Vice President of Economic Development

Salary Range: $115,000–$130,000 annually, commensurate with experience

The Vice President of Economic Development serves as a member of the SWFL Inc. leadership team and is responsible for developing and executing strategies that strengthen the economic competitiveness of Southwest Florida.

This position provides leadership for business attraction, business retention and expansion (BRE), investor engagement, industry development, regional competitiveness initiatives, and economic development partnerships. The Vice President works closely with business leaders, elected officials, the Florida Department of Commerce, economic development organizations, utilities, developers, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to advance economic growth and investment throughout the region.

The Vice President serves as SWFL Inc.'s lead economic development professional and primary point of contact for business attraction, business retention and expansion, investor engagement, and coordination with the Florida Department of Commerce and regional economic development partners. This position serves as a strategic advisor to employers and community leaders while positioning Southwest Florida as a premier location for business investment, expansion, and talent development.

• Serve as a member of the SWFL Inc. leadership team and contribute to organizational strategy, planning, and decision-making.
• Develop and implement regional economic development strategies that support business growth, investment, and job creation.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen Southwest Florida's competitive position and economic vitality.
• Establish goals, performance metrics, and key performance indicators for economic development initiatives.
• Monitor emerging economic, business, workforce, infrastructure, and industry trends affecting the region.

• Lead regional business attraction efforts to recruit new employers, corporate headquarters, targeted industries, and private-sector investment to Southwest Florida.
• Develop and maintain relationships with site selectors, commercial real estate professionals, developers, utilities, consultants, and economic development partners.
• Coordinate responses to business recruitment opportunities, relocation projects, and Requests for Information (RFIs).
• Market Southwest Florida's workforce, infrastructure, business climate, quality of life, and strategic advantages to prospective employers and investors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing employers throughout the region to identify opportunities for expansion, investment, and job growth.
• Conduct Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) outreach to understand employer needs, challenges, workforce concerns, infrastructure requirements, and growth opportunities.
• Connect businesses with local, regional, state, and federal resources that support expansion, workforce development, financing, permitting, and operational success.
• Serve as SWFL Inc.'s primary liaison to the Florida Department of Commerce and collaborate on business recruitment, expansion projects, workforce initiatives, incentive programs, and economic development opportunities.
• Coordinate with state, regional, and local economic development partners to pursue investment projects and strengthen the region's competitive position.
• Represent SWFL Inc. and Southwest Florida at state, national, and international economic development conferences, trade shows, and industry events.
• Develop and execute strategies that increase the visibility of Southwest Florida among site selectors, corporate decision-makers, and economic development stakeholders.

• Cultivate new investor relationships.
• Support recruitment, retention, and stewardship of Economic Development investors.
• Develop relationships with senior executives, community leaders, public‑sector partners, and key stakeholders.
• Facilitate industry councils, advisory groups, and economic development committees.
• Lead investor engagement initiatives and ensure delivery of investor benefits and value.
• Oversee strategic…