What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Grow Hays?
Title: Executive Director Reports to: Board of Directors Location: Hays, Kansas (on-site) FLSA status: Exempt, full-time
About Grow Hays
Grow Hays, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is the lead economic development organization for Hays and Ellis County, Kansas. It works to attract new business investment, help existing employers grow, and strengthen the workforce, housing, and infrastructure that growth depends on. Its funding partners include Ellis County, the City of Hays, the City of Ellis, the City of Victoria, and numerous private sector organizations.
Ellis County is a regional hub for northwest Kansas, with anchors in health care, higher education, energy, agriculture, retail, and transportation along I-70. Grow Hays partners closely with the City of Hays, Ellis County, Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Technical College, the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Hays, The Bricks, Hays Medical Center, Midwest Energy, and state partners including the Kansas Department of Commerce.
Grow Hays has been the driving force behind the construction of the Grow Hays MicroFactory, the Bob & Pat Schmidt Community Center, and The Tallgrass and The Grove housing developments. It has also originated more than $3 million in small business loans.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is the chief executive and primary spokesperson for Grow Hays, reporting to the Board of Directors. This is a working executive role: the Director sets strategy and also personally manages business prospects, incentive negotiations, and development projects.
The Director is the main liaison between the Board, the City of Hays, Ellis County, business leaders, education partners, and state and regional agencies. The Director supervises a staff of three (four full-time equivalent positions in total, including the Director) and is accountable for the organization's budget, programs, and results.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategy and Board Relations
- Develop and carry out a countywide economic development strategy with the Board, and update it regularly.
- Advise the Board on policy, priorities, and emerging opportunities; prepare board meeting materials and reports.
- Track and report performance metrics such as jobs created, capital investment, wages, and tax base growth.
Business Attraction
- Serve as the primary contact for the Kansas Department of Commerce, site selectors, and companies considering Ellis County.
- Respond to requests for information and proposals, host site visits, and manage prospects from first contact through location decision.
- Maintain an inventory of available sites and buildings, public and private, and supporting community data.
- Market Ellis County through digital channels, trade shows, and regional and state marketing partnerships.
Business Retention and Expansion
- Run a regular visitation program with existing employers to learn their needs and head off risks of closure or relocation.
- Connect businesses to financing, workforce training, and state and federal programs.
- Support entrepreneurs and small businesses in coordination with the Chamber, The Bricks, and the Small Business Development Center.
Incentives, Finance, and Projects
- Structure and negotiate incentive packages using Kansas tools such as IRBs, tax abatements, TIF, CIDs, STAR bonds, HOME and Moderate Income Housing programs, and revolving loan funds.
- Work with the City and County on local incentive policies and performance-based agreements, and monitor compliance.
- Lead or support site, infrastructure, and housing development projects from concept to completion.
- Identify, write, and manage grants.
Workforce and Housing
- Identify employer workforce needs and work with Fort Hays State University, Fort Hays Technical College, USD 489, and KANSASWORKS on training and talent pipelines.
- Support housing development to meet workforce demand.
Partnerships and Advocacy
- Build strong working relationships with elected officials, the City Manager, County Administrator, and regional partners.
- Represent Grow Hays in the community, the media, and state and regional organizations such as the Kansas Economic Development Alliance.
- Handle confidential business information with discretion.
Operations and Finance
- Prepare and manage the annual budget; oversee financial reporting, audits, and funding agreements.
- Lead private investor and public funding campaigns.
- Hire, supervise, and develop staff and manage contractors.
Other duties as assigned. This list illustrates the work and is not exhaustive.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in economics, business, public administration, planning, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 3 years of experience in economic development, commercial real estate, business finance, or a related field, including at least 2 years supervising staff or managing major projects.
- Proven success managing projects involving multiple public and private partners.
- Strong public speaking, writing, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel regularly.
Preferred
- Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from IEDC, or progress toward it.
- Working knowledge of Kansas incentive and finance tools (IRBs, TIF, CIDs, STAR bonds, HOME, abatements, revolving loan funds).
- Experience in a rural or micropolitan community.
- Experience working for or with a nonprofit board.
- Grant writing and grant management experience.
Key Competencies
- Strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
- Financial literacy: budgets, pro formas, and incentive analysis.
- Discretion with confidential information.
- Collaborative, consensus-building style with elected officials and business leaders.
- Comfort with CRM, data tools, and social media for marketing.
Compensation, Benefits, and Working Conditions
Salary: Based on the applicant's experience and qualifications.
Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contribution, paid time off, vehicle or mileage allowance, and professional development.
The work is mainly office-based, with frequent local and out-of-area travel for prospect meetings, site visits, trade shows, and state and regional events. Some evening and weekend work is required for board meetings and community events. The role requires the ability to tour construction sites, industrial properties, and business facilities.
How to Apply
Send a cover letter describing your vision for economic development in Ellis County, a résumé, and three professional references to applications@growhays.com. Use the subject line “Grow Hays Executive Director – [Your Name].”
Review of applications begins October 15, 2026; the position is open until filled. Candidate confidentiality will be maintained, and background and reference checks will be conducted before an offer is made.
Grow Hays, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000