NEW Economic Development Director

A Bachelor’s Degree in economics, marketing, public administration, urban planning, or a related field and seven (7) years of experience in a position responsible for economic development, urban renewal, policy development, small business administration funding strategies, preferably in the public sector; experience with supervising staff; commercial and/or industrial property development and/or financing is preferred.  Valid Oregon Class C driver’s license and ability to meet City's driving standards. Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.

City of Woodburn is looking for an Economic Development Director to join the executive management team. Incumbent manages all aspects of the City’s economic development program, activities and functions and urban renewal development within the City.  Economic Development Director builds and maintains close relationships with businesses, property owners, commercial real estate professionals, developers, and government agency partners to support existing businesses and to encourage and support the development of new and existing businesses.  Serves as a liaison between the City Council, departments, the public, urban renewal agency and the Cty Manager.

Incumbent manages all aspects of the City’s economic development program, activities and functions and urban renewal development within the City.  Economic Development Director builds and maintains close relationships with businesses, property owners, commercial real estate professionals, developers, and government agency partners to support existing businesses and to encourage and support the development of new and existing businesses.  Serves as a liaison between the City Council, departments, the public, urban renewal agency and the City Manager.

A Bachelor’s Degree in economics, marketing, public administration, urban planning, or a related field and seven (7) years of experience in a position responsible for economic development, urban renewal, policy development, small business administration funding strategies, preferably in the public sector; experience with supervising staff; commercial and/or industrial property development and/or financing is preferred.  Valid Oregon Class C driver’s license and ability to meet City’s driving standards. Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.

The priorities and focus expected from the incumbent are as follows:

Business Retention, Expansion & Recruitment (BRE)

Maintain core BRE responsibilities including employer outreach, site visits, follow‑up, and problem solving for local companies.

• Continue developing relationships with major traded‑sector employers, leveraging the momentum from significant recruitment successes (e.g., Amazon project).
• Recruit new employers by coordinating with regional partners and providing timely, accurate information on utilities, zoning, incentives, and workforce.

Industrial Land Development & Strategic Expansion

• Lead implementation of the 2025 Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion that added 237 acres of industrial land.
• Work with developers, infrastructure partners, and state agencies to bring new industrial parcels to a market‑ready state.
• Provide economic analysis, site readiness planning, and investment recommendations to City leadership.

Urban Renewal, Enterprise Zones & Incentive Management

Manage and modernize the Urban Renewal Agency programs, including redevelopment, business incentives, and public‑private partnerships.

• Administer Enterprise Zone programs and coordinate with regional partners to promote participation and compliance.
• Recommend improvements to incentives and redevelopment tools based on market needs and project feasibility.

Downtown Revitalization & Placemaking

Continue Main Street–based revitalization work, historic preservation projects, and building rehabilitation efforts.

• Support downtown district businesses through marketing, technical assistance, and coordination with property and business owners.
• Oversee public art initiatives, mural programs, and other placemaking activities that enhance business activity and community identity.

Strengthen and Expand Regional Leadership

Provide oversight and expansion of North Marion Business Services Alliance and North Marion Tourism Collaborative activities.

• Leadership in regional economic development and tourism strategies, including coordination with county, regional partners, and multiple cities.

Cross‑Agency Collaboration & Regional Partnerships

• Maintain strong relationships with SEDCOR, Business Oregon, Marion County, Greater Portland Inc., and other partners.
• Convene employer and industry forums such as the Industrial Business Roundtable.
• Refer or coordinate assistance for employers and entrepreneurs through partner organizations when appropriate.

Grant Funding & Program Development

Identify and pursue grants for infrastructure, downtown revitalization, tourism, energy efficiency, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.

• Prepare competitive proposals and manage awarded grants, ensuring compliance and timely reporting.
• Continue developing innovative economic programs modeled after past successes such as the Arts & Murals Program and business video campaigns.

Data, Analysis & Reporting

• Maintain and update economic data including utilities, zoning, taxes, transportation, incentives, and property databases for response to business inquiries.
• Prepare analysis and recommendations supporting policy development, land‑use decisions, and budget planning.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Establish and maintain strong relationships with business owners, developers, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and members of the public.

• Continue convening tourism, workforce, and business collaboratives such as the North Marion Business Alliance.
• Represent the City at regional and statewide events related to economic development.

Please attach a cover letter and your resume to apply. 

Per Oregon Revised Statutes 408.225 and 408.230, the City of Woodburn grants preference in hiring and promotion of veterans and disabled veterans as defined by state law. If you are eligible and wish to claim Veterans’ preference points, please indicate so on your application. Please note that you need to submit documentation of your eligibility at the time of your application. 

City of Woodburn is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer 

Women, veterans, and minorities are encouraged to apply