Strategic Initiatives Manager
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
- Builder Mindset - Looks for ways to advance projects and remove barriers; Not just checking boxes, drive progress
- 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
- 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
- Education or experience in Business, Economic Development, Project Management or related field preferred.
- 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.
About Grow Wabash County:
Grow Wabash County is a nonprofit organization focused on business development, workforce and talent, entrepreneurship, livability, and investor services across Wabash County. GWC serves as the county-wide Economic Development and Chamber of Commerce organization. GWC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Learn more at www.growwabashcounty.com.
