Economic Development Director

GENERAL PURPOSE Performs a variety of routine and complex administrative, technical and professional work in the preparation and implementation of economic development plans, programs and services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general supervision of the City Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED Exercises supervision over administrative staff as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Assist in developing short and long range economic development plans; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.

Maintains liaison activities with individuals, groups, and various business and community organizations, which might impact on economic development activities

Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write and make speeches and write articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards and commissions.

Ability to develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes.

Prepares and maintains information on utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, etc.; responds to requests for information for economic development purposes; prepares data sheets and other information. Responds to local citizens inquiring about local economic development activities and opportunities.

Prepares a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

Conducts technical research studies and prepares statistical reports and recommendations for drafting or revising local legislation and plans, projecting trends, monitoring socio-economic data, etc.

Monitors local, state and Federal legislation and regulations relating to economic development, and reports findings, trends and recommendations to supervisor.

Prepares graphics, charts, tables, promotional materials, etc. for economic development activities.

Serves when assigned as a member of an economic development task force composed of private, local, county or state groups.

Prepares, writes and administers grant applications related to economic development;
When needed.

Coordinates and manages professional service contracts, as assigned.

Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database management software.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES Serves as a member of various staff committees as assigned.

Attends professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.

Assists other staff members as needed.

Other duties as required.

Preferred Requirement:

Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), or the ability to obtain within six months of employment.

Valid Florida Driver’s License DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

(A) A Bachelors degree in urban planning, business or public administration, economics, marketing, finance, or a related field, and(B) experience in business, industrial or community development and real estate which includes the design, negotiation and/or implementation of business assistance programs and real estate contracts; or(C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience, additional education substituting on a year for year basis for the required experience.

Necessary

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

(A) Considerable knowledge of business development; considerable knowledge of economic development; working knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure;…