Director of Economic Development; PDF

Employment Opportunity

Town of Lexington

We are currently accepting applications for the full‑time position of:

Director of Economic Development
Land Use, Housing & Development Department

Anticipated Hiring Range: $98,591 - $111,432

Excellent benefits package

Manages Economic Development operations. Develops and implements economic development strategies in coordination with Assistant Town Manager for Development, Planning Director/staff, Property Developers, Property Owners, and other business leadership. Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, part‑time and seasonal employees. Supervises contractors. Performs all other related work, as required.

• Supervises Economic Development staff and Tourism Manager, interns, including part‑time and seasonal employees. Schedules and assigns work. Establishes work procedures and performance standards. Evaluates performance. Supervises contractors conducting special studies.
• Develops and implements economic development strategies consistent with priorities established by the Select Board and Town Manager, in coordination with the Assistant Town Manager for Development.
• Supervises the Tourism Manager, which oversees the Lexington Visitors Center operation and Town of Lexington tourism functions.
• Prepares, manages, and monitors the operating budget and Revolving Fund budget.
• Acts as liaison between the Town and community boards and committees, the Chamber of Commerce, merchants' associations, and public, private or nonprofit groups and associations.
• Assists in the development of new practices. Drafts new policies for boards and committees' consideration.
• Develops grant program and applications. Writes and administers grants.
• Oversees and manages grant funds.
• Serves as permit navigator for prospective new business to assist developers and landlords through the permitting processes.
• Reviews economic development‑related zoning and other applications.
• Provides guidance to the Planning Board on economic development issues.
• Recruits and assists prospective businesses in locating and maintaining business operations. Advises retail and small businesses on strategies to improve their business model.
• Participates in Cultural District Managing Partnership programs and meetings.
• Manages and updates ED website content in‑coordination with Town's Webmaster.
• Attends economic development, and business trade‑shows representing the Town.
• Represents Lexington on Regional Economic Development organizations.
• Drafts Requests for Proposals, manages vendor contracts, and prepares written agreements in coordination with the Town's Purchasing Director.
• Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates.

Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized working knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures.

Received: Works under the broad general guidance of the Assistant Town Manager for Development, setting and following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules.

Given: Supervises Senior Economic Development Coordinator, Tourism Manager, and other full and part‑time staff.

Education, Training and

Experience:

Master’s degree, MBA or equivalent plus 5-7 years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development (local government preferred), supervision, budgeting, and marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Computer literacy is required. American Institute of Certified Planners, or Certified Economic Developer certification are preferred.

Knowledge: Knowledge of business and economic development. Knowledge of business retention and attraction methods. Knowledge of business models including for small business, life sciences, retail, restaurant, and tourism operations. Knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, planning programs, and processes.…