Chief Executive Officer
Posted on: July 16, 2026 • Category: (none)
No. of Jobs: 1
Job Type: Full-Time
Pay Type: Salary
Compensation: Salary DOE + Benefits package
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Phone 1: 360-336-6114
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County
1932 E. College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
US
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REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
To perform the job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies.
- At least 5 or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience involving collaboration and productive alliances across public, private, business, community, and governmental sectors.
- Demonstrated success in business recruitment, business retention, economic development, community development, commercial real estate, infrastructure development, or related fields.
- Strong understanding of business operations, investment decision-making, and regional economic competitiveness.
- Experience securing grants, legislative appropriations, or other public funding sources.
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a graduate degree in planning, business, finance, law, or another related field, or experience equivalent.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Executive leadership experience within an economic development organization or business-focused nonprofit.
- Experience implementing a CEDS or similar strategic initiative.
- Previous private sector business experience.
- Familiarity with the economic drivers and communities of Skagit County.
- Resident of Skagit County (or willing to become one within 6 months of hire)
- Certification in Economic Development (within 6 months of hire)
JOB DUTIES
Job duties include any other responsibilities as the Board may direct, or that are necessary for the accomplishment of EDASC goals.
Economic Development Leadership
- Lead implementation of the Skagit County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) as EDASC's highest organizational priority.
- Develop annual work plans and measurable performance indicators aligned with CEDS goals and objectives.
- Identify opportunities that strengthen the regional economy (wraparound services) and actively pursue projects that create jobs, attract investment, and support business growth.
- Provide leadership and accountability for achieving organizational priorities approved by the Board of Directors.
Business Recruitment, Retention, and Expansion
- Serve as the primary economic development contact for businesses considering expansion or relocation within Skagit County.
- Actively assist existing businesses with expansion opportunities, infrastructure needs, workforce challenges, financing resources, and regulatory navigation.
- Develop and maintain relationships with educational institutions, major employers, emerging businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, and industry representatives throughout the county.
- Maintain a current working knowledge of available industrial and commercial properties, infrastructure capacity, workforce resources, utilities, transportation systems, and economic assets.
- Coordinate local, regional, state, and federal partners to support successful business recruitment and retention efforts.
Regional Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Establish and maintain productive working relationships with every jurisdiction, utility provider, port district, major employer, transportation provider, educational institution, and economic development partner in Skagit County.
- Serve as EDASC's primary representative in regional economic development initiatives and collaborative partnerships.
- Build strong relationships with legislators, state agencies, tribal governments, and federal partners to advance regional priorities.
- Maintain an active presence throughout the community by regularly visiting businesses and participating in industry and community events.
CEDS Leadership
- Manage implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
- Establish measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each major CEDS goal and objective.
- Manage and facilitate the CEDS Steering Committee with a focus on execution, accountability, and continuous progress.
- Provide recurring updates to the Board of Directors, EDASC members, elected officials, and community stakeholders regarding implementation status and emerging priorities.
- Recommend updates to the CEDS based on changing economic conditions and community needs.
Economic Intelligence and Research
- Maintain current data regarding employment trends, demographics, industry sectors, commercial and industrial land inventory, workforce characteristics, housing, infrastructure, utilities, and regional economic conditions.
- Analyze economic trends and identify opportunities or challenges affecting Skagit County businesses.
- Actively present economic data, market information, and industry trends to EDASC members, elected officials, investors, and community partners through recurring reports, presentations, and briefings.
- Position EDASC as the trusted source of economic information for Skagit County.
Funding and Financial Stewardship
- Secure public and private funding to support EDASC operations and strategic initiatives.
- Develop and manage annual operating and project budgets.
- Administer grants and contractual obligations.
- Provide accurate and transparent financial reporting to the Board of Directors.
Organizational Leadership
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing staff committed to delivering measurable economic development outcomes. CEO is responsible for all direct reports.
- Maintain effective organizational systems, policies, and financial controls that support the mission of EDASC.
- Ensure compliance with Articles of Incorporation, organizational bylaws, all local, state and federal laws and regulations, and all contractual obligations.
SALARY RANGE: Salary range DOE of $140,000 - $195,000 per year, plus medical, dental, and vision benefits, paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, and 401k retirement plan with matching 5%.
POSITION SUMMARY
Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC) serves as the Associate Development Organization (ADO) for Skagit County as designated by Skagit County and the State of Washington. In this role, EDASC is responsible for leading countywide business recruitment, business retention and expansion, and implementation of regional economic development priorities through collaboration with public and private partners.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the lead economic development professional for Skagit County, responsible for advancing business recruitment, business retention and expansion, strategic partnerships, and implementation of the Skagit County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEO is expected to be highly engaged throughout the community, developing trusted relationships with business leaders, property owners, utilities, transportation providers, government agencies, educational institutions, and regional partners. The CEO actively identifies opportunities, removes barriers to investment, and connects businesses with the resources needed to grow and succeed. Success is measured by implementation of the CEDS, business investment, regional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and measurable economic outcomes.
SUCCESS PROFILE
The successful candidate will be known as someone who is regularly in the community, understands the regional economy in detail, builds trusted relationships, identifies opportunities before others see them, and consistently delivers measurable economic development results. The CEO is expected to spend most of their time advancing economic development initiatives, building partnerships, and supporting businesses rather than administering internal organizational processes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This job is primarily based in an office environment but also requires a significant amount of travel time to meetings and events. Ability to participate in meetings and events that take place outside of regular work hours, and that may require driving or travel to locations within and outside Skagit County, is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
TO APPLY
Send cover letter and resume to: office@skagit.org