Overview:
The Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation (GDRC) seeks to contract an Executive Director. The Executive Director will be an Independent Contractor who will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight on a contractual basis. This individual will be responsible for the overall direction of the GDRC, ensuring its programs and initiatives align with its mission, vision, and values. The position requires a dynamic leader with experience in management, financial oversight, and organizational growth. This position will be working in collaboration with GDRC key stakeholders, leading the effort to establish a new industrial park in Davenport/ Scott County which will include, but may not be limited to land acquisition, site certification/readiness, compliance with all city codes, including zoning, property marketing, site walk-throughs with potential developers, and other duties as assigned.
Independent Contractor Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Management:
- Provide executive leadership, direction, and oversight for GDRC’s day-to-day operations.
- Develop and implement strategies to achieve short and long-term organizational goals.
- Act as a liaison between board members, economic development staff, and stakeholders
- Manage development and improvement initiatives on property controlled/owned by GDRC.
- Manage operating and support functions of GDRC whether within or outsourced to third party. (Pursuant to Board approval and any agreement for services.)
- Working with other landowners/ developers, facilitate development ready sites.
- Strategic Planning:
- Develop and execute GDRC’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with its mission and vision.
- Analyze internal and external trends to drive organizational growth and sustainability.
- Drive innovation and continuous improvement across all areas of the organization.
- Promote development of ready property (land and related building structures).
- Support and participate in prospect visits as requested by Iowa Economic Development Authority or Quad Cities Chamber Executives.
- Financial Management:
- Oversee the GDRC financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Ensure the efficient allocation of resources and compliance with fiscal policies.
- Work closely with the finance team and board to monitor and manage organizational budgets.
- Prepare, operational and capital financials plans
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, clients, and partners.
- When requested or needed, represent the organization in public forums, conferences, and community events.
- Operational Oversight:
- Manage key operational functions including HR, IT, and program management.
- Ensure the implementation and evaluation of programs and initiatives in alignment with the organization’s mission.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
- Facilitate negotiation of contracts between the City, private developers and/or other governmental and private entities for major high profile development projects and consistent with the target profile
- Participate in Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Executive Team regional economic development sales trips with Board approval.
- Board Relations:
- Support and work closely with the board of directors, providing them with timely and accurate information.
- Assist in the recruitment and development of board members.
- Ensure that the board is well-informed and involved in key organizational decisions.
- Coordinate and plan Board meetings and work with the Board Chair to set meeting agendas.
Independent Contractor Qualifications:
- Proven experience (typically 10+ years) in executive leadership, preferably in Economic development/land acquisition.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in budget management, fundraising, and resource allocation.
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and negotiation abilities.
- Strong ability to work with a diverse set of stakeholders, including boards, staff, and external partners.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
- Experience in change management and organizational transformation.
Independent Contractor Compensation:
How to Submit Response for Proposal:
- Please send your CV and proposal to the Human Resources Department at: [email protected]