Work with the Alliance!

Founded in 2009, the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance serves the residents and businesses of Kokomo, Indiana, and Howard County through our commitment to fostering a positive economic climate and developing strategic initiatives for the area. We promote economic development through the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Association, Visitors Bureau and Inventrek Technology Park.

Could you be part of the team that keeps creating an even greater Kokomo? We are currently hiring for two positions. See below.

(To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Lori Dukes at ldukes@greaterkokomo.com)

Membership Development Specialist for Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce

Are you someone who enjoys meeting new people, building business relationships and turning connections into opportunities? The Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce is looking for a motivated, outgoing Membership Development Specialist to help grow our membership and strengthen our local business community.

This position is focused on bringing new businesses into the Chamber, developing sponsorship opportunities and building lasting relationships with members. You’ll play an important role in growing membership and revenue while helping local businesses connect with the people, resources and opportunities available through the Chamber.

We’re looking for someone who is comfortable initiating conversations, following up with prospective members and working toward measurable goals. If you enjoy being out in the community, connecting with business leaders and seeing the results of your efforts, this might be the right fit.

What You’ll Do

Identify and recruit new Chamber members through outreach, networking, referrals and relationship-building.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of prospective members, with a focus on achieving monthly and annual membership goals.
Build sponsorship relationships and promote Chamber advertising, programs and other opportunities.
Develop strong relationships with existing members to encourage retention, engagement and satisfaction.
Help members make the most of their investment by connecting them with Chamber benefits, programs and networking opportunities.
Coordinate ribbon cuttings, grand openings and member recognition events.
Represent the Chamber at community events, business functions and networking opportunities.
Maintain accurate membership records, track progress toward goals and identify opportunities for continued growth.
Work with Chamber and Alliance staff to strengthen member benefits and support organizational initiatives.

– The ideal candidate is a natural relationship-builder who enjoys meeting people, takes initiative and is motivated by achieving results. You’ll need to be comfortable reaching out to businesses, communicating the value of Chamber membership and developing relationships that lead to long-term engagement.

Qualifications include:

High school diploma or equivalent required.
One to three years of related experience or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong interpersonal, customer service and communication skills.
Confidence initiating conversations and building relationships with business leaders, community stakeholders and elected officials.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, follow up consistently and meet deadlines.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to different situations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Ability to travel throughout the Greater Kokomo area.

An associate degree, previous sales or business development experience, and experience in a Chamber of Commerce, economic development or nonprofit organization are preferred. Experience working with volunteers is a plus.

Manager of Economic Development & Downtown Placemaking
Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance

Are you passionate about Kokomo’s future and interested in helping shape the next chapter of our community’s growth? The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance is seeking a Manager of Economic Development & Downtown Placemaking to help strengthen downtown Kokomo and support economic development efforts throughout Kokomo and Howard County.

This position focuses on downtown revitalization, business development, redevelopment opportunities and improvements that make downtown a better place to live, work, visit and invest. You’ll work closely with business owners, property owners, local government and community partners to identify opportunities, build partnerships and help move projects forward.

You’ll also support broader economic development initiatives by connecting businesses and community partners with resources, information and opportunities that encourage investment and growth.

We’re looking for someone who knows our community, enjoys working with people and takes initiative to turn ideas into action.

What You’ll Do

Lead downtown revitalization and placemaking initiatives focused on improving the downtown environment and encouraging private investment.
Work with downtown businesses and property owners to support business recruitment, retention and redevelopment opportunities.
Identify and help advance projects that strengthen downtown as a center for business, investment and community activity.
Develop partnerships with local government, businesses and community organizations to support shared development goals.
Support communitywide economic development initiatives by connecting partners, coordinating resources and helping facilitate development opportunities.
Research potential projects, funding resources and community improvement opportunities.
Serve as staff liaison to designated Alliance councils.
Represent the Alliance on community committees and task forces.
Work collaboratively with Alliance staff and community partners to advance organizational priorities.

What We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate is a proactive, community-minded professional who understands Kokomo and Howard County and enjoys bringing people together to accomplish shared goals. You’ll need strong relationship-building and organizational skills, sound judgment and the ability to manage projects from concept through implementation.

Qualifications include:

Minimum three years of relevant professional experience and/or equivalent educational experience.
Knowledge of Kokomo and Howard County, including the local business community, downtown district and community resources.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with business owners, property owners, government officials and community partners.
Ability to identify opportunities, develop ideas, solve problems and take initiative.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
Ability to research information, evaluate options and develop practical recommendations.
Ability to develop and manage project budgets and identify potential funding resources.
Self-motivation, attention to detail and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Willingness to learn economic development, downtown revitalization and placemaking principles and programs.

Experience in business, community development, project management, nonprofit administration, public service or a related field is preferred. Familiarity with downtown Kokomo and local development initiatives is also preferred.

Howard County residency upon accepting the position is preferred.