Economic Development Strategist

Economic Development Strategist

Reporting to the Current Planning and Economic Development Manager, under general direction, the Economic Development Strategist performs high level program management and technical work that develops and implements economic development strategies aimed at business investment and attraction, business retention and expansion, commercial real estate, retail, and tourism development. This position is also responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, identifying and implementing economic development initiatives;

workforce and neighborhood development; recruitment of corporate and small businesses; planning and organizing economic development activities; project management of major development initiatives; and preparing and presenting information to various groups, external organization, internal management, and elected officials.

The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time. First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for August 17, 2026. Second round interview are tentatively scheduled for August 25, 2026. This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

Economic Development Program Management:

• Plans and develops economic development comprehensive strategies and supports and advises the Community and Economic Development management team in identifying, preparing, and implementing chosen economic development initiatives and strategies that benefits the citizens of Lacey and achieve the City's vision and goals enumerated in the Comprehensive Plan.
• Ensures that the City remains current with best practices in economic development in support of the Department's mission.
• Develops, recommends and maintains the City's Economic Development Strategy and Economic Development Work Plan.
• Works with City staff to balance the needs of economic development, permitting processes, and City standards.
• Provides support to the Department management related to economic development activities.
• Develops and maintains a database of vacant and/or undeveloped commercial and industrial building space and properties and provides "case management" support to resolve development issues for properties in distress.
• Analyzes population, land use and other data relevant to the City's economic development and redevelopment plans; prepare data and analysis, reports and recommendations.
• Produces a quarterly report to inform the management;
• Develops and monitors the economic development portion of the budget for the Department and assists with development and management of the Department budget.
• Research, analyze, and promote economic and market trends.
• Evaluate industrial and commercial development potential of properties.
• Develop position papers and memoranda;
• Develop marketing materials and website content in support of the City's economic development efforts.
• May lead professional staff and provide technical guidance for support activities associated with economic development.

Project Management and Community Outreach:

• Plans, organizes, and performs marketing activities to enhance economic development in the City of Lacey. Actively develops business contacts and effectively markets the City.
• Collects, maintains, and produces reports of key demographic and economic data to be used for retention, expansion, recruitment, and promotion functions, including developing and maintaining resources that promote retail and industrial opportunities.
• Prepares and presents information and recommendations to business community groups, advisory groups, and the City Council.
• Develops and maintains working relationships and ongoing dialogue with the business community, advisory groups, Economic Development Council, chamber of commerce, other governmental agencies, and citizens for the purpose of identifying needs of the business community.
• Investigates and secures development…