Regional Director of Workforce Development & Hancock County Business Development

Hybrid role in Carthage, IL with a community-focused mission and a benefits package built for long-term stability. Great River Economic Development Foundation offers 401(k) with matching, comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and paid time off. Salary for this position is $40,000 to $45,000 per year.

In this role, you will lead workforce development efforts across Adams and Hancock Counties and serve as the primary business development lead for Hancock County, building relationships that help employers grow while strengthening regional career pathways.

What You’ll Do

• Lead business development, retention, and expansion efforts within Hancock County.
• Conduct regular business outreach and visitation to identify opportunities, challenges, and risks.
• Connect businesses to workforce, financial, and technical assistance resources.
• Act as a liaison and advocate between businesses and local, state, and regional partners.
• Maintain accurate records of business engagement and support business attraction efforts.
• Assist with grant applications and other economic development initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of long-term economic development strategies, including focus on growth sectors and sustainable community development.
• Lead workforce development strategies serving both Adams and Hancock Counties, using labor market data to identify workforce needs and guide priorities.
• Develop programs that promote career pathways, upskilling, and barrier reduction to employment.
• Lead and expand regional initiatives including Tri-State Makerfest, Career Spark, Career Launch Signing Day, and Jobs in the Gym.
• Support earn-and-learn opportunities in partnership with K-12 schools, John Wood Community College (JWCC), and employers.
• Partner with employers to address workforce needs and talent attraction strategies, including coordinating participation in career exploration, work-based learning, and hiring events.
• Strengthen workforce pipelines by aligning employer needs with education and training systems.
• Lead coordination of the workforce components of rootEd Alliance Illinois across the region and translate workforce data into actionable career pathway information.
• Collaborate with JWCC and rootEd advisors to align advising, education, and employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with regional partners, including educational institutions, employers, and community organizations.
• Represent GREDF on committees, taskforces, and community initiatives, and support long-term economic development strategies and funding opportunities.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (examples: Business, Economic Development, Education, Communications) and/or 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and leadership experience will be considered.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Proven relationship-building with business, government, and community stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Work Environment & Location

• Hybrid remote location: Carthage, IL 62321.
• Preferred residence in Hancock County.
• Some evening and weekend work required.
• The position may be based in Adams or Hancock County, but regular in-person engagement in Hancock County is essential.
• Candidates not residing in Hancock County are expected to maintain a consistent on-site presence, typically 2–3 days per week, to support business development efforts.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

• 401(k) and 401(k) matching
• Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Tools You’ll Use

• Microsoft Office
• Google Workspace

Equal Opportunity Employer: Great River Economic Development Foundation (GREDF) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws.