The Corporation of the County of Huron’s Economic Development department is seeking a full-time Director of Economic Development!

Position Summary

The Director of Economic Development serves as a senior leader for the County of Huron focused on strategic direction, creative problem solving, planning, developing and implementing initiatives to sustain and grow the economy. The Director of Economic Development must have the ability to make good strategic decisions, demonstrate strong civic community leadership; build relationships with staff, economic development partners, the business community and partner municipalities.

What We Offer

At the County of Huron, we’re committed to offering a modern work environment that puts people first. We are a Certified Living Wage employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion. We offer our staff competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package.

The County of Huron offers a diverse portfolio of employment opportunities. When you join our team, you’ll have the benefit of working with and learning from, people who have a broad range of skills and knowledge. We offer training, mentorship, and career development opportunities to all staff. When you work for the County of Huron, you invest in the community, and you benefit from seeing the results of your efforts firsthand. It’s a great place to work!

Role and Responsibilities

Reporting to the CAO, the Economic Development officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Delivering economic development services with a focus on agriculture/food, manufacturing, tourism, and workforce development. These services also include managing a Small Business Enterprise Center, an Immigration Partnership and the Ontario’s West Coast brand.
• Managing the operating budget, accessing a variety of funding opportunities and overseeing risk.
• Applying sound business principles to administer and direct department initiatives and operations efficiently, at the highest level of quality and service, striving for the highest and best use of resources.
• Implementing and designing economic development strategies and action plans; evaluating local resources, needs, goals and opportunities and promoting the County of Huron.
• Developing, maintaining, and supporting a strong Board of Directors; seeking and building board involvement with strategic direction.
• Preparing reports and giving presentations to Council to communicate and/or recommend program changes.

• Serving as the Economic Development Board’s advocate; identifying, assessing and advising on business matters.
• Developing and implementing short and long term departmental goals, business plans and objectives in alignment with corporate strategies, Council priorities and economic realities.
• Identifying data-based trends and opportunities that will enhance the County of Huron’s economy.
• Partnering with other senior leaders to insure continuity of operations and cyber security for the Corporation.

• The Director is the chief champion and spokesperson for Economic Development in Huron County and is responsible for running a highly effective, reputable, professional and respected department including:
• Overseeing and directing day-to-day department functions.
• Promoting a productive work environment while working with human resources to provide regular feedback, performance development, mentoring and coaching to department staff.
• Overseeing actions of department marketing and communications, Huron Business Centre team, Sector Development team, Local Immigration Partnership team, and Tourism and Agri-Tourism team
• Integrating Health and Safety into all aspects of the department’s operations and ensuring that all employees work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Maintaining positive working relationships with all stakeholders including members of Council, County staff, 9 Member Municipalities, the media and community groups at large.

• The ability to lead, motivate, collaborate and influence the staff of the Economic Development department.
• Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, political acuity and tact when collaborating and working with staff, economic development partners, the business community, municipalities and representatives from other levels of government.
• Demonstrate and promote professionalism, respect and customer-oriented behavior.

Qualifications and Education

• University degree in Economics, Business Administration or other relevant discipline.
• Fellowship or certification in Economic Development is preferred.
• In depth experience in rural/municipal operations and diplomacy.
• Ability to effectively manage and lead a team.
• Senior management level experience, preferably in the municipal environment.
• Possess a thorough understanding of legislation and policies that affect local government, including familiarity with municipal law, insurance and labour relations.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding and knowledge of Huron County business community and economy.
• Understanding of challenges unique to rural Ontario.
• Understanding of the Agricultural sector
• Vast network of regional, provincial and national key stakeholders with the ability to foster collaboration and unique partnerships for the betterment of the County.
• Excellent communication skills in both verbal and written form.
• Willingness and ability to travel when required.

Competitive Compensation

• $68.48 – $80.80 per hour; as per the 2025 non-union pay grids
• Comprehensive benefits package
• OMERS pension plan
• Paid time off

Please forward your letter of application and resume to humanresources[at]huroncounty[dot]ca

Submission Guidelines:

• We would love to have you join our team! To apply for this position, please ensure that:
• Email subject is “Director of Economic Development”
• The cover letter is a maximum of one page
• Cover letter and resume are saved together in one PDF file
• The PDF file name is your: First name Last name (e.g. Jane Smith)

We look forward to hearing from you!

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles. At the County of Huron, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.