Director of Economic Development

Partnership for Community Development

Hamilton, NY

Position Description

Job Title: Director of Economic Development (includes oversight of the HUB Business Incubator)

Reports To: PCD Executive Director

Salary: $75,000 or commensurate with experience

Introduction

The Partnership for Community Development (PCD) is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated leader to serve as the organization's first Director of Economic Development, a role that expands PCD's capacity to support countywide community and economic development initiatives.

This position will lead proactive economic development efforts across Madison County—working directly with municipalities, small businesses, entrepreneurs, developers, and community partners to identify opportunities, develop strategic projects, and drive investment.

As part of these responsibilities, the Director will also oversee the operations and strategic growth of the HUB Business Incubator, Madison County's only state-certified business incubator, operated in collaboration with Colgate University's Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and supported by NYSTAR and Madison County.

The Partnership for Community Development is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization supported by Colgate University, the Village of Hamilton, and the Town of Hamilton. Its mission is to foster economic opportunity and community vitality, and this expanded position is a crucial part of fulfilling that mission across the county.

Position Summary

The Director of Economic Development will lead strategic initiatives that strengthen Madison County's economic ecosystem—supporting business growth, municipal capacity, revitalization efforts, project development, and community investment.

The Director will develop and advance countywide strategies, coordinate with municipal leaders and economic development partners (including the County IDA), and serve as a central resource for project planning, grant development, and economic analysis.

In addition, the Director will oversee the HUB Business Incubator, ensuring a high-quality environment for entrepreneurs and startups while supporting the incubator's continued success as a regional asset.

This role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, strong strategic thinking, project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a broad range of community stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Countywide Economic & Community Development

· Lead proactive economic development initiatives across Madison County, including identifying opportunities, developing projects, and supporting community investment.

· Work with municipalities to strengthen capacity, assist with project scoping, and guide communities through economic development processes.

· Support downtown revitalization, small-business growth, housing development, adaptive reuse, and other community development efforts.

· Provide strategic guidance on economic trends, data analysis, and opportunities that support local decision-making.

· Serve as a direct resource for businesses, developers, and community organizations.

· Support and collaborate with the Madison County IDA, coordinating efforts to align economic and community development strategies, share information, and identify mutually beneficial project opportunities.

Strategic Planning & Leadership

· Develop and implement a countywide economic development strategy that aligns with PCD's mission and partner priorities.

· Identify opportunities for partnerships, public–private investment, and cross-municipal collaboration.

· Create frameworks, toolkits, or model approaches to assist municipalities with planning, zoning, revitalization, and project development.

Grant Development & Project Management

· Assist municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses in identifying and securing grants that advance local economic development goals.

· Provide project development support, including scoping, budgeting, timelines, and partnership coordination.

· For grants administered by PCD, ensure compliance, reporting, and financial oversight.

HUB Business Incubator Oversight

· Oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and growth of the HUB Incubator

· Manage relationships with incubator clients, ensuring access to mentorship, resources, and programming.

· Develop partnerships with Colgate University and other ecosystem partners.

· Ensure the HUB remains a vibrant center for entrepreneurship and innovation in Madison County.

Program Development & Business Support

· Facilitate networking opportunities, mentorship programs, educational offerings, and entrepreneurship support services.

· Design and deliver training, workshops, and events that strengthen local business capacity.

· Support both new and existing businesses in navigating challenges, expansion opportunities, and regulatory processes.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

· Build and maintain strong relationships with local governments, chambers of commerce, the County IDA, state agencies, businesses, and community organizations.

· Represent PCD and the HUB at community meetings, statewide organizations, and regional economic development events.

· Promote PCD's economic development role through storytelling, relationship-building, and public outreach.

Financial Management

· Identify funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support economic development initiatives and the HUB Incubator.

· Assist in developing project budgets and tracking program expenditures.

Reporting & Performance Measurement

· Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for countywide economic development impact and HUB Incubator success.

· Prepare regular written and verbal reports for the PCD Board of Directors, Madison County, and other partners.

· Provide in-person updates on programs, metrics, and emerging opportunities.

Time Commitment

This is a full-time position. The Director must be available for occasional evening or off-site meetings and is expected to maintain a regular presence both at the HUB and at community locations throughout the county.

Qualifications

Required

· Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative community or economic development initiatives.

· Experience with New York State and federal grants.

· Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.

· Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and public-facing.

· Ability to work with municipalities, economic development professionals, businesses, and community partners.

· Project management experience with multi-partner initiatives.

· Strong research, analysis, and problem-solving capability.

· Tech proficiency relevant to project planning, reporting, and communication.

Preferred & Valued

· Experience in economic development, community development, planning, small-business support, or related fields.

· Experience convening and facilitating multi-stakeholder groups.

· Business development or entrepreneurship experience.

· Understanding of state and local regulations affecting businesses and development.

· Ability to mentor or guide entrepreneurs and small businesses.

· Demonstrated creativity, energy, persistence, and collaborative leadership style.

Application Instructions

Send the following materials as a single PDF to with "Economic Development Director" in the subject line:

· Cover letter

· Resume

· A sample or description of a successful professional project

· A writing sample

· Names of three professional references

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The Partnership for Community Development is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75, $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000