Effingham County, Illinois. The Board of Directors of the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance (The Alliance) is seeking a talented, self-motivated and entrepreneurial leader with a solid understanding of the key principles of economic development to become the next President and Chief Executive Officer of the organization.  

The Alliance is a 501(c)(6) entity which serves as the lead economic development organization for Effingham County, Illinois.  The organization, which is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, derives roughly 60% of its funding from private sources with the balance coming from public entities. 

Effingham County, Illinois is literally situated at the nation’s transportation crossroads. It is the meeting point of Interstate 57 (North-South) and Interstate 70 (East-West). It is also a major junction for two Class 1 rail carriers, Canadian National Railway (North-South) and CSX Transportation (East-West). Local rail service is provided by the Effingham Railroad with neutral access and services to both mainline providers. All of this allows for fast, convenient and reliable transportation connections to the region and the nation.

The opportunities for economic development in Effingham County seem to be boundless.  In addition to its enviable transportation linkages, it offers excellent schools, a skilled workforce, abundant shopping, low cost of living and a friendly, welcoming citizenry. The County also has abundant and high-quality water resources to support water reliant businesses and industries. However, like all midwestern communities, outside economic forces and competition with other communities have made the need for an effective, innovative and successful economic development organization more important than ever.

The Alliance is, therefore, seeking a new leader to build upon its past accomplishments and to seek new opportunities and new approaches to continue to grow the economy of the region.  The Alliance Board is seeking candidates who have a strong background in economic development with a working knowledge of various economic development tools such as tax increment financing and enterprise zones.  The Board also places a high priority on experience working with local and state government officials and the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with those governmental partners.  The Board is looking for candidates who understand the intricacies of business and land development and who are capable and experienced dealmakers.  The new President & CEO will need to be an articulate person who is comfortable when speaking before large groups as well as one who demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills when interacting with individuals and small groups.  Past success in securing grants from state and federal sources will be a plus. The ideal candidate will be an open and honest communicator who is a good listener and who can build community consensus around an aspirational vision. 

To attract highly talented and accomplished candidates to this position, the Board has established a starting annual salary range of $120,000 to $135,000 DOQ/E.  The Board hopes to attract candidates that have, at a minimum,  a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in a relevant position or field.  In addition to the base salary, the Board will work with the successful candidate to establish a bonus program to recognize outstanding achievement.  Further, The Alliance provides a generous fringe benefit package which includes an automobile allowance, country club membership, 401k contribution and an excellent health insurance program.  

If you are interested in exploring this exciting professional opportunity, we would ask you to apply for the position by submitting a résumé, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references by February 24, 2020 to www.GovHRJobs.com to the attention of Mark R. Peterson, Vice President, GovHR USA, 630 Dundee Road, #130, Northbrook, IL  60062. Any questions regarding the position or the process should be directed to Mr. Peterson at (309) 825-5091 or at mpeterson@govhrusa.com . The confidentiality of all applicants will be strictly maintained.

Click HERE to Apply!