Economic Development Intern - Southeast Nebraska Development District (Ashland, NE)

SENDD is partnering with the Ashland Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) to hire an Executive Director. The internship will originate as a part-time, interim position with a flexible schedule - perfect for a student to gain experience. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to apply for the full-time AAEDC director position.

AAEDC is seeking a candidate to promote the city of Ashland as a place to live, work, and prosper. The successful candidate must have a demonstrated interest in rural development and must be able to communicate effectively AAEDC’s mission and vision as well as our development priorities to area businesses, residents, various government entities, and other collaborators. This is an at-will position.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
> Builds relationships with area businesses through in-person visits, offering continuing education workshops to business owners, and other activities aimed at business retention. Understands nature of the business, the challenges that they face, and the strategies that are available to help them eliminate and overcome challenges.
> Develops an online presence, to include updating our website, creating social media accounts, and promoting AAEDC online.
> Creates promotional materials to market Ashland and AAEDC.
> In coordination with city and city governments, plan, develop, and execute programs and activities to foster new development initiatives and provide incentives.
> Actively recruits business prospects and leads suitable for relocation or expansion to AAEDC and makes referrals to appropriate resource providers.
> Acts as the liaison between local, state, federal, and private sector organizations involved in community and economic development activities.
> Provide a bridge between industry, public entities, private sector, and the City of Ashland.
> Outreach to youth to include developing career exploration and training programs.
> Seeks opportunities to partner with community groups to expand the quality of life available in Ashland regarding areas such as tourism, recreation, education, and housing.
> Seeks out grant opportunities and prepares grant applications for community development projects.
> Attends conferences, seminars, and other activities to network, market, and gain information which will be valuable to development goals.
> Other duties as directed by the board of directors.

Qualifications:
> Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills are necessary.
> Experience in economic and community development programs.
> Ability to maintain effective working relationships with local business owners and managers, government officials, and the general public.
> Must be self-motivated and passionate about rural development.

The job candidate will be given the opportunity to apply for the full-time Executive Director of the Ashland Area Economic Development Corp. upon completion of internship. Ashland is located approximately half way between Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska near U.S. I-80.

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