Director of Economic Development

A successful candidate will play an active role in the City of College Park’s existing operational success. The purpose of the position is to manage the development of the City. Successful performance helps ensure the orderly development of the City, affects the quality of economic opportunity for city residents, and affects the image of the City.

Independent judgment is required to identify, select, and apply the most appropriate available guidelines and procedures as well as interpret precedents. The Director of Economic Development is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and managing the day-to-day operations of the Economic Development Department, staff, and Economic Development Committee, and other city staff in promoting the business and economic development interests within the community.

This position will include working with all noted departments associated with the City’s strategic goal for economic growth, providing guidance to individuals and companies to establish, relocate, or expand their businesses within the community. This member of the team is the lead position in the retainment and recruitment of businesses for the City. The position will include assistance in the planning and coordination of community development projects, assisting business and residential applicants with local and state permitting processes, and providing research for City-sponsored projects.

This position is a direct report to the City Manager. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, dynamic, and sometimes ambiguous environment that keeps the big picture in focus and can help the organization grow. Must be able to work with methods that include analytics from a variety of web and social media applications. Responsible for design, execution, project management, and engagement, the Director of Economic Development will be a key translator, navigator, and ambassador for the organization and its mission.

• Provides business development and financing advice to local business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Facilitates target marketing of the City to new business development and expansion efforts through meetings and advertising strategies.
• Manages and negotiates the sale and disposition of City-owned real estate and right-of-ways.
• Handles various land acquisition projects.
• Facilitates meetings between developers, real estate investment trusts, engineers, and architects to promote business activity within the City.
• Aids in developing short and long-term economic and community development plans, gathering information, and preparing reports and recommendations. This includes maintaining data on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools, and incentives to respond to economic development requests and coordinate with other departments and agencies.
• Provides professional economic development advice, assists with application and permitting processes, and advocates for economic development aligned with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinances, and City goals.
• Promotes the 6 West Redevelopment Project, focusing on lot sales and orderly project development within 6 West.
• Works closely with the 6 West Mainstreet Advisory Board to identify concerns related to business location and expansion within Mainstreet.
• Maintains liaison with local, State, and Federal agencies, coordinating projects as necessary.
• Provides information and presentations on economic development issues to various groups and the public.
• Familiarizes with available buildings and development sites within the community, including public and private properties.
• Prepares grant proposals, contracts, and other documents required for community services.
• Serves on economic development groups or task forces at various levels as needed.
• Assists with negotiation and management of service contracts, property sales, acquisitions, and economic negotiations.
• Administers the City’s Micro Loan Program.
• Monitors legislation and regulations related to economic development, reporting findings to relevant parties.
• Supervises Economic Development staff involved in business recruitment and retention activities,…