Executive Director of Economic Development

Under the direction of the Belton Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the Corporation’s chief staff executive and lead economic development professional. The Executive Director develops and implements BEDC’s economic development strategy with emphasis on primary job retention and creation, capital investment, business recruitment and expansion, site and infrastructure development, and the long-term economic competitiveness of Belton.

The position exercises substantial independent judgment; leads BEDC staff and operations; manages complex projects, incentives, real estate and partnerships; and represents BEDC with businesses, site selectors, developers, governmental entities and community partners. Resourcefulness, discretion, sound judgment, responsiveness and diplomacy are essential.

Serve as the chief staff executive to the BEDC Board; translate Board direction into strategic priorities, annual work plans, projects and measurable results.

• Prepare clear, timely recommendations, reports, agendas, presentations and supporting analyses for Board consideration; maintain regular communication regarding project status, opportunities, risks and decisions needed.
• Implement Board policies and authorized actions and ensure appropriate documentation, follow-through and accountability.
• Advise the Board on emerging economic, market, workforce, real-estate and development trends that may affect Belton’s competitiveness.

• Lead business attraction and project-development activities from prospect identification and initial inquiry through due diligence, negotiation, Board consideration, construction/occupancy and post-project follow-up.
• Build and maintain relationships with site selectors, corporate decision-makers, brokers, developers, utilities, consultants and state/regional economic-development partners.
• Develop project proposals and solutions using site, workforce, infrastructure, financial and market information; coordinate internal and external partners to respond competitively and on schedule.
• Negotiate economic-development incentives and other project terms based on job creation, payroll, capital investment, strategic value and applicable Board policy and law.

• Maintain an active business retention and expansion program and regular relationships with Belton employers to identify expansion opportunities, workforce needs, infrastructure issues and barriers to growth.
• Identify and respond proactively to circumstances that may threaten the retention of existing Belton businesses, including major infrastructure projects, redevelopment, property constraints or other changes affecting business locations; coordinate with businesses, the City and partner agencies to identify relocation or retention solutions when appropriate.
• Coordinate training, workforce and talent-development solutions with educational institutions, workforce agencies and industry partners.
• Develop initiatives that strengthen the long-term competitiveness and resilience of Belton’s existing primary employers.

• Lead strategy for BEDC-owned or controlled real estate, including site readiness, due diligence, utilities, access, infrastructure, marketing, development agreements and disposition/lease recommendations.
• Coordinate infrastructure projects and development-related issues with City departments, utilities, engineers, property owners, developers and other public entities.
• Identify future land, building and infrastructure needs and recommend acquisitions, capital investments or partnerships that improve Belton’s competitiveness for…