Bid Postings

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – Executive Search Services

Issued by: Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance, Inc.

Date Issued: 8/20/2025

Response Deadline: 9/3/2025

I. Introduction

The Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance, Inc. (“the Alliance”) is seeking proposals from qualified executive search firms to assist the Search Committee and Executive Committee in the recruitment and selection of its next Executive Director.

This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for advancing the mission of the Alliance by driving business investment, asset development, talent attraction, and market intelligence strategies for Walton County, Florida.

The search firm will partner closely with the Board of Directors to identify, evaluate, and secure a visionary leader capable of building consensus, fostering stakeholder relationships, and delivering measurable economic development outcomes.

II. Background

The Wonderful Walton Economic Development Alliance serves as the primary economic development organization for Walton County, Florida. We are committed to enhancing the county’s economic prosperity, supporting business growth, and fostering partnerships between public and private stakeholders.

Our next Executive Director must bring demonstrated expertise in economic development, strategic leadership, and organizational management, with a track record of achieving results in complex and dynamic environments.

III. Scope of Services

  • Position Assessment & Profile Development – Collaborate with the Executive Committee to refine the Executive Director position description and candidate profile; provide insight into competitive compensation.

  • Search Strategy & Candidate Sourcing – Develop and execute a nationwide search targeting qualified candidates, including active and passive candidates.

  • Candidate Screening & Evaluation – Conduct preliminary evaluations, provide written summaries with strengths, weaknesses, and alignment.

  • Interview & Selection Process – Work with Search Committee to develop shortlist, assist in interview tools and criteria, coordinate logistics.

  • Reference & Background Checks – Conduct thorough checks and verifications.

  • Offer Negotiation & Onboarding Support – Assist in structuring the job offer and provide onboarding guidance.

IV. Position Summary

The Executive Director will report to the Executive Committee and is responsible for leading the Alliance’s mission-driven work. Key responsibilities include building consensus among diverse stakeholders, implementing innovative strategies, driving business recruitment and retention, enhancing the Wonderful Walton brand, and developing strategic and legislative agendas.

Qualifications include: Bachelor’s degree in a related field, five or more years of relevant experience, CEcD preferred, proven leadership skills, and strong interpersonal abilities.

A complete job description is provided in Appendix A of this RFQ.

V. Proposal Submission Requirements

  • Firm Overview – history, ownership structure, size, office locations, and primary contact.

  • Relevant Experience – executive searches for similar roles, especially in economic development; three references.

  • Search Methodology – sourcing strategies, evaluation methods, DEI approach.

  • Project Team – names, roles, and qualifications.

  • Proposed Timeline – from initiation to selection.

  • Fee Structure – fees, payment terms, additional expenses.

VI. Evaluation Criteria

  • Experience & Qualifications – success in similar searches.

  • Search Process & Methodology – quality and clarity of approach.

  • Project Team – expertise of assigned personnel.

  • Timeline – ability to complete search in a timely manner.

VII. Submission Instructions

Deadline: 5pm Central, 9/3/2025

Submission Method: Proposals should be submitted electronically in PDF format to:

Search@WonderfulWalton.com

Late submissions may not be considered.

You may also mail to;

16400 US Highway 331 STE B-2
#254
Freeport, FL, 32439

If mailing, please include digital copy on a USB Storage Drive.

VIII. Anticipated Timeline

RFQ Issued – 8/20/2025

Proposals Due – 9/3/2025

Firm Selection & Contract Execution – 9/4/2025

Search Launch – As Soon As Possible – Firm Should Provide Recommended Timeline

Final Candidate Selection – As Soon As Possible – Firm Should Provide Recommended Timeline

IX. Terms & Conditions

The Alliance reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, to waive informalities, and to select the firm deemed in the best interest of the organization.

All materials submitted in response to this RFQ become the property of the Alliance.

This RFQ does not obligate the Alliance to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in preparation of a proposal.

Appendix A – Full Executive Director Job Description

Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt)

Pay: Commensurate with experience – The Board is prepared to meet or exceed the compensation requirements of highly qualified applicants.

Position Overview: Under the general direction of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall mission of the Economic Development Alliance, including providing vision and leadership in implementing a comprehensive program of work in business investment, asset development, talent attraction, and market intelligence. This position ensures quality, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness in all aspects of the organization’s work.

Essential Job Functions

The following statements describe the essential functions of this position and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

  • Build consensus among diverse stakeholders, create and implement unique strategies, and demonstrate results.

  • Foster cooperation between key stakeholders including local governments, private businesses, and higher education.

  • Develop effective approaches to meeting 21st-century challenges in economic development.

  • Build strong, productive, and loyal teams through communication, mentoring, goal setting, and empowerment.

  • Engage with members of the Board of Directors and local government officials through regular communications that emphasize activities, benefits, and outcomes.

  • Serve as spokesperson for the organization to board members, government leaders, media, and the business community, or assign responsibility to staff members when appropriate.

  • Lead the organization’s strategic communications and digital engagement efforts to raise community awareness of economic development initiatives, leveraging tools such as social media and website content.

  • Develop and deliver programming that engages and informs investors, strengthens relationships, and demonstrates the value of their support.

  • Advance the Wonderful Walton brand through consistent messaging, creative content, and a proactive public presence that reflects the mission and momentum of the organization.

  • Engage local economic development partner governments through organizational support, shared services, idea-sharing, and ongoing communications.

  • Partner with other organizations in the innovation ecosystem to accelerate the formation and growth of start-up companies.

  • Learn and leverage current trends in investment, including understanding the most active sectors and source regions for new investments.

  • Engage corporate decision-makers at industry conferences, trade shows, and other related events.

  • Develop a strategic plan for the Walton County EDA.

  • Develop strategic partnerships with other localities.

  • Develop state and federal legislative agendas.

  • Perform other special assignments designated by the Board of Directors.

  • Perform other work as directed and required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of business attraction, marketing, relationship sales, real estate development, and asset monetization.

  • Knowledge of digital communications, public engagement strategies, and modern branding techniques for community and economic development organizations.

  • Knowledge in business planning and promotion, market analysis, relevant municipal legislation, and financial management.

  • Knowledge of the changing dynamics of business and what is required to attract business investments to a community.

  • Knowledge of Emerald Coast economic conditions.

  • Skill in project management and managing several projects.

  • Skill in creative and strategic thinking.

  • Ability to present accurate work with strong attention to detail in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment while being held accountable for overall results.

  • Ability to travel extensively as required.

  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and to take a teamwork approach to the job by cooperating with others, offering help when needed, and considering larger organization or team goals rather than individual concerns.

  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with citizens, coworkers, elected and appointed officials, and members of diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or political affiliation.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university with a major in economic development, urban planning, economics, marketing, business, or a related discipline.

  • Five (5) or more years of professional experience in economic development, job and investment attraction, or substantial experience within business and industry or as a marketing professional.

  • Valid driver’s license.

Preferred:

  • Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) or completion within 12 to 24 months of hire.

  • Professional experience in applying for grant funding.

  • Experience in a management position.

  • Experience in sales and marketing with a strong understanding of the site selection process, including the preparation of competitive proposals, presentations, and promotional materials tailored to attract and retain targeted business and industry prospects.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The following physical activities are necessary to perform one or more essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Walton County.

  • Sits or stands for long periods of time.

  • Communicates effectively in person or by using telecommunications equipment.

  • Creates documents, reports, etc., using a writing instrument (such as a pencil or pen) or computer.

  • Grasps, turns, and manipulates objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

  • Moves, lifts, carries, and places objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance.

  • Work is performed mostly in an office setting where the noise level is usually quiet.

  • Travels between locations to effectively address the business needs of the department.