Economic Development Officer

The City of Bend is currently accepting applications for one (1) regular, full-time Economic Development Officer in the City Manager's Office. This opportunity is non-represented and FLSA exempt (overtime ineligible).  

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes all of the following items:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
• Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
• Attached formal Resume (required)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click here. 

Applications received by Wednesday, April 16, 2025 (04/16/2025) at 12:00 pm (noon) Pacific Time will be considered for initial review, but the position will remain open until filled.  

Summary

The Economic Development Officer leads Economic Development policy initiatives connected with Business Advocacy, Urban Renewal, Real Estate and other related programs at the City. Reporting to the City Manager, the Economic Development Officer will be responsible for fostering and driving economic growth and innovation throughout the City by partnering with both private and public entities to meet City Council, City Executive, and the City Manager goals. Responsible for acting as a key advisor of Executive Leadership, City Council and various governmental boards; develops core strategies related to economic development and execute on deliverables. This executive level position works closely with a variety of departments across the City to leverage resources, technology and relationships to support targeted and organic growth in our community. Acts a bridge between the City and business owners to educate, advocate and mediate matters pertinent to sustain economic harmony. Represents the City when meeting with local, state and federal agencies. The ideal candidate has a strong background in economic development and public financing as well as familiarity with administering large public projects and initiatives.

• Convene and facilitate various City programs, policies and practices in a manner that assures effective and constructive teamwork.
• Acts as the main city contact for the community in all matters relating to economic development.
• Supervises, coordinates, and executes policies and methods relating to development and economic development processes.
• Determines appropriate practices and procedures within City guidelines, state and federal laws and other applicable regulations to guide the City's economic development processes.
• Recognized as the subject matter expert of economic development and policy at the City of Bend. Provides research, analysis, and recommendations to the Executive Team. Answers questions, responds to issues and advises various boards and committees.
• Facilitates the initiation, amendment, and implementation of ordinances governing economic development.
• Works with members of the community to identify what new economic development types are in demand and how the City's economic development regulations and processes address these new ideas.  Works with City staff, Planning Commission, Bend Economic Development Advisory Board (BEDAB) and City Council to identify how and if to amend codes and establish programs and practices to advance economic development objectives.
• Works diligently with developers, community members, staff, Council and partner agencies to address issues surrounding economic development proposals, public projects, policy issues and other items related to the community's continued economic development.
• Assures community complaints and inquiries relating to economic development activity are investigated and resolved; and intervenes in those which are most difficult and sensitive. 
• Works closely with the City Attorney’s Office to assure that the planning and implementation of economic development projects comply with state law. 
• Works closely and advises the Bend Urban Renewal Agency (BURA) in implementing the urban renewal plans. 
• Directs economic development initiatives to achieve the goals and objectives outlined by the City Council and Bend Urban Renewal Agency. Closely coordinates with public and private development projects to assure local and state programs are employed. 
• Develops, implements and tracks contracts with local, regional and state economic development partners (BEDAB, Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO), Chamber, East Cascades Inc, Business Oregon, Downtown Bend Business Association and others) to assure projects within the City support economic development efforts and priorities.  
• Maintains strong working relationships with the public, local businesses, clients, the media, and others. 
• Prepares and administers the City’s economic development resources and participates with the City Manager and other management staff in the City's budget process. 
• Cooperates and coordinates with other City departments and agencies to contribute to and achieve the goals and objectives of the City’s strategic plan. 
• Maintains standards of efficiency and morale among all department employees on matters relating to personnel, employee relations, conflicts, and grievances.  
• Approves all selection, transfer, promotion, discipline, and termination of assigned employees. 
• May assume responsibility for City programs, departments, or divisions related to Economic Development in a variety of forms such as real estate, housing, or other future initiatives identified by City Council or City Manager.
• Manages special projects to ensure they are carried out effectively and according to proposed schedules.  Evaluates and conducts research, prepares and directs the preparation of ordinances, and administers ordinances adopted by the City Council. 
• Represents the City on boards and committees as directed by the City Manager.  
• Makes presentations to the City Council, BEDAB, the Planning Commission, and other groups. 

• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Performs related duties as necessary to achieve the objectives of the position. 

• Maintain working knowledge of principles and best practices of economic development operations; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Maintain working knowledge of fundamental elements and best practices for preparing operational budgets.
• Ability to attain budgetary proficiency to advise on revenues, expenses, and budgetary status and processes.
• Maintain working knowledge of customer service principles and best practices including managing conflict and volatile situations.
• Maintain working knowledge of effective operational and administrative support techniques, as well as internal policies and procedures.  
• Skill in effectively composing accurate and grammatically correct reports, presentations, policies and business correspondence appropriate for the intended audience.
• Maintain working knowledge of effective project management principles including strategic planning.
• Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and other stakeholders sufficient to exchange or convey information to provide and receive work direction.
• Skill in developing and managing contracts, with a focus on economic development
• Ability to prepare, read, analyze and interpret policy documents as well as complex financial reports and statements supported by statistical data and other documentation.
• Ability to manage a high volume of tasks at one time, including organizing and prioritizing own work and the work of others.
• Ability to work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others.
• Ability to demonstrate a high attention to detail.
• Maintain advanced working knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint and other interactive computer programs as well as common office equipment. 

• Effectively communicate with others verbally and in writing, including by phone, e-mail, or in person.
• Understand, remember, communicate and apply complex oral and/or written instructions and factual information.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems with strong crisis management skills. 
• Ability to demonstrate proficient methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation.
• Remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods of time, occasionally stand, walk, stoop or kneel for extended periods of time.
• Exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Maintain sustained concentration on computer screens and use keyboards and a variety of peripherals.
• Work is generally performed in an office setting with travel required to off-site locations.
• Ability to occasionally travel locally and regionally. 

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.
• 6 to 8 years of experience in in economic development, urban planning, business development/advocacy, or public finance.
• 4 to 6 years managerial experience or relevant project or program management experience.
• Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

• Master’s degree in economics, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related field. 

Classification Framework: EXECUTIVE OFFICER

• To view the full Classification framework, click here

Salary : $145,766 - $189,308