The City of Ellsworth, Maine, is seeking an innovative, mission-driven Director of Economic Development to lead transformative initiatives and collaborations that will shape the city’s economic landscape for generations to come. This position will be responsible for executing Ellsworth’s Business Attraction Plan, overseeing multi-million-dollar economic development projects, and fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and strengthens the city’s long-term prosperity.
This is a unique opportunity to drive the strategic growth of Ellsworth, the economic hub of Downeast Maine, as it undergoes a period of rapid modernization. With a focus on business recruitment, infrastructure development, housing, and community enhancement, the Economic Development Director will play a pivotal role in finalizing and securing potentially over $50 million in state and federal investments to revitalize downtown, expand commercial opportunities, and support local entrepreneurs.
This is a senior management role with the city that will work in close partnership with the City Manager, Deputy City Manager, Communications Director, and City Planner to help oversee the strategic priorities of a complex and vibrant organization. This role offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, public service, and community impact. It’s a chance to make a significant difference in a rapidly growing city, working with a dedicated team of professionals committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesMajor Economic Development Initiatives- Oversee the design and implementation of two major state/federal grant initiatives:
- Thriving Communities Initiative – A comprehensive reimagining of High Street’s retail and manufacturing corridor, positioning it for long-term economic success.
- Village Partnership Initiative – A transformative effort to enhance livability and commerce in key downtown areas including the city’s historic Maine street.
- Redesigning the city’s Tax Incremental Financing program to maximize new residential and key community growth opportunities.
- Manage and direct the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, currently funding historic Main Street façade improvements.
- Lead efforts to revitalize the Myrick Street corridor, attracting businesses and developing unused pad spaces to expand the tax base and create jobs.
- Oversee the implementation of Ellsworth’s recently passed recreational cannabis program, ensuring economic opportunities align with community goals.
- Collaborate with developers and stakeholders to establish a downtown co-working/makerspace, creating an entrepreneurial hub.
- Facilitate the High Street Corridor Master Plan, working with regional and state agencies to guide infrastructure improvements.
- Leverage trail opportunities to enhance outdoor recreation and increase tourism-driven economic activity.
- Help to spur economic development at the Marina through potential commercial fishing opportunities while leveraging trail opportunities, including the development of a Riverwalk trail that connects the marina to downtown to enhance tourism and local business activity.
- Support the New Hancock County Technical Center (HCTC) facility and related workforce partnerships to strengthen career pathways.
Business Attraction and Economic Development Strategy- Lead the implementation of the Business Attraction Plan, prioritizing key initiatives including:
- Economic development website and marketing materials to promote Ellsworth as a business-friendly destination.
- Inventory of commercial spaces to ensure readiness for business relocation and expansion.
- Review and refine economic development incentive policies to enhance Ellsworth’s competitive advantage.
- Market Ellsworth to young professionals and creatives, positioning the city as a hub for innovation and opportunity.
- Support and streamline development opportunities to help developers and diversify housing supply to address the critical year-round residential and workforce housing shortage.
- Improve wayfinding and gateway signage to enhance commercial visibility and downtown accessibility.
- Innovate to meet childcare needs, ensuring that workforce development initiatives align with family-friendly infrastructure.
- Reimagine the Franklin street “parklet” as a permanent or semi-permanent community downtown park that better serves Ellsworth’s year-round and tourist needs.
QualificationsEducation & Experience- Those with and without a formal college degree are encouraged to apply. The ability to get results and a proven track record of doing so are the primary qualifications for this position.
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Political Science, Economic Development, or a related field may be preferred if the essential skills and attributes are met.
- At least 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in the private, non-profit, or municipal government sectors, including significant supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with elected officials, department heads, employees, and community members.
- Ability to analyze and interpret economic data, develop city-wide plans and policies, and communicate findings clearly to decision-makers.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work under pressure, and maintain confidentiality.
- Proficiency with standard office software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Job Environment
The Economic Development Director’s work is performed under typical office conditions. This position may require frequent work outside of business hours, including evening meetings and occasional weekends.
Occasional remote work is allowed though due to the significant in person citizen/staff/council demands of the role, in person work will be the bulk of the working environment for this role.
The role involves contact with various organizations, particularly regional, state, and federal agencies, as well as attorneys, the press, and the general public. The position requires the ability to handle confidential information, including personnel records, litigation matters, and collective bargaining strategies.
Benefits
Work-Life Balance- Generous paid time off. Employees can earn up to 7 weeks of paid time off per year! Carry over option up to 480 hours.
- 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement Options- Retirement savings plan with City matching contributions, to help employees plan for a secure future. Additional option to be part of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MPERS).
Career Development- Opportunities for professional growth through training programs and workshops.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education, empowering employees to further develop their skills and knowledge.
Financial Security- Short Term Disability to cover non-work related injuries or illnesses for up to 52 weeks per year.
- Life Insurance options for employees and dependents.
Health and Wellness- Competitive and affordable health insurance plans including medical and dental coverage to ensure employees, and their families stay healthy. Employer covers 93% of the monthly medical insurance premium!
- Wellness program to support our employee’s physical and mental well-being.
- Employee Assistance Program.
About the City of EllsworthAs the “Biggest Little City in Maine” (97 square miles but only around 9,000 people), Ellsworth offers a unique blend of historic charm and rapid modernization. Ellsworth is not just a gateway to nearby Acadia National Park but a destination in its own right, offering residents and visitors a rare mix of past and present.
Incorporated in 1800 and named after Oliver Ellsworth, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitutional Convention, the city boasts a quality of life unmatched in Maine. As the economic, professional, and cultural hub of Downeast Maine, Ellsworth serves as the primary retail service center for over 80,000 residents across Hancock and Washington Counties—a landmass more than twice the size of Rhode Island.
With its historically preserved downtown, scenic landscapes along the Union River, and access to three lakes and a coastal marina, Ellsworth is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The city is also rich with recreational and cultural opportunities, offering an affordable cost of living, a highly skilled workforce, and excellent public schools. Institutions such as churches, Rotary Clubs, and the Chamber of Commerce remain pillars of the community, fostering a strong sense of belonging and civic pride.
Ellsworth also faces unique challenges and opportunities. As a service hub, the city experiences significant infrastructure pressures, with over 4 million visitors passing through annually en route to Acadia National Park, and millions more accessing Downeast Maine each summer. At the same time, Ellsworth ranks as the second-best city in the nation for short-term rental investments, presenting an opportunity to grow its year-round tax base through expanded business and residential development.
How to ApplyQualified candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and references to the HR specialist Lorina Look, at llook@ellsworthmaine.gov. The position is open until filled, but interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by March 1st, 2025. The City of Ellsworth is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.
