Career Opportunity

President and Chief Executive Officer
Alice - Jim Wells County (TX)
Economic Development Corporation

THE COMMUNITY
Alice, known as a Hub City thanks to its location between several major cities, is the county seat of Jim Wells County and is centrally located in South Texas, making it a commercial center for the petroleum industry, tourism, healthcare, agribusiness and distribution to surrounding areas.

The oil and gas industry has five major drilling companies, six international oilfield service companies, and an array of rental tool companies, completion and production companies and trucking companies. Currently the Eagle Ford Shale boom is bringing many new companies and workers to Alice and Jim Wells County. Many job openings exist for workers looking to train into the oilfield industry with good pay and benefits.

Alice is also the Hub of retail and health care. The health care cluster in Alice consists of a 138 bed primary care hospital, kidney dialysis centers, heart center, cancer center, orthopedic clinic, nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.

At the crossroads of highways U.S. Route 281 and State Route 44, Alice is most centrally located in South Texas to connect the deep-water port of Corpus Christi with Mexico ports of entry in Laredo, McAllen and Brownsville and with the Interstate system of I-10, I-35, I-37 and I-69. This strategic location has distinguished Allies and is an exceptional distribution center in South Texas. Rail transport is available via the Texas Mexican Railway, while 14 ports of entry are reachable within 100 miles of the community, notably the deep-water port of Corpus Christi, which is situated approximately 45 miles from Alice. As for air travel, the locally based Alice International Airport offers general aviation services. Daily commercial flight services are provided through the nearby Corpus Christi International Airport.

QUALITY OF LIFE
Residents enjoy year-round outdoor activities including golfing, hiking, camping and boating. Saltwater and freshwater fishing combined with a thriving wildlife population all await the outdoor enthusiast. For those who prefer their entertainment indoors, there are a variety of theater groups, symphonies, art galleries and dance companies nearby. Museums, zoos, aquariums and historic sites abound, adding a Texas flair to your educational outings. International excursions are a short drive away, with Mexico right next door.

Less than 30 miles from Alice is Texas A&M University - Kingsville- a four-year college. Alice offers an excellent school system including Coastal Bend College, a two-year community college that provides vocation and academic courses for certification or associate degrees. The college also works with local business and industry to customize training and educational classes for its employees. The Alice Independent School District features a Class 4-A high school, a middle school, two intermediate schools and seven elementary schools. With a combined enrollment of nearly 6,000 students, Alice places education as a top priority in developing leaders and a strong work force for the future. Alice also offers three private parochial schools.

HELPFUL LINK
City of Alice in Two Minutes

POPULATION
The City of Alice (population 19,104) is the county seat of Jim Wells County (population 40,838). Equally important, the population of the trade area is 80,423 according to the 2010 US Census, boasting a labor force (16 years and older) of 21,358 within the area.

THE ORGANIZATION
The City of Alice and Jim Wells County are collaborating partners working together with the Alice-Jim Wells County Economic Development Corporation. Local Sales and Use Tax reported in 2011 for the City of Alice was $15,361,262.48 and the County of Jim Wells was $5,976,403.79.

THE POSITION
Thanks to the Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas boom, Alice is experiencing one of the most dynamic growth opportunities in South Texas. The Eagle Ford Shale has created a modern day gold rush! The Halliburton (Alice Facility) hiring surge will support 1,500 new jobs alone!

The CEO must be a proven leader. One that is action-oriented and can leverage the substantial resources, energy, partnerships, and the overwhelming commitment that exists throughout the City and County. The Board of Directors is looking for an individual with the tools to meet this challenge and be part of this great team in expanding their dynamic business environment.

TRAITS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
The successful candidate will demonstrate, more specifically, the following:

Proven consensus builder managing diverse viewpoints to an effective, positive solution.

Maximizes collaboration and shares credit and successes among partners and stakeholders.

Action oriented: Skilled in idea generation, is committed to achieving outcomes, and consistently produces results based on those ideas.

Networker that builds collaborative and productive relationships with others both inside and outside economic development organizations, and maintains a wide network of contacts that can be leveraged on behalf of the organization goals.

Drive for results: Have the ability to continually focus on achieving positive, concrete results that contribute to the business success of the organization.

Display a genuine passion for the region. Join in community activities and be a visible personality in the community.

Seek ways to overcome competitive challenges and develop opportunities.

Strategic visionary thinker: Able to set sights on a new future, constantly identifying the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the environment, able to think differently about how the environment and businesses operate and look for new ways to solve these problems.

Developing people: Discusses development needs with employees and provides them with opportunities and visibility, as well as advice and coaching.

Shows a sincere interest in developing talent for the benefit of the organization. Has skill in guiding new employees through an orientation process, coaches on job performance, gives feedback, empowers and suggests corrective action as appropriate.

Communication skills: Experienced public speaker, an excellent listener, outstanding writer, and strong interpersonal communicator to small and large group settings. Must be comfortable interacting with the news media and proactive in seeking good publicity for the organization and the region.

Relationship builder: Demonstrated experience working with C-level executives, public policy makers and other community leaders developing relationships of mutual respect.

Political Acumen: ability to work toward successful solutions without being political.

Business Acumen: Knowledgeable in current and possible future practices, trends, and other information affecting the business sector. Understands competitive and economic issues; is aware of the political landscape for change and how collaborative strategies amongst organizations work in the marketplace.

WORK ENVIRONMENT BEHAVIOR REQUIREMENTS

FREQUENT CHANGE - The job requires a comfort level with "juggling many balls in the air at the same time!" It will be asked to leave several tasks unfinished, and easily move on to new tasks with little or no notice.

URGENCY - The job requires decisiveness, quick response, and fast action. It will often be involved in critical situations demanding that on-the-spot decisions be made with good judgment. The job will repeatedly face important deadlines that must be met on time.

FREQUENT INTERACTION WITH OTHERS - The job requires a strong "people orientation," versus a task orientation. The job will comfortably deal with multiple interruptions on a continual basis, always maintaining a friendly interface with others.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Organizational Leadership: Provide leadership to the Economic Development Corporation through collaboration with other organizations.

Community Development: Focus on future and sustainable growth in the areas of education, infrastructure, quality of life, industrial site development, technology access and upgrade, and job training reflective of community needs.

Finance: Identify and assess funding opportunities for both economic/community development opportunities and challenges and organizational growth, ensuring the viability of the organization and supporting sustainable growth within the community.

Communication/Marketing and Sales: Build support, both internally and externally, for the organization. Develop a well-defined strategy for marketing the community to commercial, retail and industrial prospects. Work with prospect companies to attract their investment and location to our area. Work closely and communicate with the staff and boards of partnering entities. Provide activity status reports to the Board of Directors as is requested/necessary.

Business Retention and Expansion: Identify issues and opportunities relative to existing businesses, their sustainability and expansion, and formulate plans to address them.

Analysis: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the community and area economy on an annual basis and develop strategies that will capitalize on the strengths and eliminate or reduce the weaknesses.

Community Engagement: Assume an active role in organizations, institutions and activities available within the community.

KEY TASKS AND ABILITIES
The President/CEO must be able to perform or manage the following tasks or have the stated abilities in order to effectively fulfill the aforementioned responsibilities:

Planning: Develop a strategy, defining long and short term objectives of the organization, setting priorities for resources, anticipating problems, formulating and adjusting policies, and revising planning efforts as necessary.

Decision Making: Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative with the ability to work with the Board of Directors, as needed, to make judgments on disputed issues, decisions under time pressures reflecting adequate evaluation and consultation with others, resulting in positive impacts on the community and the welfare of our residents.

Marketing: Develop strategic and proactive plans annually that positively represent the community. Proactively present the community, location opportunities and the area economic benefits to existing and prospective employers. Make strategic contact with existing and prospective employers within and outside of the community in order to assist in their decision-making relative to location, relocation and/or expansion.

Relationship Building/Public Relations: Officiate at public ceremonies and in other venues, informing the general public, speaking publicly, representing the Organization at trade shows and similar events, establishing rapport with new contacts, and a network of allies, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff and members of local organizations and agencies.

Written Communications: Prepare required written reports and other documents as necessary in a timely and easily understandable fashion. Write for the public audience and to create interest in the Organization and its efforts; prepare an annual report for dissemination to the partners and public; prepare or facilitate formal correspondence.

General Administration and Budget Preparation: Provide necessary leadership to ensure that the Organization is managed in an efficient and effective manner; draft for consideration and then administer the approved annual budget.

Information Management: As necessary, prepare, summarize and/or analyze statistical and narrative information: estimate risks of alternative courses of action; prepare cost and time estimates; capture and communicate complex numerical data in a business context; and edit and integrate written material.

Cooperating/ Acting as a Liaison: Assist partner organizations in achieving goals; promote cooperation among partner organizations and others, particularly on a regional basis; act as a liaison with other organizations such as the Governor's Office for Economic Development; and work with Board of Directors in keeping partner organizations and local government officials and legislative bodies duly informed of general activities of the Organization.

Influencing/Advising: Advise the Board of Directors on policies and activities, making an effective case for action, and advising on points of procedure.

Evaluating: Assess the feasibility of proposed economic development projects: monitor progress of projects and check adherence to schedules: evaluate written reports, numerical data, and project costs; identify problems and suggest new ideas and alternative approaches and solutions to challenges; assess the probability of success of a course of action, and evaluate alternative methods.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION CRITERIA
Critical to the success of the Alice-Jim Wells Economic Development Corporation is a President/CEO who has the relevant educational and career background to meet community and Board expectations. For a candidate to be successful in assuming the role of President/CEO, the following criteria will be taken into consideration:

A Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field of study

Graduation from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute or the International Economic Development Council Professional Development course series

Current status as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) by the International Economic Development Council

Current status as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) by the National Development Council

A minimum of 5 years experience in community and economic development in a senior management position

A record of success in economic development projects

Political astuteness and knowledge of state and federal economic/community development agencies and programs

Understanding of and experience with a multi-partner, matrix organization

History of involvement in the community through civic clubs, non-profit agencies, etc.

Hands-on knowledge of current communication and technology applications

Excellent interpersonal and group facilitation skills

Job and personal satisfaction derived from employment in a position such as this in a community with the quality of life opportunities available in our area.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary Range: $70,000 - $100,000
Auto Allowance
Civic Club Membership
Insurance
Professional Organization Membership
Training and/or Continuing Education
401K Simple Plan Retirement
Relocation Assistance
Bonus Plan

RESIDENCY EXPECTATIONS
Residency in the Alice - Jim Wells County region is required in order to become an active participant in the organizations, institutions and activities available within the community.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested candidates should submit cover letter, current resume and at least five work related references including contact numbers by Friday, April 20, 2012. Finalists will complete a thorough interview and background investigation process to include verification of all credentials and experience. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Submit resumes to: Johnson & Associates; c/o ALICE-JIM WELLS COUNTY EDC Search; 8308 Tecumseh Drive; Austin, TX 78753-5745 or Johnson@JAToday.com. Resume packages will be accepted until Friday, April 20, 2012 or until the position is filled. We strongly suggest applicants submit a DVD showing communication and presentation skills. If you are interested in submitting a DVD, please contact Johnson & Associates at 512.339.9000 to request a copy of the guidelines.

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXAS PUBLIC INFORMATION ACT, PLEASE
NOTE THAT RESUMES MAY BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.

THE ALICE/JIM WELLS COUNTY EDC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.