Listing Summary

POSITION SUMMARY     

Under administrative direction of the city manager, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the city’s Economic Development Department.  The primary focus of the position will be on existing business retention and growth, community development and revitalization, and recruitment of businesses within identified target sectors.  Other key responsibilities include coordination of activities that encourage a healthy and stable business environment; preparation and implementation of long-range economic development plans; and coordination of assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Acts as the city’s economic development strategist and provides assistance in the development of short and long-term economic development plans, as well as the gathering of information and preparation of studies, reports, and recommendations to achieve identified economic development goals and objectives.
• Directs efforts at business recruitment, retention, and expansion, including providing information, expertise, and appropriate referrals to business owners, marketing the city to outside businesses, working with developers and building owners to enhance the quality of retail and commercial space.
• Provides customer driven problem solving, professional economic development advice, assists in application processes and serves as an advocate for economic development in line with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the Economic Development Plan, city ordinances and goals established by the city.
• Seeks out grants and funding opportunities in support of the city’s development goals.
• Works with existing businesses and other city staff to identify ways to improve the city’s business climate.
• Develops and maintains data systems to track trends within the business community, including business openings, closings and expansions, business capital investment and job creation statistics.
• Develop, prepare, and administer department budget, including preparing cost estimates and justifications for budget recommendations, and monitoring and controlling expenditures
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive inventory of available buildings and sites in the community for economic development purposes.
• Provides staff support to council committees which address community improvement districts and the Stonecrest Film and Entertainment Commission; implements the projects and activities of these committees.
• Creates and implements a robust business retention program founded on one-on-one visits with business leaders, group meetings, e-newsletters, attendance at networking events and other means.
• Serves as city resource on economic development financing methods; prepares financial data, forecasts and plans.
• Prepares and maintains information regarding utilities, taxes, zoning, transportation, community services, financing tools and incentives, to respond to requests for information for economic development purposes, and the coordination with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Assists in redevelopment programs.
• Participates in the review and development of commercial design guidelines.
• Provides technical and professional advice and assistance; makes presentations to boards, commissions, foundations, civic groups, and the general public. Provides information on economic development issues, programs, services, and plans.
• In cooperation with communications staff, develops presentations, informational brochures, information packets, and promotional materials on economic development including maintaining the economic development section of the city website.
• In cooperation with communications staff, produces press releases and maintains good relationships with the various media in the city and surrounding areas.
• Ensures coordination of economic development activities with other private and public sector agencies through participation on task forces and committees; identifies partnering opportunities for various programs.
• Maintains records and databases of business prospects and contacts.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of economic development; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.

 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, economics, or a related field.  A master’s degree is highly desirable.
• Seven years of broad and extensive experience in economic development related activities.  Experience must include three years of responsible management and administrative responsibility.
• High level knowledge of public relations.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

• Valid Georgia Class C Driver’s License

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of an economic development program.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and methods of economic development and job creation.
• Knowledge of business, economic, and market forces and indicators, including labor market trends.
• Knowledge of marketing, public information, and promotional techniques used in economic development.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques used in real estate appraisals, prospect management, preparing and reviewing business plans, and the real estate development process.
• Knowledge of land use planning and related regulations.
• Knowledge of long-range economic development planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract development and administration.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Knowledge of principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including those related to commercial and industrial development and redevelopment.
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and oral speaking skills.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive economic development program.
• Coordinate the work of varying levels of staff, contractors, and volunteers.
• Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Coordinate multiple contracts, projects, and cooperative ventures.
• Collect, analyze, compile and present information and data.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Prepare and administer large program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

May work an adjusted schedule for assisting in events occurring after 5:00 p.m. such as meetings, or planned events.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS CLASS SPECIFICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION IN ORDER TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE OTHERWISE QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE JOB.