What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Northwest Colorado Innovation Center?
BACKGROUND
Northwest Colorado Innovation Center (NCIC) is a 501c3 regional economic development organization serving a three-county region: Moffat County and the City of Craig, Routt County and its municipalities, City of Steamboat Springs, and the Towns of Hayden, Oak Creek, and Yampa, and two communities in Rio Blanco County: Town of Meeker and Town of Rangely. The NCIC was established in 2024 by the Northwest Colorado Development Council (NWCDC) to support economic development, entrepreneurship, small business development, workforce development, and community development.
This rural region of nearly 45,000 people is undergoing a coal transition and requires a strong and dynamic leader who is interested in making a transformative impact. NCIC’s new Executive Director will be supported by an engaged Board of Directors and collaborative state, regional, and local partners. Over the past three years, NCIC and its parent organization, NWCDC, have developed a regional strategic plan, established a framework for action, fundraised to support the Executive Director position, and are working toward a new home for the Innovation Center. Learn more about Northwest Colorado at https://northwestcolorado.org/ .
PAY RANGE
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, between $75,000-$100,000 plus benefits.
IDEAL CANDIDATE SUMMARY
The ideal candidate is a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven economic development professional with the vision and experience to lead industry and business growth, workforce development, and community development across a diverse tri-county region in Northwest Colorado, which includes both rural communities, smaller cities, and counties. The ideal candidate understands how to collaborate with multiple stakeholders and partners, foster relationships, and guide the region through economic transition. That person will have experience in developing innovative workforce, entrepreneurial, and business development ecosystems, which position Northwest Colorado competitively for industrial investment by leveraging the region’s place-based investments, strong workforce potential, infrastructure assets, and a responsive local government environment. The Executive Director is responsible for the continuing development of the organization's strategic direction. This position reports to the NCIC Board of Directors and is supervised by the Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee of NCIC.
OUTLINE OF DUTIES
Manage the Northwest Colorado Innovation Center (NCIC) and Northwest Colorado Development Council (NWCDC) programs of work, which include the following:
- Business Retention and Expansion
- Entrepreneurial Training and Business Coaching
- Northwest Catalyst Capital Microlend Revolving Loan
- Workforce Development and Training
- Support Community Development
- Business Attraction
- Hire and supervise NCIC staff and contractors
- Provide education about economic development
- Fundraise and secure grants for the continuing sustainability of NCIC
- Facilitate and support regional collaboration
- Manage and coordinate a project pipeline
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience: A bachelor's degree in a related field is required, with a master's degree in a relevant discipline strongly desired. A four-year degree serves as the minimum qualification, while advanced training or graduate-level education is preferred to support the complexity of this leadership role. The ideal candidate will demonstrate at least three (3) years of progressive leadership experience in an economic development organization, business, finance, government, or community-led organizations (NGO). Successful candidates will bring an energetic, creative, and collaborative work style, combined with values and abilities that align with the mission and goals of the organization.
The ideal candidate has experience managing projects and people in an economic development organization, nonprofit, public, public-private partnership, or private company. Candidate should have direct experience developing close working relationships with governmental groups at the local, state, and federal levels, and constituents/stakeholders, which might include elected officials, board of directors, employers, and other business and community support organizations.
The candidate is a strong communicator and builds positive working relationships with other staff members, partners, consultants, funders, and community members. He/she is able to communicate effectively (orally and in writing), possesses excellent presentation skills, and has the ability to lead discussions and meetings. He/she will have a strong background in fiscal management with an understanding of budgeting and fundraising.
NCIC is willing to provide professional development and mentoring for the right candidate who has the competency and desire to grow into this leadership role. NCIC expects the Executive Director to live within the tri-county region of Northwest Colorado,
SKILLS
- Organizational, communication, and presentation skills
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously
- Ability to work with various and diverse stakeholders
- Ability to manage operations, multiple grant budgets, team members, and consultants
- Entrepreneurial and innovative leader
- Strategic thinker and planner
- Must travel within and outside of the region to meet with stakeholders and tell Northwest Colorado’s story
BENEFITS:
- Healthcare coverage: medical, dental, vision (90% for employee, 50% for dependents)
- Relocation Support ($5,000)
- Professional development ($2,000)
- Mileage reimbursement (IRS rate: 72.5 cents per mile)
- PTO days: 10 days following a 3-month trial period on an accrual basis; additional PTO hours will be accrued based on hours of service.
- Holidays: (9 State Holidays)
HOW TO APPLY:
- Send resume and cover letter to Christine Rambo, NCIC Project Manager via email: christine@northwestcolorado.org
- NCIC will accept applications from January 12, 2026 to February 6, 2026
- The NCIC Personnel Committee will review all applications within two weeks and begin scheduling interviews via Zoom by February 23, 2026.
- Finalists will be interviewed in person, with travel expenses paid by NCIC.
Pay: From $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $75,000