Executive Director

Jorgenson Pace has been retained to conduct this executive search.

About the organization

Big Sky Economic Development (BSED) is a public-private partnership. The Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA), the public agency, evolved from the Montana Trade Port Authority, launched in 1989 by the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners. Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the private business side, was started in 2002. Over 160-plus of the county’s top businesses are member-investor partners in the EDC.

Together, the organization’s mission is to sustain and grow Yellowstone County’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life, by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development.

MISSION

Big Sky Economic Development’s mission is to sustain and grow our region’s vibrant economy and outstanding quality of life by providing leadership and resources for business creation, expansion, retention, new business recruitment, and community development.

VISION

Building a Vibrant, Healthy Economy

VALUE

We value each other, we embrace fun, and we serve with passion and excellence.

This position serves as the chief executive officer, with overall management responsibility for the successful operation of the Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The individual plans, organizes, implements, and provides oversight to accomplish the organization's strategic priorities and promote the economic growth and development of the Billings/Yellowstone County, MT region. The position serves as the lead spokesperson and subject matter expert (SME) for the economic development of our region at the local, regional, state, and federal levels.

The executive director leads a team of senior directors who have the day-to-day responsibility to lead program-level performance and mission execution in areas of industry and business retention, expansion, and attraction, community development, and entrepreneurship.

• Lead Board and Strategy:
  Support the board in setting strategic priorities for regional economic development and organizational direction; foster broad community support for Billings, Yellowstone County, and EDA/EDC missions.
• Build Culture and Relationships:
  Cultivate excellence in customer service, financial management, and client success; develop interactive partnerships with federal/state agencies, local governments, businesses, lenders, educational institutions, and other economic development entities.
• Facilitate Growth and Advocacy:
  Act as broker for stakeholders to advance regional economic growth; build strong ties with Yellowstone County Commissioners and civic leaders; advocate publicly for key industries and educate on economic development roles.
• Influence Policy and Legislation:
  Monitor state/federal legislation, lobby for community tools/policies, and collaborate with Strategy Partners (BSED, City of Billings, Downtown Billings Alliance, Billings Chamber of Commerce).
• Represent an Expert Role:
  Attend conferences/seminars as subject matter expert; participate on MEDA, Downtown Billings Partnership, Billings Chamber, and Beartooth RC&D boards (or designate).

• Internal Programs:
  Lead the Senior Directors team in the execution of the program-level responsibilities for the organization, including work in our four quadrants of responsibility—Economic Development Programs;
  Financial Management and Lending;
  Engagement; and Recruitment and Community Development
• EDC Member Investor Program:
  Engage with EDC Member Investor outreach efforts and support the development of financial partnerships that support BSED programming
• Community Programs:
  Provide vision and direction for key public-facing functions and reports, and strengthen the understanding and relationship BSED has with the community we serve—BSED Annual Meeting, Economic Pulse Report, Annual BBER Economic Outlook Seminar.

• EDA/EDC Board:
  Develop agendas for Executive Committee and full board meetings in collaboration with…