This is truly an outstanding opportunity to live and work in Billings/Yellowstone County, Montana, a verdant valley surrounded by scenic beauty, high prairie, tall mountains and the longest free running river in America and all within an easy drive to Yellowstone National Park. The Big Sky Economic Development Authority and Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (Big Sky EDA/EDC) is seeking a highly qualified individual to become its next Executive Director.  This is an unparalleled opportunity to pursue an aggressive economic development program in the largest city in this region.  A city that is on the verge of explosive economic growth and expansion.

This is a unique opportunity to follow a very successful Executive Director who has left behind an outstanding track record of results and an associated economic development organization. Further, it is a prime opportunity to join a large number of high caliber and committed board members in a public/privately funded partnership along with an enthusiastic, dedicated staff focused on moving regional economic development successes to the next level of achievement.

The Big Sky EDA/EDC is seeking a dedicated, responsive, and experienced individual for its next Executive Director. The Executive Director is selected by, reports to and serves at the pleasure of the EDA/EDC boards of directors.

The successful candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Public/Business Administration, Economic/Community Development, Urban/Regional Planning, Economics or a related field. An advanced level of education is desired, along with a designation as a Certified Economic Developer.

The successful candidate should possess a minimum of 5 years experience working in progressive administration and/or management level positions involving significant responsibilities, economic development, budget formulation and development, public relations, and other related fields. Evidence of continued professional development and a demonstrated leadership and record of success in economic development are required.

Under the general direction of the Big Sky EDA/EDC Board of Directors, the new Executive Director will function as the chief executive officer having overall management responsibility for the successful operation of the two organizations. The new Executive Director will promote economic growth, investment and development in the Yellowstone County region by encouraging industry and business retention, expansion and attraction.

Yellowstone Development is the umbrella organization, which encompasses Big Sky Economic Development Authority (EDA) whose Mission is “To facilitate the development of business that supports our community and quality of life” and Big Sky Economic Development Corporation (EDC) whose Mission is “To recruit primary sector business and retain and expand existing Yellowstone County businesses”.  The shared Vision of the EDA and EDC is: “To promote a vibrant healthy economy for the Yellowstone County region.” 

Big Sky EDA, a public agency, evolved from the Montana Trade Port Authority launched in 1989 by the Yellowstone County Board of Commissioners.  Big Sky Economic EDC was started in 2002 and is primarily a private business supported organization with nearly 100 members from the private sector participating.  The EDC allows for greater flexibility, essential in corporate interaction; private business participation in recruitment and retention efforts; access to investment capital; and specific lending programs including the SBA-504 Program. The business sector is also critical in influencing government economic policies.

The City of Billings operates under a council-administrator form of government with a directly elected Mayor and ten City Council members. The City Administrator is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Administrator is responsible for executing the policies established by the City Council and for administering the affairs of the City consistent with the City Charter. The City of Billings Mission is: “To deliver cost effective public services that enhance our community’s quality of life.”

Yellowstone County  is governed by three County Commissioners elected every six years with staggered terms.  The Big Sky EDA receives its public funding from an ongoing mill levy collected by the County, which requires keeping the County Commissioners informed on how the mills are spent. The mission of Yellowstone County is: “To improve the function of County government to serve its citizens and the region as efficiently and cost effectively as possible through joint effort of our employees and leadership”.