Executive Director of EDGE

Executive Director of EDGE

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is the primary economic development entity in the state. Our mission is to cultivate environments and relationships that foster economic growth. Our job is to bring jobs, investment, and economic prosperity to the state of Oklahoma. Through dynamic partnerships and innovative collaborations with companies, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and government leaders, we are building a business environment that supports business growth and shared community prosperity.

The Oklahoma Department of Commerce is seeking an Executive Director of EDGE position. This position is a full-time position in the state government. Oklahoma Department of Commerce offers a comprehensive benefits package, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position is up to $200,000, based on education and experience.

Qualified applicants must submit a resume, a cover letter, and a list of reference sources. Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline is October 17, 2025.

Basic Purpose

This position is a senior leadership member working with various partners for the Oklahoma Economic Development, Growth, and Expansion (EDGE) initiative. The successful candidate will provide leadership and direction to the multiple teams in EDGE. This includes developing and implementing a robust economic development strategy to stimulate growth in the state, attract investment, and help create well-paid jobs.

Meet regularly with the Governor and Legislators to discuss projects and ways to better cultivate an environment for business success.

Coordinate with the Cabinet Secretary and the CEO on each team's key performance measurements, including the specific targets and means of achieving the goals.

Typical Functions

• Proactively and creatively seek new markets, events, or opportunities to develop deals and leads.
• Approve and participate in various business marketing events, ensuring the extraction of potential leads from events and developing the follow-up process to capitalize on efforts.
• Identification of potential companies, clients, and partners for business growth.
• Work with the Marketing Division to develop a strategic message for partners and customers.
• Cultivate staff by learning the business tools and sales features, as well as the details of the state's assets and benefits of working with other partnerships.
• Engage each staff member to foster new ideas and think outside the box to create an innovative environment.
• Establish and nurture a spirit of divisional cross-training support to assist customers with their needs.
• Foster a team spirit within the division to meet the current year's performance measurement goals.
• Manage the division's budget with prudent effectiveness to maximize resources for better results.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Education and Experience

The successful candidate must have related experience that includes, but is not limited to :

Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in business, economics, marketing, or a related field; a minimum of eight years of experience in economic development, business, marketing, or sales; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preference will be given to those with professional economic development certifications (CEcD, EDFP, AICP, etc.)

Applicants must be willing to travel for job-related reasons (up to 50% of the time, both domestically and internationally) to meet with companies, consultants, and partners, often requiring extended and irregular hours. Successful candidates must also be willing to work the hours needed to complete the job.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.