TO APPLY

To view the full posting and submit an application, visit:

https://littletongov.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/City_of_Littleton_External/job/Economic-Development-Director_JR52

The City of Littleton has an exciting opportunity opening for an Economic Development Director to manage all aspects of the Economic Development Department which exists to bring new businesses to Littleton, foster entrepreneurship, and support the city’s existing business network. Leads the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the strategy’s six pillars: Business Vitality and Adaptability; Workforce and Talent Attraction; Fostering a Livable Economy; Enhancing Historic Character and Cultural Fabric; Supporting Industry and Investment in City Infrastructure; and Regional Economic Positioning.

As a department leader this position will serve as a member of the city’s leadership team collaborating with city management in accomplishing citywide goals and strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate is known for their ability to create an environment for creativity, diversity, and cultural vitality and should ensure Littleton has a seat at the table of regional discussions, and actively advocates for important local issues. The successful candidate understands the big picture, clearly articulates the vision, and collaborates in shaping the future while remaining grounded and realistic in what is possible.

With the adoption of the first Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy since 2013, this leader will have the chance to advance the city toward its preferred future of being ‘A Creative, Cutting-Edge Small Town’ over the next five years.

Come join a team that is dedicated to:

• Exploring New Ideas
• Celebrating and Promoting Littleton’s Amenity Density
• Modernizing the City’s Infrastructure with Innovative Solutions
• Leveraging Heritage, Arts, and Culture as High-Profile Economic Drivers

The City of Littleton is a vibrant community south of Denver and is consistently voted as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and one of Colorado’s top five places to Raise a Family. Home to a vibrant and historic downtown, and a variety of shopping venues, restaurants, parks and trails, there is a lot to offer to the wonderful people who live and work here. The City of Littleton offers outstanding benefits and perks to our employees. For more information, please see the 2024 Benefit Guide.

The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent and our strategies include hiring in at market pay and creating career development opportunities. In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.

Hiring pay range $149,245 - $165,000 per year

This full-time position is exempt per FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time position and has the option to work a hybrid schedule with some days teleworking and some days working in person at the office. 

Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified or the position is filled, but preference will be given to complete applications received by July 19, 2024. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.

• Administers and manages the daily operations of the department.
• Manages the personnel and resources of the department to accomplish established department goals and objectives.
• Identifies and targets desirable businesses and industries and promotes the City of Littleton as a viable option for location. Promotes redevelopment of commercial areas in city, and expansion of existing industries. 
• Provides responses to site selection inquiries from the state. 
• Attends meetings of community partners such as the Historic Downtown Littleton Merchants Association, Littleton Downtown Development Authority, South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, Littleton Business Chamber. 
• As needed, attends meetings of the city council, planning commission and other appointed boards or commissions
• Prepares, manages, and administers the department budget. 
• May assist business owners with the development of incentive requests and present economic partnership agreements to city council. 
• Maintains, implements and updates the economic development strategic plan as needed to qualify for certain federal funding through the US Economic Development Administration and the US Department of Commerce.
• Negotiates various contractual agreements for the city, submits agreements for legal review, obtains necessary signatures and distributes copies of the agreement, as appropriate. 
• Prepares and presents written communications, including agenda items, scheduled for consideration at meetings of the City Council or other boards or commissions as necessary. 
• Attends conferences, seminars, and symposiums to represent and/or promote Littleton.
• Develops and provides to the City Manager and City Council members economic reports reflecting improvement, decline or other significant changes in demographics, employment, real estate, retail trends, and market trends. 
• Oversees and manages the economic development content of the City of Littleton website. 
• Participates in exploratory and pre-application meetings held with developers and real estate representatives. 
• Provides data and statistical information on properties to business owners, developers, real estate representatives. 
• Assists the Community Development Department with market reports related to area plans and comprehensive planning. 
• May hold informational meetings with businesses about various city projects. Fields questions and responds to concerns. 
• Performs other similar assignments and projects as required by the City Manager. 
• May serve as an Emergency Worker, reporting to work and serving as needed in the event of a natural disaster.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Encourages and fosters an environment of collaboration and teamwork throughout the organization.
• Selects, trains, and evaluates employees.
• Completes assigned supervisory training.
• Provides guidance and assists employees in the fulfillment of responsibilities.
• Assigns and directs work; addresses and resolves issues.
• Manages employee performance through meaningful, timely feedback and appraisals.

• Bachelor’s degree in economic development, urban planning, marketing, business administration, public administration or related field; and
• Seven (7) years of experience in business and community program development, project management, planning, or a similar field, including two (2) years supervisory experience; or

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check and motor vehicle records check.

• Expert knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public management and administration; economic development programs; business management and analysis; software products; budget and personnel planning and administration.
• Expert knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of private sector business development; marketing and economics.
• Manage projects effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks concurrently.
• Knowledge of business attraction and retention programs.
• Knowledge of marketing and promotional practices and strategies especially related to municipal and community promotions.
• Knowledge of methods and sources used in analyzing local economic trends and industry trends.Knowledge of Federal, State, County, and other resources for economic development and business assistance.
• Knowledge of local land use development practices, zoning and policies.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement a comprehensive economic development program, including proactive outreach and communication program which projects the image to the community.
• Ability to organize work, set priorities and exercise sound, independent judgment that is consistent with city policy and established guidelines.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, including but not limited to, business leaders, developers, financial institutions, citizen groups, outside agencies, interdepartmental staff, and brokers.
• Ability to creatively solve problems and to establish and maintain a positive customer service attitude.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to supervise the work of professional and administrative staff and consultants.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations in a group setting or in a one-to-one situation.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Majority of essential duties is performed indoors in a standard office environment.
• Work may require offsite meetings in numerous different locations across the metro area.
• Outdoor work environment includes exposure to prevailing weather and road conditions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Littleton is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and intends to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other non-job related characteristic, and to hire and retain the best-qualified individuals without regard to any of these factors. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on a protected class.

The City of Littleton will consider reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment. Applicants and employees can request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 303-795-3857 or emailing hr@littletongov.org.

Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace

The City of Littleton is committed to the health and safety of all its employees. To ensure a safe and productive work environment the city prohibits the use, sale, dispensation, manufacture, distribution or possession of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia on any city premises or worksites. No employee shall report to work or be at work with alcohol or with any detectable amount of prohibited drugs in the employee's system. A detectable amount refers to the standards generally used in workplace drug & alcohol testing. This prohibition specifically includes marijuana, and decriminalized psychedelics whether used for medical purposes or obtained legally under state law.