Chief Executive Officer

Located in Aberdeen, WA

Salary: $90,000-$120,000

Executive Director

Greater Grays Harbor, Inc. (GGHI)

Position Summary

Express Employment Professionals of Aberdeen, WA has partnered with Greater Gray Habor, Inc. (GGHI) to search for their next Executive Director. GGHI seeks an Executive Director to lead an organization that serves as both the Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce. As the designated Associate Development Organization (ADO) for Grays Harbor County, GHHI plays a critical role in supporting long term economic growth, business vitality, and community prosperity throughout Grays Harbor County.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the organization’s chief executive and primary public representative. This role is responsible not only for operational leadership, but for bringing creative vision, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies that expand economic opportunity, attract investment, and position the region for future competitiveness and growth.

Compensation

• Salary range: $90,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Additional benefits: 100% Company Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, and Basic Life, (After 60-day Probationary period)
• LTD Buy Up: (Optional) premium paid monthly by Employee via Payroll Deduction. (After 90-day probationary period)
• Simple IRA retirement (Edward Jones): 3% Company paid – Employee must invest at least 3% to participate. (After 90-day Probationary period)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of innovative, forward-looking economic development strategies focused on business retention, expansion, recruitment, workforce development, and investment attraction.
• Bring creative vision to identify new opportunities for regional growth, industry diversification, and entrepreneurship development.
• Serve as a dynamic public leader and spokesperson, building strong relationships with business leaders, elected officials, tribal governments, investors, and community partners.
• Oversee all organizational operations, staff leadership, programs, contracts, and grant-funded initiatives with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation. Supervise and manage the performance of all staff members.
• Develop and manage budgets while identifying new and creative revenue streams, funding models, and partnership opportunities.
• Drive projects that help the region stay competitive and support modern approaches to economic development.
• Represent GGHI at regional, state, and national forums, advocating for bold economic development strategies and investment in the region.
• Direct marketing, branding, and communications strategies that creatively elevate the region’s visibility and economic identity.

First-Year Priorities

• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders while introducing a fresh, innovative perspective to regional economic development efforts.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of existing programs, contracts, grants, and financial structures.
• Evaluate current initiatives and identify opportunities to reimagine and modernize economic development strategies and programs.
• Develop a bold, forward-looking strategic roadmap that integrates innovation, measurable outcomes, and lasting regional impact.
• Strengthen organizational visibility through sharing the value it provides, branding, and stakeholder engagement.
• Identify new revenue models, partnerships, and investment opportunities to expand organizational sustainability and impact. Increase member outreach, recruitment, and retention.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economic Development, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience in economic development, chamber leadership, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field.
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, innovation, and organizational growth.
• Staff supervision, performance management, development, and other personnel functions.
• Experience developing new initiatives, programs, or partnerships that drive measurable economic impact.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, grant writing, and oversight.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including business, government, and community leaders.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and executive representation skills.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors or governing body.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or similar credentials.
• Experience leading or transforming a Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, Associate Development Organization, or similar entity.
• Track record of innovation in economic development strategy, programming, or organizational leadership.
• Experience in rural, regional, or coastal economic development environments.
• Knowledge of Washington State economic development programs and funding systems.
• Demonstrated success attracting investment, launching initiatives, or leading organizational change efforts.

Leadership Competencies

• Visionary leadership with a strong capacity for innovation and creative problem solving
• Ability to design and implement new programs, partnerships, and economic development strategies.
• Strategic thinker who balances long-term vision with practical execution.
• High level relationship builder across public, private, nonprofit, and tribal sectors.
• Strong communicator and compelling public representative.
• Collaborative leader who fosters innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on opportunity creation and regional economic development.

Equal Opportunity Employer

GGHI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking workplace. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

 

Resumes can be submitted to jobs.aberdeenwa@expresspros.com

 

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