Strategic Initiatives Manager

Reports To: President & CEO FLSA: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Job Summary:

The Strategic Initiatives Manager supports Grow Wabash County’s development strategy by assisting with economic development, business recruitment, business retention and expansion, and strategic projects for Wabash County.

This role works closely with the President & CEO, the entire GWC team, and partners to implement growth initiatives, coordinate priority projects, and support community and business development efforts.

Hours of Employment:

Full-time (40 hours/week). Typical hours Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., with occasional evenings, weekends, and occasional travel as needed.

Core Responsibilities:

Business Recruitment & Attraction

Develop and implement strategies for business recruitment efforts, including: lead generation and outreach, site visits, prospect coordination, and partner submissions and engagement
Manage and actively advance business attraction pipeline, including lead submissions and coordination with regional and state partners
Oversee business attraction tools and platforms (e.g., Lead Forensics, website, and related systems) to support prospect development
Coordinate and implement targeted marketing outreach strategies in collaboration with team marketing partners
Represent Grow Wabash County in meetings, site visits, committees, boards, and stakeholder interactions locally, regionally, nationally, and globally

Business Retention & Expansion (BRE)

Develop and implement strategies and programs to support existing Wabash County businesses, with a focus on retention and expansion
Coordinate and support Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) outreach in collaboration with Investor Services, Workforce Navigator and CEO
Establish and manage programs, resources, and services to address identified business needs
Data entry and support incentive tracking, management, and compliance related to business investments and expansions

Project Management & Tracking

Oversee implementation and execution of special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the President & CEO
Provide administrative and operational oversight of projects, including budgeting, grant writing and management, data tracking, compliance, and reporting
Lead coordination of complex projects such as housing developments, quality of place investments, and other county-wide initiatives
Oversee workforce development initiatives and work with partners that lead to business retention and growth through talent attraction, training, and scholarship programs, etc.
Manage project timelines, documentation, reporting, and data entry across project management and CRM systems
Establish and maintain processes and tools to ensure projects are completed efficiently and consistently
Provide regular project status updates and reporting to leadership
Coordinate assigned contract employees, consultants, and external partners to ensure successful project execution
Work with government agencies to fulfill fee-for-service agreements, grant requirements, and regulatory processes supporting business growth
Assist businesses in navigating incentives, permitting, and development processes in coordination with local and regional partners
Coordinate implementation of workforce, investor services, and entrepreneurship-related initiatives with team members and partners

Marketing Strategy & Implementation

Oversee the implementation of the annual marketing plan to promote Wabash County as a destination for business investment and growth
Manage and execute marketing efforts related to business development initiatives, including oversight of website content, LinkedIn communication, and targeted outreach campaigns
Ensure marketing activities are aligned with business recruitment, retention, and expansion priorities while adhering to branding and overall marketing plans for the entire entity
Coordinate with marketing partners for strategic guidance, support, and quality assurance, while maintaining internal responsibility for execution
Monitor and adjust marketing tactics to improve effectiveness and support project and organizational goals

Skills and Competencies:

Builder Mindset - looks for ways to advance projects and remove barriers; Not just checking boxes, drive progress
Highly Accountable & Self-Directed while being collaborative
Communicates clearly and professionally in all environments while maintaining discretion and sound judgment
Strong Relationship Builder
Adaptable and comfortable with change
Independent project management and problem-solving abilities
Organized and operationally strong - Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively, and keep projects, timelines, and details organized and visible
Strategic Thinker with Practical Execution – ability to balance big-picture thinking with day-to-day follow-through and understands how individual projects connect to larger economic development goals
Professional Presence & Credibility - Communicates clearly and professionally in all environments while maintaining discretion and sound judgment
Mission-Driven / Community-Focused - Cares about community growth and impact

Requirements:

Education or experience in Business, Economic Development, Project Management or related field preferred.

Benefits:

20% stipend added to salary instead of traditional benefits
Paid time off at hire, approximately 10-12 paid holidays per year, and a generous family leave policy
Professional development assistance with highly encouraged lifelong learning
Cell phone and mileage reimbursement

Interested candidates may submit resumes with subject line “Strategic Initiatives Manager” to info@growwabashcounty.com by June 29, 2026.

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Strategic Initiatives Manager