Crawford Partnership launches search for Community Development Manager

BUCYRUS, OHIO – May 28, 2024 – The Crawford Partnership for Education & Economic Development is excited to announce a new career opportunity for a dynamic Community Development Manager or Director. The ideal candidate will manage community development activities in Crawford County, coordinating grant administration, community projects, and strategic planning initiatives. Resumes and cover letters will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024, sent to talent@crawfordpartnership.org. More information, including a full position description, is available at hirecrawford.org.

The Crawford Partnership has recently secured several long-term awards and contracts, including the administration of the Crawford County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and this month a four-year, $1.5 million EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant. These achievements highlight the need for a dedicated Community Development professional to drive proactive and coordinated initiatives that enhance the county’s infrastructure, quality of life, residential development, downtown revitalization, and other community assets.

Cindy Wood, Director of Community Relations and Development at Ohio State University Mansfield and Chair of the Crawford Partnership Board of Directors, expressed her enthusiasm for the new position. “This position is essential for advancing our strategic goals and improving our community, and we are grateful for the support of our many partners. The recent success in securing crucial funding and contracts underscores the need to hire a Community Development Manager.”

Kim Winkle, Vice President of Avita Health System and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors, highlighted the broader impact of community development. “Community development and quality of life are essential for economic development. This role will help ensure the future growth and prosperity of our community and create a place where people want to live.”

This vital role involves administering grants, facilitating community engagement, and collaborating with public and private partners to identify and implement development projects. The candidate will lead efforts to secure funding from various sources, including local and regional foundations, state and federal agencies, and other grant programs. Strong project management skills, a background in community development, and experience in grant writing are essential for this position.

David Zak, President & CEO of the Crawford Partnership, emphasized the significance of this hiring. “It was in our scope of work for this year to hire someone in mid-2024 if everything went well, and I’m pleased to say it has. This position, which has been vacant since the end of 2022, is crucial for continuing our momentum and ensuring the success of our community development initiatives. We appreciate the commitment of our Board of Directors and the collaboration with our partners in making this a reality.”

For more information, please visit hirecrawford.org or contact the Crawford Partnership for Education & Economic Development at 419-563-1809.

###

About the Crawford Partnership

Started in 2006, the Crawford Partnership for Education and Economic Development is a private, non-profit corporation dedicated to driving collaborative economic, community and workforce development in Bucyrus, Galion, Crestline, New Washington, and all of Crawford County, Ohio. In 2022, Crawford County was ranked in the top four percent for economic development as a micropolitan and is pursuing an aggressive, strategic, and comprehensive agenda to become a community of choice for businesses and residents. To learn more about the Crawford Partnership, please visit us at crawfordpartnership.org

Disclaimer: While the Crawford Partnership issues press releases on economic, community, and workforce development projects, resources, assets, advantages, and activities in Crawford

County, Ohio, to strengthen the community’s image and to promote additional development,

publication of such announcements does not imply direct assistance from The Partnership unless specified.