Economic Development Director

Economic Development Director

Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Economic Development Department including strategic planning, program development, and collaboration with public and private sector partners to drive sustainable economic growth, attract investments, create job opportunities, and enhance the city's overall economic well-being; works to improve the business climate, support local industries, foster innovation, and ensure the city's competitiveness;

participates as a member of the executive management team; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

Assumes full management responsibility for all Economic Development Department services and activities including the development and implementation of comprehensive economic development strategies and long-term plans that align with the city's strategic plan and vision.

Manages the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures; ensures that activities are conducted in accordance with related laws, ordinances, rules and regulations.

Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.

Assesses and monitors work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.

Plans, directs, coordinates, and performs the Economic Development Department's work plan; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with key staff to identify and resolve problems.

Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

Analyzes market trends, economic indicators, and city strengths to identify areas for growth and improvement.

Provides recommendations to city leadership on economic policies, zoning regulations, and infrastructure investments that can boost local business activity and attract new ventures.

Leads efforts to attract new businesses, industries, and talent to the city through targeted marketing, outreach and incentives.

Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders, including business owners, entrepreneurs, industry leaders and developers.

Coordinates business retention programs to support existing business, ensure their continued success, and assist with expansion plans.

Collaborates with local chambers of commerce, business associations, financial institutions, universities, and government agencies to foster a collaborative economic development environment.

Serve as a liaison between the city, business community and external stakeholders, ensuring that development initiatives align with community interests.

Facilitates public-private partnerships to support large scale projects, such as infrastructure developments and commercial real estate initiatives.

Oversees the planning, design, and execution of key economic development projects such as urban revitalization, business parks, mixed-use developments, and infrastructure upgrades.

Manages budgets, timelines, and resources for economic development projects, ensuring efficient and effective use of funds.

Tracks and reports on the progress of development projects, ensuring they meet project goals and timelines.

Promotes workforce development initiatives to ensure that the City's residents have access to the necessary skills and training for the evolving job market.

Coordinates with local education institutions, vocational training centers, and community organizations to enhance the workforce pipeline.

Gathers and analyzes economic data to evaluate trends and forecast potential opportunities for growth or challenges to address.

Develops and maintains metrics to assess the success and impact of economic development initiatives.

Makes presentations to City Council, commissions, civic groups and the general public on economic development issues.

Advocates for legislative or regulatory changes at the state or federal level that may positively impact the city's economic growth.

Develops and implements marketing strategies to promote the city as an attractive location for businesses and investments.

Performs related duties, as assigned.

Knowledge of:
Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive Economic Development program.…