Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation (GDRC) - Executive Director

Posted: 03/17/2025

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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:

  • Contractor will be compensated commensurate with experience, with the understanding that the Contractor will devote 50 hours per month to the Work and paid on a monthly basis. The fee will be prorated for any partial months.

How to Submit Response for Proposal:

  • Please send your CV and proposal to the Human Resources Department at: [email protected]

 

 
 
 
 

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Greater Davenport Redevelopment Corporation (GDRC) - Executive Director