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How to apply:
Click the button above to email your cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Derek D’Auria (derek@walworthbusiness.com). Please include “Assistant Economic Development Director” in the subject line. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Derek D’Auria via the above email or (262) 564-3211.
*Optional: please submit up to a one-minute video with your application. We’re not looking for anything overly produced — we just want to get a sense of your personality and what makes you you. Feel free to share what excites you about this opportunity or why you’d be a great fit for the team.
The deadline for applications is July 25, 2025.
If your video is over 10mb, please send through a file service. (MailBigFile is a good one that is free.)
Assistant Economic Development Director
Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) is seeking an administrative professional with a strong ambition to grow into a senior leadership role and a passion for economic development. Do you enjoy creating structure and efficiency in a fast-moving environment? Are you passionate about streamlining processes, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation? More importantly, does community development inspire you-finding solutions, tackling challenges, and making a lasting impact?
Come Live the Lake Life with us! Be one of the architects shaping the future of our organization and the county at large. Our work is dynamic, rewarding, and designed to create meaningful development. Our team is passionate, supportive, inspiring and innovative. In this role you will get to know many of the community and business leaders throughout the county and region.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal Assistant Economic Development Director is someone with at least three years of relatable experience who loves staying organized and has the skills to get things done efficiently. They’re creative, goal-driven, and not afraid to think outside the box. This person is also looking to grow into a leadership role and is excited about working with community and business leaders to help shape the future of the county. They should feel comfortable speaking in public, meeting new people, and building strong relation ships. If connecting the dots, spotting opportunities, and bringing the right people together sounds exciting-that’s exactly the kind of mindset we’re looking for. A fast-paced environment with a wide variety of work should feel energizing, not overwhelming.
Skills & Experience
Knowledge of
- office terminology, procedures, routines, and equipment
- office and staff management
- Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system
Ability to
- prepare various types of business letters and spreadsheets
- possess and maintain a valid drivers license
- maintain regular and predictable attendance
- establish and maintain effective working relationships (courteous and tactful) with city employees, other government agencies, members and sponsors, and the public.
- develop and implement goals and objectives
- maintain confidentiality of sensitive materials, records, and conversations
- communicate effectively, both written and oral skills
- perform a wide variety of varied work, that may involve practical problem-solving skills
Basic understanding of bookkeeping and an understanding of financial reports (profit and loss, balance sheet, and accounts receivable - experience with Quickbooks is a plus)
Willingness to attend occasional evening meetings
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is required in economic development, business, public administration, or a related field. Candidates should have at least three years of relevant experience, which could include work with an economic development agency, chamber of commerce, community development authority, mid-sized business, or government organization. Military experience with transferable skills is also welcomed.
The following duties are normal for the position
- Puts together reports, agendas, minutes, and financial summaries
- Joins meetings, trainings, and conferences as needed
- Sends out invoices, membership letters, and sponsorship asks
- Keeps our CRM system updated and organized
- Welcomes visitors and helps direct them to the right people
- Looks over incoming memos and messages
- Sets up meetings and events-handles space, tech, and food
- Manages the recruitment portal project
- Connects regularly with local business and community leaders
- Works with the team to find better, smarter ways to get things done
- Looks into new opportunities and partnerships
- Helps promote workforce training offerings
- Participates in career awareness programs for youth
Office Environment
WCEDA is located on the Gateway Technical College campus in Elkhorn, just steps away from the Walworth County Job Center. While it receives some funding from Walworth County, WCEDA operates as a small, independent nonprofit organization governed by a board of directors made up of influential business and community leaders. The staff includes an Executive Director, a Director of Operations, a Housing Program Manager, and a new Assistant Economic Development Director position. Gateway’s campus offers a variety of meeting spaces that are available for meetings and small events. Although the WCEDA office doesn’t see a high volume of walk-in traffic, the team maintains strong relationships with building partners. Staff are frequently out in the community-meeting with businesses, attending events, and staying actively engaged. The organization is driven by a clear mission, and that same sense of purpose is shared by its campus partners, creating a supportive environment for advancing economic development across the county.
Physical Requirements
- Work performed is mostly in an office setting
- Ability to exert moderate physical effort in sedentary to light work, involving stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull ocassionally, usually for events, and usually under 25 pounds.
Compensation
The salary for this position is $65,000-$75,000 with up to a $10,000 annual stipend toward benefits. Benefits include paid holidays and sick leave, a flexible schedule, paid training, and the ability for some remote work