Chief Economic Development Officer

The Chief Economic Development Officer plays a critical role in guiding the City's economic development by communicating the City's economic development vision, attracting new businesses, encouraging investment opportunities, increasing job opportunities, promoting leisure and tourism and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth and development. The incumbent assists in streamlining decision-making for ongoing or upcoming large-scale projects and coordinate approaches to neighborhood planning.

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position.

• Designs and implement short and long-term priorities of the City Commission including the development of an economic development strategy for the City and efficient and effective resource allocation across development agencies
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Communicates the City's vision for equitable economic development to internal and external stakeholders
• Provides leadership through broad community involvement which promotes the economic well-being of the community while understanding that a social and environmentally healthy community is vital to the local economy of the City of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas
• Acts as an advisor on economic development to public officials, the private sector and the public at large; serves as an advocate for local economic development initiatives
• Researches, analyzes, develops and implements economic development plans
• Promotes development opportunities and general community attributes to applicable target markets
• Provides advocacy and support to new business proponents, industry, community services and community organizations
• Maintains relations and communications with existing businesses and industry while encouraging retention and expansion
• Proactively pursues grant funding opportunities
• Ensures that the Community Services Director and City Leadership are kept fully informed on all trends, events, economic development initiatives or emerging issues of significance for the City's success
• Steers policy priorities through government and legislative process
• Drafts reports and makes presentations to Mayor, the City Commission and other groups when required
• Develops resources required to support, implement and monitor effective marketing strategies
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with community organizations, residents, business community, non-profit organizations, and government agencies as a representative of the City.
• Represents the City on local and regional boards and attends all City Commission Meetings and other Board Meetings as required.

• Master's degree in Commerce, Economics, Community Economic Development or a related field
• Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC)
• Certification as an Economic Developer (CEcD)

Florida-Based Candidates Preferred

The City of Fort Lauderdale encourages applications from candidates residing in Florida who possess a strong understanding of the state’s economic landscape, regional business climate, and economic development priorities. Familiarity with Florida’s economic trends, business environment, and public-private partnerships is highly valued for this leadership role. Candidates with relevant…