The Town of Morristown is seeking an Economic & Community Development Director (ECDD) to lead and coordinate initiatives that promote the growth and vitality of the community. In this role, the ECDD will oversee the town's economic development strategies, collaborate with local organizations, and drive efforts to enhance community engagement and economic growth. This position is essential in supporting local businesses, driving growth opportunities, and nurturing a vibrant community culture.
The ideal candidate will be a proactive, creative, and strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving abilities and a passion for economic and community development. They will have exceptional communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with local businesses and community partners. This person should be detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of balancing multiple projects and priorities. The ECDD will demonstrate strong leadership qualities, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to driving the town's economic growth and development while ensuring that initiatives reflect the community's needs and values.
Key Responsibilities
• Maintain and manage Morristown's Downtown Designation status to enhance the town's economic appeal.
• Research and identify funding sources, and write clear, compelling grant proposals to secure financial support for economic development, business growth, and public art initiatives.
• Coordinate and organize community outreach efforts, signature events, and volunteer projects supporting downtown Morristown and the local business community in collaboration with organizations like the Morrisville Alliance for Culture and Commerce (MACC), Lamoille Valley Rail Trail (LVRT), Lamoille County Planning Commission (LCPC), Green Mountain Byway, and Lamoille Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).
• Promote unique Town assets such as sustainable transportation, a vibrant downtown community, historic sites, the Rail Trail, access to hiking, biking trails, swimming, fishing, etc.
• Lead fundraising efforts for town events, including identifying and pursuing local and state funding opportunities.
• Oversee the Community Gardens initiative, including planning, implementation, and community engagement.
• Work with local partners to promote tourism and highlight regional attractions to boost visitor engagement.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate key town events, such as the 4th of July, Morristown Live, and the Turkey Trot to including coordination of music, vendors, and logistical support.
• Utilize graphic design software and digital marketing tools to create engaging content and promote community development efforts.
• Conduct community surveys to assess needs, gather feedback, and inform strategies for community growth.
• Provide regular updates to the Town Manager and collaborate with the Selectboard, Planning Commission, and other stakeholders on development initiatives.
• Maintain flexibility in work hours, including evenings and weekends as necessary to meet the demands of the position.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., economic development, public administration, business, etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in writing and submitting successful grant proposals to local, state, federal, or private funding sources.
• Experience with budget development and financial reporting for grant proposals and ongoing projects.
• Proven experience in event planning, marketing, and community engagement.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, local businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
• Experience in fundraising, including identifying potential donors and organizing campaigns to support community initiatives and programs.
• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and social media).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteer efforts as needed.
• Knowledge of community and economic development within a municipal government.
• Flexible schedule, including availability for nights and weekends as needed.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive matters.
• Openness to constructive feedback and a willingness to implement changes as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to identify challenges, think creatively, and implement effective solutions while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Must be able to build and sustain positive relationships with staff, volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations to achieve shared goals.
• Proven experience in using software for graphic design, conducting surveys, and collaborating with local partners to support economic and community development and promote tourism.
Salary & Benefits
Salary range is $60,000-$73,000 and is commensurate with experience. This is a full-time, exempt position with a generous benefits package, including:
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Vermont Municipal Employees Retirement System (VMERS) with employer contribution
• Life and Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and paid holidays
Full job description available upon request. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:
Deadline to Apply: April 30, 2025
The Town of Morristown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.