Economic Development Administrator

Grow your career with us! The City of La Crosse is seeking to hire an Economic Development Coordinator in the Planning & Development Department. The Planning & Development Department strives to improve quality of life in La Crosse through expert analysis of economic, environmental, and social data, and through recommendations to the public, policymakers, and partners.

To assist the Director in planning and administering the long and short range economic development and redevelopment functions of the city, including business attraction, retention and expansion, manages development and small business assistance programs, workforce development, and talent attraction and retention.
Prepares, recommends and assists in the development and implementation of the City's Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan. Performs ordinance writing and implementation, and neighborhood and downtown revitalization efforts, land sales and management of the business and industrial parks.

Starting salary for this exempt position ranges between $83,616.00 to $95,784.00 (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications.

• Master's degree in Urban Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Economic Geography, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible (related) experience; or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft office.
• Strong communication skills.
• A valid driver's license required.

• The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave.
• Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution; 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.
• Selected candidate is subject to background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug screen.

• Assists in preparing work plans and assigns and directs the work of the City's Planning and Economic Development programs.
• Develops, updates and implements the City's downtown master plan, neighborhood plans, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Project Plans.
• Directs, implements, updates and promotes the City's ongoing economic development strategy.
• Administers consultant contracts to support economic development programs.
• Researches economic development issues and performs market research activities.
• Analyzes both short term and long term opportunities and constraints facing the local economy.
• Makes reports and recommendations accordingly.
• Recommends planning activities for future economic development.
• Designs, implements and participates in an economic development marketing program to attract and retain business within the City, including website maintenance.
• Seeks out, develops, and prepares applications for governmental funding of local projects on behalf of the City and/or local businesses.
• Assists in obtaining services and assistance for new and existing businesses and industries.
• Develops Requests for Proposals and Development Prospectus documents on behalf of the City and property owners on redevelopment sites and buildings.
• Serves as primary contact person for the City's economic development programs, committees and organizations.
• Represents the City in negotiations with prospective commercial/industrial businesses.
• Develops, reviews and administers developer agreements and contracts.
• Develops and maintains a commercial and industrial land/building inventory.
• Conducts a business contact program with local manufacturers.
• Manages the City's industrial parks, including establishing policies, working with prospective buyers, marketing, budgeting, and working with other departments to minimize impacts to businesses from scheduled road and utility improvements.
• Coordinates the development, operations, and maintenance of industrial parks and adherence to covenants.
• Coordinates the review of development proposals and plans through the review processes in city departments and divisions.
• Directs the development of material and media to facilitate the…