader to shape the future of one of the most dynamic suburban communities in Oklahoma. Located just north of Oklahoma City, Edmond is a vibrant and rapidly growing city known for its high quality of life, top-rated schools, thriving cultural scene, and strategic location at the crossroads of major economic corridors.

  This role is ideal for an experienced economic development professional eager to leave a lasting legacy by driving transformative growth, attracting high-quality businesses, expanding development opportunities, and fostering a balanced approach to development that enhances Edmond’s unique charm. As Executive Director, you will have the chance to:

  Transform Edmond’s Economic Landscape

  Edmond’s proximity to Oklahoma City presents unparalleled opportunities to recruit businesses and industries that benefit from a metropolitan area while enjoying the advantages of a suburban community. From cultivating niche retail and mixed-use developments to corporate relocations and university-linked innovation, this role offers a broad canvas to implement forward-thinking strategies that elevate Edmond’s position as a regional leader in economic vitality.

  Champion Strategic Vision and Growth

  The EEDA Board and the Edmond community are committed to building a strong and resilient economy that balances growth with preserving the city’s heritage and charm. The Executive Director will lead the creation of a comprehensive economic development strategy, aligning community stakeholders to pursue ambitious goals such as:

• Attracting businesses with above-median-wage jobs.

• Expanding partnerships with the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) to leverage research and innovation.

• Supporting redevelopment in downtown Edmond to foster a vibrant city core.

• Exploring untapped funding opportunities to expand EEDA’s capacity and resources.

  Build Meaningful Partnerships

  In this role, you’ll have the unique opportunity to collaborate with key local and regional stakeholders, including UCO, the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, state economic development entities, and private industry leaders. Your ability to forge these relationships will ensure Edmond continues to be a model for successful suburban economic growth and development.

  Navigate a Thriving Suburban Environment

  Suburban communities like Edmond are emerging as hubs for families, businesses, and innovation. With its extensive green spaces, a strong sense of community, and a robust local economy, Edmond offers an ideal environment for companies seeking a location that combines accessibility to a major metropolitan area with the livability of a close-knit community. As Executive Director, you’ll be at the forefront of positioning Edmond to compete for these opportunities as one of the top areas in the region.

  Advance Community-Driven Economic Development

  Edmond’s future success hinges on its ability to attract diverse industries while preserving its character. This position calls for a leader who can engage residents, businesses, and city leadership in shaping a shared vision, addressing challenges, and seizing opportunities. You’ll play a vital role in communicating that vision and building the political will and public support to achieve it.

  Experience Edmond’s Quality of Life

  As a resident of Edmond, you’ll enjoy a welcoming community with outstanding schools, vibrant neighborhoods, and abundant recreational opportunities. Known for its cultural festivals, beautiful parks, and family-oriented atmosphere, Edmond is the perfect place for professionals who want to make a difference while living in an exceptional community.

The Ideal Candidate

The next Executive Director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority (EEDA) will be a dynamic and visionary leader with a proven ability to inspire community stakeholders and drive innovative economic development initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a forward-looking mindset, balancing Edmond’s unique heritage with a bold vision for sustainable growth. They will excel at engaging residents, businesses, and policymakers, cultivating support for ambitious plans that elevate Edmond as a premier destination for businesses and families alike.

This leader will bring extensive expertise in economic development, including attracting corporate relocations, recruiting niche retail, facilitating commercial development and redevelopment, and leveraging partnerships with educational institutions such as the University of Central Oklahoma. They will also have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, unearthing untapped resources and employing creative solutions to grow Edmond’s economic potential. The candidate will think beyond traditional approaches, challenging the status quo to position Edmond as a regional leader in economic innovation.

Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of building and maintaining relationships across diverse stakeholders, from local residents and city officials to state economic leaders and private investors. Politically savvy and skilled in navigating complex dynamics, they will manage public discourse, address community concerns, and build the political capital necessary to implement transformative initiatives.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. The Executive Director will foster partnerships across Edmond’s local and regional ecosystem, including with the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, UCO, and regional partners and communities like the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, to advance shared goals. Their ability to align interests and inspire collective action will be critical to the city’s economic success.

A results-driven mindset is key. The ideal candidate will be a strategic deal-maker, capable of negotiating high-impact agreements and recruiting businesses that create jobs and enhance Edmond’s tax base. They will deliver measurable outcomes while demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement.

Finally, the successful candidate will possess a deep commitment to Edmond’s long-term prosperity and community well-being. They will demonstrate adaptability in responding to the city’s evolving needs and maintain the longevity required to see through ambitious, multi-year initiatives. With a balance of vision, strategy, and pragmatism, they will lead the EEDA into a new era of economic and community growth.

Key Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership

• Develop and communicate a forward-looking vision that balances growth with Edmond’s heritage and community values.

• Inspire stakeholders to embrace bold initiatives that drive economic success.

  Strategic Economic Development

• Lead efforts to attract new business, including corporate relocations, retail, mixed-use developments, and commercial redevelopment.

• Build relationships with site selection consultants, real estate brokers, and potential investors.

• Develop and implement strategies to create above-median-wage jobs and support primary job creation sectors.

  Business Retention and Recruitment

• Establish and maintain business retention and expansion programs to support existing companies and foster growth opportunities.

• Actively recruit businesses and industries aligned with Edmond’s strategic goals, with a focus on innovative and clean industries.

  Partnership Building

• Cultivate local, regional, and national partnerships, including collaborations with the City of Edmond, University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), Edmond Chamber of Commerce, and state economic development entities.

• Work closely with UCO to leverage research, tech transfer, and intellectual property for economic growth.

  Organizational Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, staff management, and financial planning, including budget preparation and reporting.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including open meeting and open records requirements.

• Provide regular updates to the Board of Trustees and City leadership on progress and strategic direction.

  Marketing and Communication

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to promote Edmond as a desirable location for business and community development.

• Serve as the public face of EEDA, engaging with local officials, business leaders, and residents to foster understanding and support for economic initiatives.

  Policy and Political Navigation

• Build political capital to advocate for policies and resources that advance Edmond’s economic development objectives.

• Navigate local political dynamics, addressing community concerns while championing long-term growth strategies.

  Qualifications

  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of success in suburban economic development or similar contexts, the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships, and the drive to implement transformative initiatives that ensure long-term prosperity for Edmond.

  This opportunity is more than a position—it’s a chance to redefine what economic development can achieve in a vibrant suburban setting. Are you ready to make Edmond a shining example of innovative growth, community engagement, and strategic vision? If so, we invite you to apply and lead the EEDA into an exciting new chapter of success.

  Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or years of relevant work experience in lieu of degree; a master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.

• Preferred to have 5 years of experience in economic development, with 3+ years in leadership roles.

• Economic development certification (e.g., CEcD) is strongly preferred.

  Skills and Experience

• Proven ability to attract new businesses and create job opportunities, with experience in corporate relocation, commercial development, and business retention.

• Expertise in funding strategies, including state, local, and federal programs, and the ability to identify untapped financial resources.

• Economic development, including smart growth principles, project procurement and management, lead generation, and financial assessment. 

• Principles and practices of annual budget preparation, financial reporting, and administration

• Build and foster meaningful relationships with influencers like site location consultants, corporate real estate executives, companies, and other contacts in a position to influence investment.

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.

• Demonstrated entrepreneurial mindset, with a willingness to challenge the status quo and implement innovative solutions.

• Politically savvy, capable of managing public discourse and building consensus for transformative initiatives.

  Additional Requirements

• Must relocate primary residence within the city limits of Edmond, Oklahoma.

• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

• Willingness to work irregular hours and travel as necessary.

   

Powered by JazzHR