Economic Development Strategist

Basic Purpose

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.

• 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 benefit 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; prepares 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.

• 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 opportunities through State resources.
• Develops a network with the brokerage community.
• Provides management of enterprise activities in support of the City’s economic development mission for such endeavors as the Makers’ Space, public market, food truck court, or business incubator.
• Assists with preparation, administration, and reporting of federal and state grants or programs supporting economic development.
• Coordinates consultant services, contracts, and program agreements.
• Tracks grant compliance requirements and project performance.

• Performs other duties…