GCRCD is a Public/Private Partnership that serves industry, developers and property owners. The organization is the gateway for all projects that have interest in project development in Ross County.
Our Mission: To promote the industrial, economic, commercial and civic development of Ross County by focusing on the following objectives: Industry attraction, Business Retention & Expansion, Available Sites & Buildings and Workforce Development.
GRCRD staff manages activities for the Ross County Community Improvement Corporation, Economic Development Alliance of Southern Ohio, the Ross County Port Authority and Land Bank. Each entity is led by a separate governing board.
Potential for Growth: Chillicothe, our County Seat, has been recognized multiple times by Site Selection Magazine as a Top Micropolitan. It is the largest community in the vicinity of the Piketon Technology Campus and is responding to housing and industrial projects daily.
About the Role:
Associate Director position requires leadership experience. You will lead board meetings and interact with board members. You will represent Ross County at public speaking events, interact with media and will be expected to do so in a highly professional manner. You may be asked to oversee administrative team members and lead internal initiatives.
You must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously while adapting to competing priorities, shifting timelines and deadlines. Strict confidentiality is expected when working with clients, prospects and collaborative partners.
As a member of our team, you will help administer our Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) program by meeting with Ross County industry and supply chain members. You will share resources to address industry challenges (workforce, supply chain disruption, impacts of tariffs, etc.) and educate industry leaders on incentives and grant funding that may be available to support expansion projects.
You will work closely with Ross County Planning, City Engineer and the OhioSE Team in Site Development, as well as: build rapport with utility partners, property owners, brokers and developers; maintain JobsOhio Zoom Prospector website with accurate descriptions of available sites; respond to JobsOhio project leads via detailed RFP submissions.
A qualified candidate will have a working knowledge of state and local incentives, special districts, Opportunity Zones, Enterprise Zones, CRAs, Foreign Trade Zones and PILOT agreements to support Project Development. You will be expected to maintain awareness of available grant funding. Experience with grant writing and administration will be helpful.
Organize and lead meetings with project teams and local stakeholders with the goal of crafting a final incentive package that secures new capital investment while protecting public services and educational funding.
Required: Two years of experience in an economic development or related role. Experience or strong knowledge of Land Banks, Port Authorities and/or Community Improvement Corporations.
Desired: CEeD (Certified Economic Developer) or OhioCED (Ohio Certified Economic Developer). Experience with grant application and administration.
Work Schedule & Other
Primary work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm, but in this role you must be available to meet client expectations and project deadlines. Occasionally, committee meetings or events may be held in the evening. Very few weekend meetings or events are expected.
Most travel will be within the tri-county area with occasional overnight travel within the tri-state area. Possibility of an annual multi-day conference in another state.
Compensation Package
This position offers an executive-level salary, IRA contribution, year-end bonus and annual salary increase based on achievement of annual goals. Includes paid time off and paid holidays. Industry-specific continuing education will be provided. Expenses, travel and cellphone reimbursement included.
Summary
Ross County sits on the precipice of generational opportunity. If you are interested in joining our team and playing an integral role in our success, send resume or CV to:
US Mail: GCRCD, 45 E. Main Street, Chillicothe, OH, 45601.
Email: Teallonardo@gcrcd.com
Deadline for submission: December 14, 2026