Graduation from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with a Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Urban Planning, Economics or a closely related field, and eight (8) years of paid fulltime experience in developing/implementing, managing, or facilitating community relations or community development programs OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prior to appointment must have International Economic Development Council – Certified Economic Developer, or an AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners).
Positions assigned to this class directs, plans, identifies and implements strategies that will increase the sustainability and growth of the community, supports local businesses, targets business expansion opportunities, encourages new enterprises and recommends policy that will best position the City for success.
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Recruitment Brochure – Economic Development Director
Essential Duties
The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essentials duties may not change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City’s needs.
- Prepare, manage and monitor the department budget; identify short and long term economic development strategies; create promotional concepts to raise awareness and discover solutions to any community issues that inhibit growth.
- Execute downtown redevelopment and implementation strategy; pursue retail recruitment, marketing and tourism strategies; work with other departments to analyze business sites and projects.
- Meet with prospective developers and business representatives to discuss opportunities; provide information regarding development sites, zoning, regulations, transportation, economic indicators, and growth projections.
- Negotiate draft development agreement deal points; recommend public policy changes.
- Ensure City profiles and data are maintained and updated.
- Direct Economic Development staff, organize, prioritize and assign work; evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the department operations, programs, procedures and use of resources.
- Serve as liaison between the City and the Chamber of Commerce, merchants’ associations and other public, private, or nonprofit groups, associations and individuals interested in economic development; advise local businesses and community groups on relevant matters and proactive business outreach efforts.
- Support the City’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.